In Collaroy and beyond, NDIS exercise physiologists are witnessing a surge in demand, indicative of their indispensable role in enhancing participant well-being. These professionals go beyond conventional fitness regimes, crafting tailored programs that not only bolster physical health but also empower individuals with essential self-care knowledge. By addressing specific health concerns and tailoring programs to individual needs, they enable participants to achieve daily living goals, enhance mobility, and maintain emotional well-being.
Despite their pivotal role, there remains a need for a broader understanding among NDIS planners and coordinators of the profound benefits these allied health professionals offer. Through collaboration and education, we can ensure that every individual receives the support they need to thrive within the NDIS framework. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted contributions of NDIS exercise physiologists in Collaroy, shedding light on their role in fostering independence, strengthening social bonds, and improving the overall quality of life for NDIS participants.
Improved Daily Living
Exercise Physiologists can help NDIS participants achieve their everyday living goals by developing tailored programs. Whether these goals are to boost mobility, improve balance and strength, or reduce spasticity, exercise physiology can significantly improve quality of life. In addition to helping NDIS participants enhance daily activities, exercise physiology has been shown to improve overall mental health and emotional well-being. Regular physical activity releases endorphins, natural mood elevators, and fosters feelings of self-esteem and accomplishment as participants observe their own progress.
As such, collaborating with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) can be highly beneficial as part of a person-centered plan. AEPs are four-year university degree-qualified allied health professionals who design and deliver prescription exercise for individuals with or at risk of chronic disease, injury, or disability. Currently, AEPs are supported by Australia’s Medicare and DVA compensable schemes, as well as private health insurance providers.
Those with a spinal cord injury (SCI) are encouraged to talk to their NDIS planner or local coordinator (LAC) to determine if their plan includes access to an AEP and if it is funded under the ‘Improved Daily Living’ or ‘Capacity Building – Improved Health and Wellbeing’ support categories. Royal Rehab LifeWorks at Sargood has a team of dedicated NDIS exercise physiologist in Collaroy who can offer a range of rehabilitation services, including individual and group exercise therapy sessions and clinical nurse consultations.
Mobility Maintenance
Having the support of an exercise physiologist ensures that participants maintain their physical fitness levels and continue to make progress toward their goals. It is an important aspect of a holistic care approach, providing a positive impact on a participant’s quality of life.
Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which act as natural mood elevators to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence as individuals witness their ongoing improvements. In addition, participating in group exercise programs promotes social interaction and combats feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The services offered by exercise physiologists are aligned with NDIS participant’s goals and foster significant advancements in physical health, wellbeing, and independence. This relevant NDIS support enables participants to meet their personal goals and is critical for the long-term health of a participant’s body.
Many people confuse exercise physiologists with personal trainers, but there are key differences between the two professions. While fitness professionals are skilled in delivering fitness programs, exercise physiologists are trained to recognise and address specific health concerns, such as joint problems and low muscle tone.
ESSA has suggested that the NDIA employ an exercise physiology advisor to educate planners and LACs on the range of therapies and support options available for NDIS participants. This would facilitate a better understanding of this highly relevant allied health service and improve outcomes for NDIS participants by enabling them to identify the most appropriate support for their individual needs.
Strength Building
Exercise Physiologists help participants build strength through personalised programs, allowing them to perform daily tasks with greater ease and independence. They also increase their overall physical fitness, helping them feel better and boost their self-confidence. In addition, the positive mood-elevating effects of exercise promote emotional well-being among participants, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The Improved Health and Wellbeing category of the NDIS includes funding for the services of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. ESSA recommends that NDIS planners and LACs consider educating themselves on the role, scope of practice, and benefits of AEPs to ensure that participants are receiving the right support.
AEPs are allied health professionals with university degrees, extensive training, and broad skills, and are not to be confused with personal trainers. However, many NDIS participants are under the impression that personal trainers can provide similar services to those offered by AEPs. This can be to the detriment of participants’ functional capacity outcomes as personal trainers do not have the requisite qualifications, skills, or knowledge to determine the allied health needs of a participant.
Allied health professionals, including AEPs, are regulated by the NDIS and must adhere to strict ethical practices and professional standards. Nevertheless, NDIS planners and LACs frequently make decisions that are at odds with the recommendations of qualified allied health professionals in progress reports. It is essential that NDIS planners and LACs receive ongoing education on the role of allied health practitioners, including AEPs, to enhance their ability to deliver high-quality allied health services.
Social Participation
Exercise physiologists provide a crucial social role for people with disabilities. They help them reach their goals in areas such as boosting mental health, improving cognition and memory, and reducing the impact of physical impairments. They also assist with strengthening muscles, enhancing balance, and preventing falls. Their personalised fitness programs are designed to meet each person’s individual needs, age, and level of mobility.
The NDIS imposes accountability and quality standards on providers of disability support services. However, there is no similar requirement for planners whose funding decisions have significant impacts on the lives of NDIS participants. ESSA advocates for NDIA accountability to be extended to planners, which would ensure that their decisions are informed by the expert advice of allied health professionals.
In addition, there are numerous research studies that demonstrate the positive impact of social connection and support on exercise experience and adherence. This is largely due to the rewarding and buffering effects of social presence on the physiological and psychological homeostatic self-regulation mechanisms in exercise.
Ultimately, a lack of understanding by NDIS planners and LACs about the role, scope, and value of allied health supports and the NDIS participant experience is an important contributing factor to poor planning decision-making. ESSA is available to work with NDIA on a program that will educate planners and LACs about the evidence-based benefits of exercise for disability, the role of an exercise physiologist, and its value in their participants’ NDIS plan.
The indispensable role of NDIS exercise physiologists in Collaroy and beyond is evident in their multifaceted contributions to participant well-being. From improving daily living and mobility maintenance to strength building and facilitating social participation, these allied health professionals play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for NDIS participants. However, there remains a pressing need for a broader understanding among NDIS planners and coordinators of their profound benefits. Collaborative efforts and education are essential to ensure that every individual receives the support they need to thrive within the NDIS framework.
