What does a pre-participation screening questionnaire assess?

The pre-participation screening questionnaire is designed to evaluate several important factors before an individual engages in physical activity. It primarily assesses health readiness by identifying any pre-existing medical conditions or risk factors that may affect an individual’s ability to safely participate in exercise. This includes recognizing signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is critical for ensuring the participant’s safety during physical activity.

By screening for these health risks, the questionnaire helps exercise professionals determine appropriate levels of exercise and necessary precautions before individuals start an exercise program. This proactive approach aids in mitigating potential health issues that could arise from physical exertion, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.

In contrast, other options either limit the scope of assessment to a single aspect, like only medical readiness or physical fitness, or focus incorrectly on non-exercise-related factors such as nutritional habits. Therefore, the comprehensive nature of option B makes it the most accurate choice, as it combines health readiness with a focus on cardiovascular health, which is crucial for safe exercise participation.