Exercise physiologists develop personalised exercise programs tailored to an individual's needs, and provide guidance on maintaining an active lifestyle.
Responsibilities of exercise physiologists
Exercise physiologists (EPs) specialise in understanding how the body's systems (such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular) respond to exercise. They focus on developing exercise-based treatments that improve strength, flexibility, and overall function, while also preventing re-injury.
These tailored programs enhance recovery, support long-term health, and improve performance to address both physical conditions and chronic health issues like heart disease or diabetes.
What issues do EPs address, and how?
A key responsibility of an EP is to conduct comprehensive assessments that employ various tools and techniques to assess an individual's physical fitness, mental wellbeing, lifestyle factors, health conditions and exercise tolerance. They are also responsible for conducting work assessments to determine a person's suitability for specific roles based on their personal physical capabilities.
EPs often collaborate with primary care physicians, who may refer patients for specialised exercise programs. Working closely with these patients, EPs create personalised treatment plans to help individuals achieve their specific health and fitness goals. This collaboration ensures that the exercise regimens are both safe and effective, supporting long-term well-being.
An EP's role in workplace rehabilitation
Exercise physiologists play a key role in workplace rehabilitation by prescribing functional exercises to help workers recover from injuries and increase their capacity for employment. They assess physical capabilities, design tailored exercise programs, and focus on improving strength, flexibility, and endurance.
In addition to aiding recovery, they provide guidance on transitioning to self-managed exercise routines and educate workers on injury prevention and healthy lifestyle habits.