Deliver physical activity programmes for individuals with health and medical conditions

This standard is about the delivery of physical activity programmes to address the needs of individuals with low-risk health and medical conditions. This is likely to follow on from the initial consultation, information gathering and programme design.

Exercise referral professional will be expected to deliver safe and effective physical activity programmes that meet the needs of individuals with various low-risk health and medical conditions.

They will normally be working without direct supervision but maybe under the direction of health professionals.

---

1. prepare the environment and self, ready to deliver the physical activity programme
2. identify and select safe and correct equipment and resources for the physical activity session
3. manage risk to individuals throughout the physical activity programme
4. collect any new information from the individuals about their response to previous activities and/or general well-being
5. explain to the individuals how the planned session links to their goals
6. explain the physical and technical demands of the planned physical activities
7. make sure there is a balance of instruction, activity and discussion within the planned session
8. support individual's engagement to promote sustained change in physical activity levels
9. use behaviour change techniques to adapt delivery of the physical activity session
10. instruct the individual to perform activities using correct techniques
11. communicate with individuals in a manner and style appropriate to their preference and needs
12. provide appropriate motivational strategies to the individuals during the session
13. observe and analyse the individuals performance and identify valid strategies to improve individuals techniques
14. provide positive reinforcement of correct performance to build self-confidence and independence
15. monitor the environment to ensure individuals safety and comfort
16. negotiate, agree and record with individuals any changes to the planned physical activities
17. allow sufficient time for the closing phase of the session
18. provide individuals with feedback about their performance
19. explain to individuals how their progress links to their short, medium and long term goals
20. provide individuals the opportunity to ask questions about the session
21. discuss and signpost other possible activities and strategies with individuals that could assist them in achieving their goals and long-term adherence
22. report and update the referrer about the individuals progress
23. signpost individuals on to other fitness or healthcare professionals when their needs are outside your level of competency
24. leave the environment in a condition suitable for future use, in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures

---

1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the principles of anatomy and physiology including skeletal, cardiorespiratory, myofascial, nervous, endocrine, energy, digestive, urinary and lymphatic system.
3. how to apply anatomy and physiology when delivering physical activity programmes for individuals with specified health and medical conditions
4. the components of health and skill related fitness and how to apply these for individuals with specified health and medical conditions
5. a range of health and medical conditions and their associated risk factors
6. how health and medical conditions are medically managed and the impact these have on a quality of life
7. the limitations health and medical conditions can have on the delivery of physical activity programmes
8. how to manage co/multi-morbidities and the considerations when delivering physical activity programmes
9. the scope and professional boundaries of your practice
10. the relationship between physical activity and specified health and medical conditions
11. ways of identifying and preparing safe environments and self for the physical activity session
12. ways of managing risk to individuals throughout the physical activity programme
13. why you should collect any new information relating to the individuals response to previous sessions and/or general well-being
14. the physical and technical demands of the planned activities
15. how to ensure there is an effective balance of instruction, activity and discussion within the session
16. methods of promoting sustained change in physical activity levels
17. the referral and signposting opportunities to health, physical activity and other community assets and initiatives to encourage independent exercising and sustained activity levels
18. behaviour change techniques
19. teaching methods for providing instructions and explanations
20. how to adapt your communication methods to the meet individuals needs
21. how to apply suitable motivational strategies during the session
22. how to analyse and improve individuals ' performance and movement pattern
23. ways of providing positive reinforcement throughout the session
24. the need to negotiate, agree and record with the individual any changes to the planned activities
25. why you should allow sufficient time for the closing phase of the session
26. when and how to provide individuals with positive feedback on their performance
27. why individuals need to see how their progress links to their overall goals
28. why individuals should be given the opportunity to ask questions about their performance and overall progress
29. effective feedback loop
30. suitable alternative activities and signposting opportunities that could assist individuals in achieving their goals and long-term adherence to a healthy lifestyle
31. why and how to leave the environment in a suitable condition for future use in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

High risk health and medical conditions
High-risk health conditions are severe or chronic medical issues such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes with complications and respiratory disorders like COPD that significantly increase the risk of serious complications, hospitalisation, or mortality. These conditions require comprehensive screening, specialised assessment and continuous monitoring. The presence of multi-morbidities where a patient has two or more chronic conditions can further increase complexity in clinical decision-making. It may make exercise programming more challenging and push the patient into a higher risk category
 
Low risk health and medical conditions
Health concerns that present minimal likelihood of serious adverse events, exacerbation, or complications during physical activity or standard interventions. These conditions are typically stable and well-controlled through standard treatment protocols.
 
Professional Boundaries
The ethical and interpersonal limits that define appropriate interactions between professionals and their clients. These boundaries help maintain respect, integrity, and objectivity in professional relationships.

---

This standard links to SKAER1, SKAER2, SKAEAF20

---

---

1

---

2030

---

Current

---

Original

---

Skills Active

---

0

---

Sports and Fitness Occupations, Advanced Personal Trainer

---

---

Physical activity, exercise, exercise referral, health and medical conditions

---