What does a "Clinical Exercise Physiologist" do?

Clinical Exercise Physiology is a relatively new profession in New Zealand that requires a postgraduate education in Clinical Exercise Science. It is normally found within the healthcare system primarily in medical settings, where exercise is used to help clients manage or reduce their risk of chronic disease.

The most common conditions they work with are:

• Metabolic Conditions (such as Cancer, arthritis and diabetes)

• Cardiac Conditions

• Respiratory Conditions

• Neurological Conditions

They are primarily involved in providing clinical prescription for people who are ‘stuck in a rut’ and are so severely affected by their medical condition that they are no longer able to work.

A Clinical Exercise Physiologist is a certified allied health professional that utilises scientific rationale to design, implement and supervise exercise programming for people with chronic diseases, conditions and/or physical limitations. They also assess the results of outcomes related to exercise services provided to those individuals. Clinical Exercise Physiology services focus on the improvement of physical capabilities for the purpose of:

• Chronic disease management

• Reducing risks for development or recurrence of chronic diseases

• Creating lifestyle habits that promote enhancement of health

• Improving the ease of daily living activities

• Increasing the likelihood of long-term physical, social and economic independence

Keep in mind, this area of expertise is something a lot of exercise professionals are either not trained in or they are not confident in these areas.

What’s the difference between a Clinical Exercise Physiologist and a Physical Therapist or a Personal Trainer?

Clinical Exercise Physiologist’s have a broader focus of improving aerobic endurance, and whole body strength in order to enable those with chronic diseases to live life to the fullest and to achieve the most effective management of their disease.

"It’s the effect these things have on hormones and chemical changes to improve symptoms and then eventually cure the imbalances"

In contrast, physical therapists treat patients who have acute injury and disability (an example is rehabilitation after knee or shoulder surgery). They tend to be in the system to initially help form a diagnosis (using things such as x-rays and ultrasound). They then use short-term, light intensity exercises and other therapeutic modalities (like massage and manipulation) to focus on improving the area of injury.

Personal trainers work with clients who are healthy, and, like Clinical Exercise Physiologist’s, use different types of exercise to enable their clients to reach their physical potential. Personal trainers are not required to have any formal training in exercise science and/or its related medical papers.

About Clinical Exercise Physiology at ExerciseRx

At ExerciseRx we are trained in what most Clinical Exercise Physiologists are, but after years of dedicated research and experience, our unique specialisation is instead on the way these individuals have been effected by these conditions long-term. We use a bio-psychosocial model to focus on improving mismanaged behaviours that are often a primary cause of the disability in itself.

Our primary areas of work include helping those with:

• Depression & Anxiety

• Stress & Burnout

• Chronic Pain (such as CRPS & Fibromylagia)

• Chronic Fatigue

For further information please go to www.meganmcewen.co.nz

Reference: CEPA