What is exercise physiology?
Exercise physiology is the practise of using exercise as medicine to improve health and wellbeing. It offers a supportive environment with close supervision, so you can achieve your health goals faster and decrease your risk of injury.
What conditions can exercise physiology be beneficial for?
- When you’re returning to exercise or recovering from an injury and would prefer more expert supervision to help utilise the most appropriate exercises for your presentation;
- Cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, hypertension or chronic heart failure;
- Respiratory diseases, such as asthma, COPD or cystic fibrosis;
- Neurological diseases, including stroke, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s;
- Metabolic diseases such as diabetes, dyslipidaemia or obesity;
- Musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses including arthritis, osteoporosis or traumatic injuries;
- Chronic pain conditions such as Fibromyalgia and CRPS;
- Other illnesses including cancer, depression and more.
What does an accredited exercise physiologist (AEP) do?
Accredited exercise physiologists are university qualified allied health professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies to design, deliver and evaluate safe and effective exercise interventions for people with acute, sub-acute or chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities. Pathology domains covered by the services of accredited exercise physiologists include:
- Cardiovascular
- Metabolic
- Neurological
- Musculoskeletal
- Cancers
- Kidney
- Respiratory/pulmonary
- Mental health
- Any other conditions for which there is evidence that exercise can improve the client’s clinical status
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body and sole accrediting authority for accredited exercise physiologists. ESSA is also the accrediting body for accredited exercise scientists, accredited sports scientists and accredited high performance managers.
What makes accredited exercise physiologists different?
Accredited exercise physiologists are university qualified allied health professionals that hold the highest level of training for prescribing exercise to individuals. To gain exercise physiologist accreditation with ESSA an individual must:
- Graduate from a minimum 4 years of study in an ESSA accredited course meeting the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) requirements for Level 7 that leads to bachelor degree qualifications
- Meet the professional standards for exercise science, leading to accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES), including 140 hours of practical experience for the purpose of undertaking an exercise intervention to improve health and fitness, wellbeing or performance, or focus on prevention of chronic conditions
- Meet the professional standards for exercise physiology, including 360 hours of practical experience with clients with clinical conditions (e.g. cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neurological)
What else do you need to know about exercise physiology?
While particularly beneficial for those with chronic conditions and injury, exercise physiology also benefits patients who want to improve their health, fitness and overall well-being especially as we age.
Is a referral required?
No referral is required for an exercise physiology session.
Can I claim this service as an extra on my health insurance policy?
An exercise physiology session may be claimed on private health insurance depending on your level of cover, please check with your private health insurance provider.
