Assessor Resource

SISFFIT523A
Deliver prescribed exercise to clients with cardiorespiratory conditions

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit applies to specialised exercise trainers whose clients have been provided an exercise prescription from an accredited exercise physiologist or relevant medical or allied health professional.

The specialised exercise trainer is able to apply the understanding and skills to deliver the program and modify the program in terms of frequency, mode, intensity and volume to accommodate the progression of the client within the parameters prescribed by the accredited exercise physiologist or relevant medical or allied health professional.

They apply self directed application of knowledge and skills related to cardiorespiratory conditions, and exercise judgment in delivering the prescribed exercise. The specialised exercise trainer demonstrates the ability to analyse the client's responses to exercise and where appropriate consult with the accredited exercise physiologist or relevant medical or allied health professional.

This unit excludes clients with serious cardiac and respiratory conditions.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to deliver prescribed exercise programs to stable clients with cardiorespiratory conditions in collaboration with medical or allied health professionals.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Nil


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.




Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

communicates effectively with accredited exercise physiologist or relevant medical or allied health professionals regarding relevant health and functional status of the referred client and discusses aspects of exercise prescription with clients.

when appropriate, reacts to adverse events to deal with exercise program problems and issues

ability to correctly interpret the exercise prescription and makes modifications consistent with prescribed parameters and scope of practice

safely and effectively delivers exercise for referred clients with cardiorespiratory conditions and recommends appropriate alterations according to client's physical and motivational responses

monitors and maintains the safety of clients, exercise equipment and the exercise setting and applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with problems and issues that may arise during the exercise program

applies all relevant legal and ethical requirements when discussing and recording client information

demonstrates appropriate manner, empathy and patience when working with clients.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure demonstration of skills over a period of time within a facility where a variety of exercise modes and equipment are available to support effective exercise for clients with cardiorespiratory conditions.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a range of clients with real or simulated cardiorespiratory conditions from a range of ages

a range of real or simulated medical or allied health professional referrals for a range of referred clients with cardiorespiratory conditions and risk factors

relevant documentation such as client record forms

demonstration of skills on sufficient occasions to determine competence in interpreting relevant information and delivering the prescribed exercise program for a range of clients with a range of cardiorespiratory conditions.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of consulting with clients and carers and adjusting standard exercise prescriptions in consultation with an appropriate medical or allied health professional to account for a range of cardio- respiratory conditions and risk factors to focus on functional capacity and health rather than physical fitness

observation of dealing effectively with a range of contingencies such as real or simulated client injuries or inability to complete the exercise prescription

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the physiology of cardiorespiratory conditions, medications and associated risk factors

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing work performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISFFIT524A Deliver prescribed exercise to clients with metabolic conditions.

Guidance information for assessment


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication skills appropriate to the age and values of referred clients with cardiorespiratory conditions

problem-solving skills to identify adverse signs and symptoms requiring intervention and unsafe exercise performance and to recommend appropriate changes in consultation with an appropriate medical or allied health professional

team work skills to work collaboratively with medical or allied health professionals according to legal and ethical conditions

literacy and numeracy skills to enable the accurate interpretation of referrals and to record client exercise programs and calculate and adjust exercise duration and frequency

analytical skills to interpret information on the health and functional status of clients with cardiorespiratory conditions in terms of their medical conditions, risk factors, medical treatments and exercise history

decision making skills to determine appropriate instructional techniques

literacy skills to accurately document and report on client progress

instructional skills to ensure safe and appropriate application of the exercise program

report writing skills to relay written information to both client and referral source

