If you are an NDIS participant looking to improve your health and well-being, collaborating with an accredited exercise physiologist may be a great option. Check with your NDIS planner or local coordinator to see if this is an eligible support under your Capacity Building supports budget.
An exercise physiologist will develop an individualised program designed to suit your goals, whether they are related to moving independently, building strength or participating in community sports. Here are some benefits you can expect to experience:
Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence
Exercise physiology is a service that can be included in your NDIS plan under both the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living and Capacity Building – Health and Wellbeing funding categories. If you have a disability and are interested in working with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, speak to Royal Rehab LifeWorks Cairn or local area coordinator (LAC) to determine if this is an appropriate support for you.
In addition to helping individuals enhance their movement abilities, NDIS exercise physiologist Cairns help to build strength, flexibility and balance, which all contribute to an increased sense of independence and confidence in everyday activities. Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity promotes a positive mental health and emotional state by releasing endorphins that help to reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression.
Individualised and targeted exercises are designed by a qualified exercise physiologist to assist participants in achieving their specific goals. Whether it be improving balance for walking on uneven surfaces, increasing range of motion to reach items in the cupboard or having enough endurance to attend community sporting events, your goal-based program is tailored specifically to you and your disability.
Better Health and Wellbeing
Any person with a physical disability can benefit from working with an AEP as part of their NDIS plan. AEPs create tailored exercise programs aimed at improving physical movement abilities and strength. They also provide nutritional and lifestyle advice, which can help to improve overall health and wellbeing.
NDIS participants can experience a variety of mental health benefits as a result of regular physical activity. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood elevators, and reduces stress levels and symptoms of depression. It can also improve self-esteem as individuals witness their progress towards physical goals and achievements. Moreover, group exercise programs and community activities can provide opportunities for social interaction, combating feelings of loneliness or isolation.
AEPs are qualified Allied Health Professionals with four years of university training. They work in partnership with medical professionals to enhance functional movement abilities, improve quality of life and increase social participation for people living with a disability. They are experts in providing a wide range of services including exercise physiology, clinical musculoskeletal assessment and treatment and health behaviour change counselling.
Increased Independence
Exercise physiology is all about improving health, function and quality of life through safe and effective exercise programs. AEPs are university qualified allied health professionals who specialise in clinical exercise interventions for people with complex, chronic and/or complex injuries or conditions (ESSA).
EP’s can support participants to reach their goals through personalised exercise programs. These include building strength, increasing fitness, reducing pain, participating in community sports and improving mobility and quality of life. Their expertise in kinesiology, the study of human movement, can also help to improve physical independence and assist with recovery from injury.
Working with an exercise physiologist is a great way to stay motivated, and achieve your goals over time. Regular exercise can improve mood and energy levels, boost self-esteem and release ‘feel good’ hormones called endorphins. Exercise also promotes social interaction, which can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation that may be caused by disability or illness.
An NDIS participant who has a disability and is interested in working with an EP can contact their planner or LAC to discuss incorporating this support into their plan. They will need to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for this service as it is funded under the Improved Health and Wellbeing and Capacity Building categories of their NDIS plan. Our client Kay, who is a woman living with multiple health issues, has found that working with an exercise physiologist has had a positive impact on her overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Working with an exercise physiologist as part of their NDIS plan can provide many benefits to those individuals who are seeking to improve their health and well-being. Exercise physiologists design safe and effective fitness programs that are tailored to a person’s specific capabilities, age and fitness levels. These programs can help individuals to achieve developmental milestones, build their strength and enhance overall physical abilities.
Additionally, the regular physical activity that a person engages in can help to improve their mental health and wellbeing as well. Exercise is known to release feel-good hormones called endorphins that are natural mood elevators and can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also lead to a greater sense of confidence and self-esteem, especially as the individual begins to observe their own physical progress over time.
For those who have a mental disability, working with an exercise physiologist can be highly beneficial in helping to manage their symptoms and increase overall quality of life. For example, for people with autism, regular physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function and social interactions, as well as reducing anxiety and distress.
AEPs have extensive knowledge of the body and how it works, enabling them to identify and assist with specific disabilities and conditions. They are qualified to deliver personalised programs that include behavioural coaching, health education and exercise counselling. They can also help to offset weight-related side effects of medications and improve general movement and mobility in the body.