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Using exercise physiology in team care arrangements |
by Tim Boyd
“We know of no single intervention with greater promise than physical exercise to reduce the risk of virtually all chronic diseases simultaneously”
– Booth et al 2000
January 1 saw the inclusion of exercise physiology as a recognised service in GP management plans and team care arrangements (new MBS item 10953).
With compelling evidence supporting the importance of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases, this is seen to be a significant development in the management of public health.
In fact, some analysts predict exercise physiology will quickly become one of the most essential and dominant allied health professions as exercise/physical activity becomes an accepted and preferred treatment strategy in the prevention and management of chronic disease.
Well suited to team care arrangements
The professional objective of an exercise physiologist is to prescribe and encourage appropriate exercise and health interventions, and to develop behavioural strategies that promote and assist in these interventions being maintained regularly for a prolonged period of time.
With a focus on lifestyle modification, intervention may involve one or more of the following strategies:
– Participation in a graded, structured exercise program
– Increasing incidental exercise
– Daily movement and activity levels
– Reinforcing healthy eating habits
– Cognitive-behavioural strategies
– Stress management strategies
Exercise physiologist eligibility
To be eligible to provide services in team care arrangements, an exercise physiologist must be recognised as an accredited exercise physiologist (AEP) with AAESS, and be registered with Medicare Australia.
GPs can find an accredited exercise physiologist via the ADGP search option on the AAESS website: www.aaess.com.au
Referral to exercise physiologist
When referring patients for exercise physiology, GPs are encouraged to use terms such as light physical activity, movement, or gentle exercise to overcome patient fears or misconceptions in regard to exercise.
In fact, recent research reveals that the most noticeable health benefits come from getting those who are inactive to become slightly to moderately active.
So the good news is we can noticeably improve the health profiles of inactive, de-conditioned or obese people with gentle exercise and relatively low increases in physical activity.
The client has three options for continued exercise/activity: an unsupervised home-based program, a facility based program that involves semi-supervised exercise, or a facility based group program involving fully supervised exercise in small groups.
It is this last option that has proven to be the most successful in terms of attendance, compliance, safety, comfort and ultimately, outcomes.
The focus of subsequent visits to the exercise physiologist is to review progress and barriers, counsel and encourage, and upgrade the exercise program where appropriate.
Tim Boyd (MAAESS, AEP, AMS) is an accredited exercise physiologist.
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