Required knowledge

structure and function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to enable understanding of cardiovascular responses to exercise and their relationship to cardiorespiratory conditions and the needs of clients including:

structure of the heart, coronary circulation and cardiac conduction including abnormalities

the interrelationship between the phases, timing and heart sounds of the cardiac cycle

cardiovascular physiology and regulation of the cardiovascular system

respiratory physiology

circulatory and respiratory volume changes occurring in response to exercise, the structural and physiological changes consistent with the pathology of cardiorespiratory conditions in relation to the needs of the client

body systems and their relationship to cardiorespiratory exercise to support safe and effective exercise outcomes including:

musculoskeletal system and its relationship to safe and effectively rehabilitate exercise outcomes

nervous system and its relationship to the control of cardiovascular regulation and respiration

digestive system and its relationship to good health

causes and consequences of cardiorespiratory conditions in the context of their effect on exercise capacity and the role of physical activity in managing cardiorespiratory conditions and enhancing health

coronary risk factors in relation to screening, fitness testing and exercise participation

contraindications associated with cardiorespiratory conditions to enable the provision, monitoring and adjustment of safe and effective exercise

classes of medications used to manage cardiorespiratory conditions, their effects on the condition, potential interactions of exercise and medication, and effect on exercise performance

common clinical tests used to evaluate functional capacity and the normal and abnormal values of physiological responses of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in relation to these tests

recognised recommendations for exercise testing and prescription for cardiorespiratory conditions

medical and anatomical terminology to interpret referrals from medical or allied health professionals

motivational psychology to enable identification and mitigation of barriers to exercise adherence

nutritional aspects of cardiovascular disease

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe and effective exercise planning delivery and evaluation and to maintain the confidentiality of client information.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Medical or allied health professional may include:

sports physician

sports doctor

general practitioner

physiotherapist

accredited exercise physiologist

occupational therapist

remedial massage therapist

chiropractor

osteopath

accredited practising dietician

psychologist

aboriginal health worker.

Cardiorespiratory condition may include:

Asthma (controlled)

Hypertension: controlled

Anaemia

Coronary artery disease

stable angina

Relevant legislation may include:

Occupational Health and Safety

duty of care

privacy

codes of practice

fair trading.

Organisational policies and procedures must include:

Occupational Health and Safety

emergency procedures

risk management

use of client record systems

collection and use of client information

equipment use and maintenance

incident reporting

client history gathering procedures

client referral procedures.

Risk factors may include:

family history such as myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, sudden cardiovascular death before 55 years of age in father or other male first-degree relative or before 65 years of age in mother or other female first degree relative

cigarette smoker

hypertension; systolic blood pressure of =140 mm Hg or diastolic =90 mm Hg confirmed by measurement on at least two separate occasions, or taking any antihypertensive medication

hypercholesterolaemia; total serum cholesterol of >5.0 mmol/l or high density lipoprotein cholesterol of <1.0 mmol/l, or on lipid-lowering medication

impaired fasting glucose; fasting blood glucose of =6 mmol/L by measurements on at least 2 separate occasions

obesity; body mass index of =30kg/m2 or waist girth of > 100cm for males, = 88cm for women or waist/height ratio of = 0.5 cm

sedentary lifestyle; persons not participating in a regular exercise program or accumulating 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity most days of the week.

Goals and needs analysis may include:

timeframes

appropriate exercise program adjustments

barriers

motivation

stage of readiness for behaviour change

opportunities and enablers.

Methods to enhance exercise adherence may include:

rewards for attendance and participation

statement of intent

perceived choice

goal setting.

Records may include:

electronic

hand written.

Cardiorespiratory conditioning may include:

Choice of exercises and location:

appropriate to condition and health needs

emphasis on functional capacity and activities of daily living such as mobility

gait, coordination, balance limitations

low initial fitness level, easily fatigued

inefficient movement

possible cognitive impairment

integration with muscular training:

prior improvement in strength, balance and range of motion

use of exercise machines and circuit training

low fitness level and need for gradual progression.

Muscular conditioning may include:

muscular endurance

muscular strength

muscular power.

Instructional techniques may include:

establishing rapport

instructional position

communication

demonstration and motivational strategies

positive feedback.

Exercise program may include:

Program variables include mode, intensity, frequency, duration and volume

exercise variety

logical progression.

Exercise equipment may include:

cardiorespiratory equipment:

stepper

rowing machine

stationary bicycle

treadmill

free weight equipment

resistance training machines

aquatic equipment

resistance bands.

