What is EP?
Exercise Physiology is a vital health service for NDIS participants. An Exercise Physiologist uses the power of exercise to manage complex chronic conditions in individuals with disability, overall improving wellbeing and quality of life. Our experienced exercise physiologists work with participants to assess, goal set and prescribe exercise to help manage condition symptoms and disabilities, and build capacity for activities of daily living.
An Exercise Physiologist uses exercise rehabilitation as their primary form of treatment, and this assists NDIS participants by:
- Improving participant outcomes, including muscular strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, reduction in falls risk, and overall functional capacity.
- Improving daily living capabilities
- Increasing social and community engagement
- Building confidence
- Improved mental and physical wellbeing
Working with Melbourne OT Services allows for a multi-disciplinary holistic team approach.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Why see an Exercise Physiologist?
An Exercise Physiologist has expert knowledge on the human body’s anatomy and physiology and has a thorough understanding of the role of exercise for individuals with chronic disease and disability. An EP’s knowledge and deep understanding of the human body allows them to deliver safe, effective and tailored treatment plans to all individuals. An individualised and targeted exercise plan will guide participants to achieve goals such as improved health and wellbeing, improved functional capacity and increasing community engagement.
Types of conditions an Exercise Physiologist will treat (included but not limited to):
- Myositis
- Neurosarcoidosis
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Amputations
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cerebral palsy
- Vision impaired
- Hearing impaired
- Spinal cord injury
- Muscular dystrophy
- Progressive neurological conditions
Exercise Physiology assessments:
To enable an understanding of your functional capacity, an Exercise Physiologist will undertake a thorough initial assessment in your home. This will evaluate participants current physical condition, functional capacity and health status. These assessments will pave the way to designing a tailored exercise program. The assessments include (but are not limited to):
- Discussion highlighting medical history, medications, current physical activity, general lifestyle, barriers and limitations to exercise.
- Goal setting that fits within your specific NDIS plan and goals.
- Functional questionnaires.
- Anthropometric tests.
- Gait analysis.
- Joint range of motion.
- Balance, agility and measuring falls risk.
- Cardiovascular and respiratory fitness
- Isolated muscular strength testing.
- Functional capacity testing.
The Exercise Physiologist will monitor participants’ progress over time, undertaking frequent assessments and reporting to track progress.
Exercise Physiology Interventions:
An Exercise Physiologist will work with you to develop a tailored exercise program to address participants specific needs and goals. Some of the interventions an Exercise Physiologist can provide include:
- Home based intervention.
- Independent home exercise plan.
The exercises that an Exercise Physiologist may prescribe can include a combination of cardiovascular exercises, resistance exercises, flexibility training, balance and proprioceptive based tasks. Exercise prescription is closely monitored for each participant, and exercise parameters are modified according to the participants progress. Exercise prescription is conducted at an appropriate intensity, duration and frequency to ensure the safety and provide results for participants. The Exercise Physiologist will guide participants through the prescribed exercises, providing clear instructions on technique, form and safety considerations.
Expected outcomes from Exercise Physiology:
Engaging in Exercise Physiology offers a range of benefits for NDIS participants. Individuals may expect to see improvements in the following ways:
- Increased muscular strength: Targeted resistance exercise will lead to gains in muscular strength and function, resulting in improved mobility, muscle usage and overall function.
- Improved functional capacity: Targeted exercises have a specific purpose to replicate participants activities of daily living and assist in performing these tasks.
- Increased cardiorespiratory fitness: Cardiorespiratory exercise targets the health and function of the cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels, and the respiratory system, including the lungs. This aspect of rehabilitation can assist with improving and preserving the health of these organs and build fitness and stamina. Cardiorespiratory exercise also helps to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic disease, development of comorbidities and prevention of chronic disease complications.
- Reduction in falls risk: Engagement in balance and agility training helps to reduce falls and injury risk.
- Mental wellbeing: Regular exercise has positive effects on mental health, including stress reduction, improved mood, improved self-esteem and improved confidence.
- Increased independence: Enhancing physical function and functional capacity allows for greater independence and ability to achieve important life goals.
- Increased social and community engagement: Individuals who have increased independence, confidence and function are more likely to engage in social activity with the community.
