Exercise physiologists are healthcare professionals focused on utilising exercise interventions to manage and prevent a wide range of chronic health conditions and injuries. Accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs) design personalised exercise programs to address acute, sub-acute, or chronic conditions, aiming to:

• Improve or maintain physical function
• Enhance overall health and well-being
• Manage or prevent chronic diseases like:
  • Cardiovascular disease (heart disease)
  • Pulmonary disease (lung conditions)
  • Metabolic disease (diabetes, obesity)
  • Neurological disease (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s)
  • Musculoskeletal conditions (arthritis, osteoporosis, injuries)
  • Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety)
  • Cancer

Who Are Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs)?

AEPs are university-qualified healthcare professionals in Australia. To practice, they must:

• Complete a minimum four-year bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field.
• Be registered with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and adhere to their code of ethics.
• Regularly participate in continuing professional development to maintain their accreditation.

How Can an AEP Help?

An AEP can play a vital role in improving health and well-being by:

• Assessing your functional capacity: They evaluate current physical abilities to design safe and effective exercise programs.
• Providing lifestyle modification advice: AEPs can guide healthier habits that support exercise goals.
• Prescribing tailored exercise programs: These programs target specific needs, whether it’s prehabilitation before surgery, post-surgery recovery, or improving strength and function.
• Educating on health and physical activity: AEPs empower people with the knowledge to manage their health through exercise.
• Offering behavioural coaching and support: They help people overcome physical inactivity and adopt sustainable exercise routines.
• Conducting workplace assessments: AEPs can evaluate work environments and suggest modifications to prevent work-related injuries.

What Services Do AEPs Offer?

AEPs provide a comprehensive range of services to optimise health:

• Exercise prescription: Developing personalised exercise programs tailored to different condition and fitness levels.
• Physical rehabilitation: Guiding clients through exercises to regain strength and movement following injury or surgery.
• Health education: Providing information on exercise, healthy living, and managing specific health conditions.
• Behavioural coaching: Motivating people to adopt and maintain healthy exercise habits.
• Promoting physical activity: Encouraging participation in leisure activities and reducing sedentary behaviours.

Important to Note:

Accredited exercise physiologists do not:

• Provide invasive procedures (except for point-of-care testing)
• Diagnose medical conditions
• Perform joint manipulations
• Prescribe medications

Instead, they will ask questions and direct people who may require these interventions or diagnoses to other healthcare professionals such as GPs, Specialists and Physiotherapists

Seeking an AEP in Australia

If you’re looking to improve your health and manage a chronic condition, consider consulting an accredited exercise physiologist. They can work collaboratively with your doctor or other healthcare providers to develop a holistic approach to your well-being.

Check out our Exercise Physiology Services Page to find out more, or contact us today!