WHAT IS EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY?

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP) are Allied Health Professionals who specialise in the prevention, treatment and management of injuries, disease and health conditions through appropriate exercise intervention, to assist in restoring one’s optimal physical function, health and wellness.

These interventions include health and physical education, advice, support and lifestyle modification with a strong focus on achieving behavioural change.

WHEN SHOULD I SEE AN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST?

There are a wide range of reasons why a person may benefit from consulting an AEP. These include prevention or management of acute, sub-acute or chronic disease/injury. Help facilitate and assist athletes with sporting performance, strength and conditioning or disease management referral after diagnosis of a range of conditions including and not limited to:

  • Diabetes (Type 1 Or 2)

  • Obesity/Overweight

  • Lung Disease or Dysfunction

  • Parkinson’s Disease

  • Arthritis – Rheumatoid and Osteo

  • Multiple Sclerosis

  • Bone Disease Cancer

  • Rehabilitation Pre-/Post-Surgery

  • Depression, Anxiety, PTSD

  • Cardiovascular Disease

  • Chronic Pain

AEP may also be able to assist you with:

  • Workplace assessments

  • Advice on lifestyle modification to improve health status

  • Assessments of functional capacity

WHAT SERVICES DO EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTS PROVIDE?

AEPs offer a range of services which help nurture, implement and facilitate people with behavioural coaching, health education, exercise counselling and physical rehabilitation. All the services provided are tailored to the individual as to promote exercise programs, promoting leisure time and incidental activity in the aim of reducing sedentary behaviour. To prepare you for this an initial assessment is conducted as to ensure that the prescribed activities are safe, effective and goals set by the individual are easily obtainable and maintained long term. AEPs do not provide invasive services (except for point of care testing), diagnosis, joint manipulation or pharmaceutical medicines.

FUNDING STREAMS

Funding for AEPs can be obtained through Medicare, Private Health Funds, TAC, NDIS, DVA, Comcare, Workcover or life insurance schemes.

HOW ARE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTS QUALIFIED?

In order to become an AEP, the following requirements must be met:

  • A minimum of four-years at an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Level 7 or above in the area of Clinical Exercise Physiology and are required to meet an extensive accreditation process that includes practicum experience in a range of settings and environments.

  • To maintain their accreditation, AEPs have annual requirements for professional practice and professional development.

Yearly professional development requirements for maintaining accreditation includes:

  • Undertaking a minimum of 20 approved continuing professional development (CPD) points per membership year (1 January – 31 December)

  • Meeting recency of practice requirements

  • Holding a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate

  • Holding a current first aid certificate

AEPs are also required to maintain association financial status and professional insurance, renewable on a yearly basis. Continued practice is governed by Exercise and Sports Science Australia’s (ESSA) national reaccreditation, professional development and professional accountability requirements.

By: Jamie Hart, Exercise Physiologist