Training and Accreditation Systems and Ethical Considerations

Abstract

Training and accreditation and quality assurance schemes ensure appropriate levels of professionalism and safety for the public who utilise physique assessment programmes. This chapter describes training and accreditation schemes for both imaging and non-imaging techniques. There are only two international training and certification programmes, for surface anthropometry and ultrasound techniques. Manufacturers training on equipment is provided for 3D scanning, Bod Pod, bioelectrical impedance analysis, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. In addition, there are several national training and certificate programmes for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. Ethical considerations in assessing anthropometry profiles for athletes are important. Practitioners need to maintain professional objectivity and integrity and respect the athlete during physique assessment. This chapter also provides guidelines on how to ensure ethical behaviour when conducting physique assessments and when reporting results.