Monitor client responses may include:

rating of perceived exertion (RPE)

heart rate measures

'talk test'

direct observation.

Symptoms requiring intervention may include:

pain, discomfort or other typical symptoms of angina equivalent in the chest, neck, jaw, arms or other areas that may be due to ischemia

shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion

dizziness or syncope

orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

palpitations or tachycardia or bradycardia

intermittent claudication

unusual fatigue or shortness of breath with usual activities

acute febrile illness or sickness

complaint

unaccustomed lack of functional strength

signs and symptoms of acute inflammations and infections such as fever, temperature, redness

fractures

recent muscle injury

haematoma

joint instability

acute and or sudden joint swelling

neck soreness or strain

pain on movement of any body part

inability to bear weight through a limb

cyanosis.

Procedures to respond to symptoms requiringintervention must include:

cessation of activity

first aid

emergency medical assistance

referral.

Signs of unstable condition may include:

fatigue and weakness

cardiac pain

breathlessness

oedema

palpitations

claudication pain

dizziness.

Lifestyle modifications may include:

moderation of alcohol consumption

cessation of smoking

increased incidental activity

stress reduction

provision of health eating guidelines

provision of healthier choices.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Receive exercise referral from an accredited exercise physiologist, or relevant medical or allied health professional. 
Confirm exercise referral has sufficient detail to allow flexibility for modifications to accommodate progression of the client. 
Become familiar with typical adverse signs and symptoms that may arise during exercise for this pathology. 
Consult with a relevant medical or allied health professional as necessary. 
Discuss with the client their complete exercise history and their cardiorespiratory condition and co-morbidities and record information according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Explain the physiology of cardiorespiratory conditions and associated risk factors to the client in simple terms and confirm client understanding. 
Explain to the client the causes and consequences of specific cardiorespiratory considerations in the context of their effect on exercise capacity and conditions. 
Explain to the client the role of physical activity and exercise in managing cardiorespiratory conditions and enhancing health. 
Confirm the outcomes of a goals and needs analysis in collaboration with the client and the medical or allied health professionals if appropriate. 
Explain to the client their need to be referred back to a medical or allied health professional if their condition becomes unstable. 
Identify any potential barriers to exercise and discuss methods to enhance exercise adherence with the client. 
Clarify any areas of concern with the relevant medical or allied health professional in conjunction with the client. 
Obtain the informed consent of the client and maintain the client's records according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Undertake appropriate fitness assessments as required. 
Work with the accredited exercise physiologist or medical or allied health professional to deliver an exercise plan in accordance with recognised exercise recommendations, fitness test results, client limitations, and potential interactions of medications. 
Explain to the client the different roles of cardiorespiratory conditioning and muscular conditioning, and the reasons for their inclusion as part of the client's exercise prescription. 
Explain to the client the exercise variables to be delivered in the context of managing their specific cardio respiratory conditions. 
Apply instructional techniques to ensure safe and appropriate application of the exercise program by the client. 
Demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of selected exercise equipment and report or address any unsafe equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Monitor perceived exercise intensity and make adjustment as required. 
Assess the client's performance and explain and correct any unsafe exercise procedures. 
Monitor client responses for any typical signs and symptoms requiring intervention that may occur during exercise. 
Apply procedures to respond to signs and symptoms requiring intervention as required according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Recognise signs of an unstable condition and refer the client back to an appropriate medical or allied health professional. 
Report outcomes to referral source as well as client. 
Revise the client's record and advise the referral source of suggested changes to the exercise program if required. 
Obtain information about the client's current lifestyle. 
Discuss possible barriers to behaviour change and delivery of healthy eating practices. 
Provide information in accordance with healthy eating guidelines for to improve general health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. 
Recommend other lifestyles changes to improve current disease status. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISFFIT523A - Deliver prescribed exercise to clients with cardiorespiratory conditions
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Assessment Record Sheet

SISFFIT523A - Deliver prescribed exercise to clients with cardiorespiratory conditions

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