Scientific sources

Guidance should have sources. You can check ours.

We bring together the references supporting screening, assessments and calculations shown in iBetterCoach. You can understand where the information comes from before using it with a client.

Traceable bibliography

The source of each reference, in one place.

Edition, full citation and how each source is used in the product.

Exercise prescription

ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription

American College of Sports Medicine · 2025 · Wolters Kluwer · 12th edition

An international reference for exercise assessment and prescription. In iBetterCoach, it helps structure screening, considerations for different populations and training programmes.

Where it is used in iBetterCoach

  • Pre-exercise screening and cardiovascular risk
  • Populations requiring specific considerations
  • FITT-VP programme structure
  • Cardiorespiratory, strength, body composition, flexibility and balance assessments

APA reference

American College of Sports Medicine. (2025). ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (12th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

ISBN: 978-1-9752-1920-8Official page
Public health

WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour

World Health Organization · 2020 · World Health Organization

The World Health Organization’s global recommendations for physical activity and sedentary behaviour. They provide context for the minimum activity levels shown in the product.

Where it is used in iBetterCoach

  • Weekly recommendations by age group
  • Guidance for children, adults, older adults and pregnancy
  • Context for chronic conditions and disability
  • Minimum activity references shown during coaching

APA reference

World Health Organization. (2020). WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128

ISBN: 978-92-4-001512-8Official page
Food composition

Tabela da Composição de Alimentos

Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge · 2024 · INSA, I.P. · updated online version

Portugal’s official source for the nutritional composition of commonly consumed foods. Available values support the calculations shown in plans and recipes.

Where it is used in iBetterCoach

  • Nutritional composition of foods
  • Calculations shown in nutrition plans
  • Nutritional information for meals and recipes
  • Comparison between foods and portions

APA reference

Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge. (2024). Tabela da Composição de Alimentos. INSA, I.P. https://portfir-insa.min-saude.pt/

How we work

From the source to client support

References help structure questions, calculations and warnings. When a situation needs attention, the platform explains why it was flagged and what should be confirmed.

The professional remains responsible for the decision. iBetterCoach organises the information and makes its origin visible; the personal trainer or nutritionist reviews the context, adjusts and approves.

The works and organisations cited are bibliographic references. They are not affiliated with, sponsoring or endorsing iBetterCoach.

If you study or work in the field and would like to discuss the approach with us, join the early-access list. We are listening to personal trainers, nutritionists and exercise physiologists.

Early access

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