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Charter to establish clinical exercise physiology as a recognised allied health profession in the UK: a call to action.

Green, DJ; Jones, H; George, KP; Scott, A; Buckley, J; Watson, PM; Oxborough, DL; Thijssen, DH; Graves, LEF; Whyte, GP; McGregor, G; Naylor, LH; Rosenberg, M; Askew, CD

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Authors

DJ Green

H Jones

KP George

A Scott

PM Watson

DL Oxborough

DH Thijssen

LEF Graves

GP Whyte

G McGregor

LH Naylor

M Rosenberg

CD Askew



Abstract

The UK population is growing, ageing and becoming increasingly inactive and unfit. Personalised and targeted exercise interventions are beneficial for ageing and the management of chronic and complex conditions. Increasing the uptake of effective exercise and physical activity (PA) interventions is vital to support a healthier society and decrease healthcare costs. Current strategies for exercise and PA at a population level mostly involve self-directed exercise pathways, delivered largely via the fitness industry. Even for those who opt-in and manage to achieve the current recommendations regarding minimum PA, this generic 'one-size-fits-all' approach often fails to demonstrate meaningful physiological and health benefits. Personalised exercise prescription and appropriate exercise testing, monitoring and progression of interventions for individuals with chronic disease should be provided by appropriately trained and recognised exercise healthcare professionals, educated in the cognate disciplines of exercise science (eg, physiology, biomechanics, motor control, psychology). This workforce has operated for >20 years in the Australian public and private healthcare systems. Accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs) are recognised allied health professionals, with demonstrable health and economic benefits. AEPs have knowledge of the risks and benefits of distinct forms of exercise, skills in the personalised prescription and optimal delivery of exercise, and competencies to support sustained PA behavioural change, based on the established scientific evidence. In this charter, we propose a road map for the training, accreditation and promotion of a clinical exercise physiology profession in the UK.

Acceptance Date Sep 21, 2021
Publication Date Aug 24, 2021
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine
Print ISSN 2055-7647
Publisher BMJ Publishing Group
Pages e001158 - ?
DOI https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001158
Publisher URL https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/7/3/e001158

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