Exercise Scientist Scope of Practice

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Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) endorses a broad scope of practice for Accredited Exercise Scientists that is flexible, adaptable and embracive of innovative healthcare practices and the practice environment.

 

The Role of an Accredited Exercise Scientists (AES)

ESSA’s AES scope of practice is a foundational document that reflects the minimum combination of knowledge, skills and reasoning to gain accreditation as an exercise scientist (AES).

 

AES specialise in the assessment, design and delivery of exercise and physical activity programs. These programs are for the purpose of undertaking an exercise intervention to improve health and fitness, wellbeing or performance, or focus on the prevention of chronic conditions.

 

AES develop interventions that are based on critical evaluation of scientific evidence and incorporate physical activity, exercise, education or a combination of these. These interventions are designed to:

• Educate, promote and implement the adoption of physical activity and/or exercise for a healthy life
• Improve fitness, health and wellbeing at an individual, community or population level

 

These interventions are exercise-based and include health and physical activity education, advice and support for lifestyle modification with a strong focus on achieving behavioural change. AES demonstrate a diverse range of knowledge and skills and work across a variety of employment areas and occupations that are included in the Exercise Science Standards and presented below.

 

Areas of AES Employment

An AES can work in a number of industries and employment sectors at an individual, community or population level, including but not limited to private industry, government and non-government sectors.

 

Examples of Populations	Examples of Employment Areas
Health Policy/Program planning	Government – local, state and federal, non Government Organisations (NGOs)
Health Educator	Schools, Government – local, state and federal, early learning environments
Healthy Ageing roles	Aged care sector – community settings, residential aged care facilities
Health Promotion roles	Community health and hospitals
Non-clinical Case Management	Private and inter-professional health clinics, Insurance providers
Corporate Health Program roles	Corporate settings, industrial and mining sectors, workplace wellbeing programs (employment screening)
Specialised Occupations (Cardiac Technician, Sleep Technician)	Hospitals and health clinics
Sports Coach/Sports Trainer	Sporting teams/events
Fitness Instructor, Trainer, Fitness Centre Manager	Fitness centre, gymnasium, private practice or business

 

 

Scope of AES Practice

Professional practice is influenced by many factors including where an AES works, the demands of the industry, and the needs of their clientele. The foundational scope of practice that ESSA accepts as reasonable for an AES entering the profession is listed below:

 

2.1	Undertake health screening, exercise assessment, implement behaviour modification strategies and provide general nutritional advice for the purpose of improving health and fitness, wellbeing or performance.
2.2	Design and delivery of exercise programs and assessments for the purpose of improving, health and fitness, wellbeing or performance.
2.3	Delivery and supervision of exercise programs for clients with pathology or injury that have been prescribed by an appropriately qualified health professional, such as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) or physiotherapist.
2.4	Provision of health policy/program or health education, advice and support at an individual, community and/or population level to enhance fitness and health, wellbeing or performance, and to prevent disease development.

 

 

Core Rules, Regulations and Boundaries

At all times, AES must demonstrate evidence-based practice, including the ability to compile, critically evaluate and communicate the scientific rationale for their decision making and service delivery. An AES is expected to advance their practice through continuing education, competency development and professional experience.

 

ESSA supports practitioners employing the full range of exercise science interventions within their individual scope of practice, as outlined in the ESSA Scope of Practice Policy. Individuals may expand their scope of practice through appropriate education, training or certification, however some services are beyond ESSA’s jurisdictional monitoring and/or standard exercise science practice.

 

 

Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice

AES must practice in accordance with ESSA’s Code of Professional Conduct & Ethical Practice. They must also respect and adhere to standards established through Australian legislation, regulations and common law.

 

 

Level of Training

AES undertake a minimum three-year equivalent of study at an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Level 7 or above in the area of exercise science and its sub-disciplines, and are required to achieve established national standards that include practicum experience.

 

It is expected that as a minimum, a graduate can demonstrate practice that is within the scope of exercise science training as described in the ESSA Exercise Science Standards and recognise the need to refer a client to other related professionals (e.g. Accredited Sports Scientists, Accredited Exercise Physiologists) as required.

 

 

Continued Practice

To maintain their accreditation, AES have annual requirements for professional practice and professional development. To ensure currency of knowledge and experience, AES are required to participate in ongoing professional development including engagement with current research evidence for their areas of practice.

 

Yearly professional development requirements for maintaining accreditation as an AES includes:

1. Undertaking a minimum of 20 continuing professional development (CPD) points per membership year (1 January – 31 December).

2. Holding a valid Australian first aid statement of attainment if working with clients/human subjects.

3. Holding a valid Australian cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) statement of attainment if working with clients/ human subjects.

 

AES are also required to maintain their financial status with ESSA and to hold industry-recognised professional insurance, renewable on an annual basis. Continued practice is governed by ESSA’s national accreditation, professional development and professional accountability requirements.

 

 

Endword

The scope of practice cannot be defined as a simple list of tasks or procedures. ESSA have chosen to use a broad, principle-based approach to define the purpose, values and scope of practice of an AES. Through this approach, ESSA aims to empower individuals to harness their individual competencies, embrace innovative practices and remain sensitive to changes within the health and social care environments. This approach ensures the scope of AES practice continues to be relevant in an ever-changing health system and ensures that every Australian can benefit from the services provided by an AES.