How can an Accredited Exercise Physiologist help me?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university qualified allied health professional. Our accredited exercise physiologists have experience in neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation and specialise in the delivery of clinical exercise, lifestyle, and behavioural modification programs for the management of neurological conditions, management, and prevention of chronic illness and, rehabilitation of injuries. Treatment is based on the principle ‘exercise is medicine’ and all the interventions our exercise physiologists prescribe around exercise and activity is based on the latest research and evidence.
Exercise Physiologists specialise in interventions using exercise for a broad range of chronic health conditions. The aims of AEP interventions are to prevent or manage symptoms of chronic disease or injury, and assist in restoring your optimal physical function, health or wellness.
Exercise Physiology can help people with the following:
- Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Cerebral palsy
- Acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Falls prevention and balance training
- Cardiovascular disease, pulmonary/respiratory conditions
- Diabetes (type 1 and type 2)
- Obesity
- Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety etc.)
- Cancer (during treatment and recovery)
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis and Osteopenia
- Joint replacement and reconstruction rehabilitation
- Chronic pain conditions
If you have a disability or injury, you might see an AEP for two reasons:
Rehabilitation: to help regain strength and function after injury (e.g stroke)
Maximising health and wellbeing: given my condition what is the best way to exercise? How can I exercise safely? What are the best exercises for me? What are my options for exercise?
Individual Assessment & Treatment Plans
No two bodies are the same. An individual tailored exercise program is the key to successful rehabilitation or maintenance. Our Exercise Physiologists take the time to get to know you – your medical history, your lifestyle, your goals, and any barriers to physical activity.
Your assessment may include the analysis of: strength, core stability, cardiovascular fitness, endurance, balance, flexibility or mobility and allows us to track your progress.
The outcome of the assessment is a detailed goal-focused exercise plan where you know what to expect every step of the way. How many times per week, for how many weeks, how will this help me? It could be in your home using small equipment, in a gym setting using our specialised equipment in our clinic gym or in a community gym setting. We can also train your support and caregivers to assist you with your exercise.
Working together
Our accredited Exercise Physiologists may work in conjunction with, or independently from, our Neurological Physiotherapists depending on a client’s condition. If, for example, a client suffered an acquired brain injury or stroke, the Physiotherapist may concentrate on specific issues such as managing an acute injury or pain, gait retraining, spasticity management and muscle control, whilst the Exercise Physiologist may focus on setting goals and overcoming barriers to activity to promote endurance, strength, conditioning and provide advice on health and wellbeing based on the latest evidence about your condition for optimal outcomes.
People with chronic health conditions, neurological conditions, and disabilities often lead very sedentary lifestyles due to many reasons including reduced mobility, cognitive and behavioural issues, transport problems and a lack of understanding about what type of exercise they should or could be doing. We can assist people in overcoming these barriers and encourage participation in an appropriate form of physical activity, whether at home, in a community gym or through a local community program.