Deliver physical activity programmes for individuals with high-risk health and medical conditions

This standard is about the delivery 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, information gathering and programme design.

Exercise referral specialists will be expected to utilise their knowledge of high-risk health and medical conditions to deliver safe and effective physical activity programmes, that meets the individual’s needs, objective and agreed goals.

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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. interpret any new information from the individuals about their response to previous activities and/or general well-being
4. dynamically assess and manage risk to individuals throughout the physical activity programme
5. explain to the individuals and others how the planned session links to their goals
6. implement a person-centred approach to support engagement and promote sustained change in physical activity levels
7. implement behaviour change techniques to adapt delivery of the physical activity session
8. support staff to oversee the individuals programme delivery
9. instruct the individual to perform activities using correct techniques
10. implement appropriate motivational strategies and empathy to the individuals during the session
11. monitor and analyse the individuals performance and identify valid strategies to improve individuals techniques/outcomes
12. provide positive reinforcement of correct performance to build self-confidence and independence
13. negotiate, agree and record with individuals and others any changes to the planned physical activities
14. allow sufficient time for the closing phase of the session
15. evaluate individuals and provide feedback about their performance
16. explain to individuals how their progress links to their short, medium and long-term goals
17. provide individuals with the opportunity to ask questions about the session
18. report and update the referrer on the individual's progress.
19. discuss and signpost other possible activities and strategies with individuals that could assist them in achieving their goals and long-term adherence
20. signpost individuals on to other fitness or healthcare professionals when their needs are outside your level of competency
21. leave the environment in a condition suitable for future use, in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures

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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 quality of life
7. the limitations high-risk health and medical conditions can have for the individual and delivery of physical activity programmes
8. the scope and professional boundaries of your practice
9. the relationship between physical activity and specified high-risk health and medical conditions
10. ways of identifying and preparing safe environments and self for the physical activity session
11. how to create a dynamic risk assessment to manage risk to individuals throughout the physical activity programme
12. how to ensure there is an effective balance of instruction, activity and discussion within the session
13. methods of promoting sustained change in physical activity levels
14. the referral and signposting opportunities to health, physical activity and other community assets and initiatives to encourage independent exercising and sustained activity levels
15. behaviour change techniques
16. teaching methods for providing instructions and explanations
17. how to apply a person-centred approach and implement appropriate behaviour change strategies
18. how to apply suitable motivational strategies during the session
19. how to analyse and improve individuals' performance and movement pattern
20. ways of providing positive reinforcement throughout the session
21. the need to negotiate, agree and record with the individual and others any changes to the planned activities
22. effective feedback loop
23. why you should allow sufficient time for the closing phase of the session
24. when and how to provide individuals with feedback on their performance
25. why individuals need to see how their progress links to their overall goals
26. why individuals should be given the opportunity to ask questions about their performance and overall progress
27. suitable alternative activities and signposting opportunities that could assist individuals in achieving their goals and long-term adherence to a healthy lifestyle
28. why and how to leave the environment in a suitable condition for future use in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures

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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 SKAER5, SKAER5, 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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