What does an Exercise Physiologist do?

Exercise Physiologists create exercise programs tailored to individual needs to improve strength, fitness, and function. Their work is highly beneficial for people with chronic conditions, disability, or age-related changes. By designing personalised programs, Exercise Physiologists help participants achieve their health goals, improve independence, and participate fully in daily life. Their approach combines scientific knowledge with practical strategies to ensure exercises are safe, effective, and sustainable.

Exercise Physiology in the NDIS

Within the NDIS, Exercise Physiologists support participants with neurological conditions, intellectual disability, autism, or mobility limitations. Programs may focus on improving strength, balance, endurance, cardiovascular health, and functional capacity, depending on each participant’s individual goals. For example, a participant who uses a wheelchair may work on upper-body strength and core stability to enhance mobility and independence, while someone with a neurological condition may benefit from exercises to improve coordination, balance, and functional movement.

Exercise Physiologists also help participants develop strategies to participate more fully in community, work, and social activities. This may include teaching safe transfer techniques, designing home exercise programs, or recommending adaptive equipment to support movement and engagement in daily tasks.

They work closely with participants, families, carers, and support teams to ensure exercises are safe, achievable, and consistently applied. Regular monitoring, feedback, and program adjustments are an important part of Exercise Physiology, ensuring participants continue to progress and meet their goals. Beyond physical improvements, Exercise Physiology also supports mental health, confidence, and social participation, helping participants feel empowered and engaged in their communities.

Exercise Physiology services can be funded under the Improved Daily Living budget in a participant’s NDIS plan.

How Exercise Physiology is Different from Physiotherapy

While Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists both support movement and function, the two professions have different focuses. Physiotherapists often address injury management, rehabilitation, and acute or chronic physical conditions, using hands-on therapy, manual techniques, and specific interventions to restore or maintain function.

Exercise Physiologists, on the other hand, focus on preventative and functional exercise programs designed to improve overall strength, endurance, balance, and cardiovascular health. They specialise in chronic disease management, disability support, and promoting long-term physical activity, whereas physiotherapy may be more clinically oriented around rehabilitation and treatment of injuries. In practice, the two often complement each other, with physiotherapy addressing acute or structural issues and exercise physiology building long-term strength, resilience, and independence.

Exercise Physiology in Aged Care

In aged care, Exercise Physiologists design programs to maintain strength, balance, and mobility in older adults. Age-related changes can increase the risk of falls, injury, and functional decline, and Exercise Physiologists provide interventions to minimise these risks. Programs may include balance training, resistance exercises, flexibility routines, and functional movements that mirror everyday activities like standing, reaching, or walking safely.

They also play a role in preventing and managing chronic conditions, including arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes. Through carefully structured exercise programs, older adults can maintain independence, improve posture, increase endurance, and continue participating in hobbies, social activities, and daily routines.

Exercise Physiologists are considered a Clinical Support, and do not attract any client contributions under the Support at Home program.

Why Exercise Physiology Matters

Exercise Physiologists help people of all ages remain active, healthy, and independent. By addressing strength, mobility, balance, and endurance, they reduce the risk of injury and prevent physical decline. Their work also supports emotional wellbeing, confidence, and social engagement, giving participants the skills and confidence to stay involved in meaningful daily activities.

For NDIS participants, Exercise Physiology improves functional independence, helping them achieve personal goals and participate fully in community life. In aged care, Exercise Physiologists maintain physical function, prevent falls, and enhance quality of life, ensuring older adults can continue engaging in the activities that matter to them. Overall, Exercise Physiology is a vital service that empowers participants to move safely, live actively, and thrive in daily life.