2.5. Assessment of Exercise Fidelity
Fitness training program fidelity was monitored via four live or recorded exercise sessions. Researchers evaluated the class elements based on an observation checklist in order to assess the effectiveness of program delivery of each of the trainers. Fidelity checks included critiques of the trainers’ level of preparedness in gathering materials prior to the session; the clarity of their overview of the workout; effective delivery of the warmup, workout, as well as cool down; and their positive encouragement of participants during the session. Researchers determined a final fidelity score out of 26 based on the total number of boxes checked. Each of the four exercise classes were checked for fidelity by two independent observers and scored above a 22 on both checklists, indicating excellent fidelity.