What Is An Exercise Physiologist?
An Exercise Physiologist is a minimum four year, university-educated allied health professional who has also has met many of the strict standards of the Governing Body – Exercise and Sports Science Australia (http://www.essa.org.au) – formerly know as AAESS (Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science).
An Exercise Physiologist uses exercise as a clinical intervention for a people with complex and/or chronic conditions as well as musculo-skeletal injuries. They also give advice on lifestyle modifications, behaviour change as well as providing work conditioning and graded return to work programs.
How is an Exercise Physiologist Different from an Exercise Scientist?
The title of Exercise Physiologist is distinguished from an Exercise Scientist by the fact that the latter has generally completed a three year undergraduate degree (although sometimes four from a non-accredited University) and/or haven’t met the extra professional requirements (both educational as well as professional and supervised practical development).
Generally an Exercise Scientist works with apparently healthy populations and lack ‘extra’ educational and professional experience required to deal with non-healthy or ‘special’ populations.
What Does an Exercise Physiologist Do?
Exercise Physiologists by contrast are qualified and insured to work with both prevention and treatment for a host of pathologies including but not limited to those with cardiovascular disease, heart conditions, diabetes, significant musculo-skeletal injuries, cancer and neurological conditions. They have minimum standards as set by ESSA and must show competence as well as a level of experience in three areas; apparently healthy populations, cardiopulmonary/metabolic pathologies as well as work with musculoskeletal/ neurological conditions.
What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is the title earned by an Exercise Physiologist after meeting the extensive criteria listed by ESSA (click here for details on the requirements to become an Exercise Physiologist). Accredited Exercise Physiologists also have a rigorous re-accreditation program to maintain their qualifications. This involves a minimal continuing educational levels that must be met annually (as well as CPR and First Aid Accreditation).
A great examples of the broad scope of conditions covered by Exercise Physiologists are reflected in the position statements released by the governing body (and can be found at the following link) – http://www.essa.org.au/about-us/position-statements/
1. ESSA : Exercise and falls prevention in older people
2. ESSA : Exercise and asthma
3. ESSA : Optimising cancer outcomes through exercise
4. ESSA : Exercise training and chronic heart failure
5. ESSA : Physical activity and exercise intensity terminology
6. ESSA : Exercise and hypertension
7. A review of the clinical evidence for exercise in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee
8. Exercise Physiologists and Dietitians in chronic disease management
Appropriately qualified and skilled Accredited Exercise Physiologists can also be registered with Medicare, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, WorkCover as well as Private Health Insurers.
In summary – an Exercise Physiologist is the go-to expert in almost all things exercise related – from healthy populations to most complex and chronic conditions.
