Design a physical activity programme for individuals with high-risk health and medical conditions

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

Exercise referral specialists will be expected to utilise their knowledge of high-risk health and medical conditions to design a physical activity programme that meets the individual’s needs, objectives and agreed goals.

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1. obtain consent and up to date information on the high-risk health and medical conditions of individuals
2. interpret the information gathered and determine any need for referral or signposting
3. design adapted progressive physical activity programmes with consideration of the individuals’ high-risk health and medical conditions
4. implement appropriate health and safety procedures specific to the individuals’ conditions
5. agree the demands and content of the physical activity programme with the individuals and others
6. implement modifications to ensure the safe execution of the physical activity programme
7. agree appropriate evaluation methods and review dates with the individuals and others
8. identify the resources and technologies needed to support the effectiveness of the physical activity programme
9. provide suitable alternatives that can be incorporated into everyday lifestyles
10. record your plans in an accessible format that will help you, the individuals and others implement the programme
11. support individuals in a way which will promote independent exercisers and sustain change in physical activity behaviour

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and
   protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. anatomy, physiology and kinesiology including skeletal, cardiorespiratory, myofascial, nervous, endocrine, energy, digestive, urinary and lymphatic system and how these respond to high-risk health and medical conditions (including co-morbidities and multi-morbidities).
3. how to implement anatomy, physiology and kinesiology knowledge when creating physical activity programmes for individuals with high-risk health and medical conditions (including co-morbidities and multi-morbidities).
4. the components of health and skill related fitness and how to adapt these for individuals with high-risk health and medical conditions (including co-morbidities and multi-morbidities).
5. the pathophysiology and aetiology of high-risk health and medical conditions
6. how high-risk health and medical conditions are medically managed and the impact these have on a quality of life
7. the limitations high-risk health and medical conditions can have for the individual and development of physical activity programmes
8. the scope and professional boundaries of your practice
9. the relationship between exercise, physical activity and specified high-risk health and medical conditions
10. the components of fitness and principles of training and how they must be applied safely to help individuals achieve their goals
11. the appropriate methods for collecting and presenting information with individuals and others
12. how to select suitable environments and how they can be adapted to meet the individuals needs, ability level and overall goals
13. the importance of involving the individual and others in the planning stage
14. the significance of establishing regular review dates and evaluation methods with the individuals
15. the adaptations and or alternatives that can be made If the individual cannot take part in the session and or activity as planned
16. the referral and signposting opportunities to health, physical activity and other community assets and initiatives to encourage independent exercising and sustained activity levels
17. recording procedures that will help you and individuals implement the programme

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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.

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This standard links to SKAER4, SKAER6, SKAEAF20

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1

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2030

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Current

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Original

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Skills Active

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0

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Sports and Fitness Occupations, Advanced Personal Trainer

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3443

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

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