In addition to position stands, the college publishes four types of official pronouncements reflecting the stance of the college on various topics.

Expert Consensus Statements

ACSM Expert Consensus Statements are developed using a blend of research evidence and consensus of expert opinion. The document provides a mechanism by which the college can make an official comment in a timely and efficient manner on topics of high importance or with broad impact. The goal is for the document to present a well-rounded summary of the topic under consideration.

Learn more about the development of Expert Consensus Statements.

Contemporary Issues

ACSM Contemporary Issues are developed using a specified evidence-informed methodology. Contemporary issues documents address emerging and “hot topics” in exercise science and sports medicine. These are statements on a prominent or evolving issue of interest to college members and the public at large. Contemporary Issues papers are meant to be quick turn-around documents that allow the college to comment in a timely manner.

Learn more about the development of Contemporary Issues Statements.

Call to Action Statements

ACSM Call to Action statements direct attention to a current scientific/clinical challenge or need and highlights a series of actions that can be taken to address the identified challenge. The intent of this document is to provide a mechanism by which the college can make a concise, clear comment and provide action-oriented direction in a timely and efficient manner on evolving topics of high importance or with broad impact.

Learn more about the development of Call to Action Statements.

Umbrella Review

ACSM Umbrella Reviews are developed using a specified evidence-based methodology on significant societal issues that merit interdisciplinary consideration and consensus within the college. Umbrella Reviews may be utilized to update older Position Stands when there is sufficient literature, with systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses. Umbrella Reviews differ from Position Stands in that they rely on a systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in a given area, rather than a systematic review of the primary literature.