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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Identify client fitness requirements.
  2. Develop program plans.
  3. Instruct exercise session.
  4. Evaluate program.
  5. Identify client fitness requirements.
  6. Develop program plans.
  7. Instruct exercise session.
  8. Evaluate program.

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role. This must include period(s) totalling at least five hours comprising at least five different client contact sessions and:

use industry endorsed pre-exercise screening tools and risk stratification processes to identify the risk level of at least ten older clients

prepare referral letters to relevant medical or appropriate allied health professionals with supporting pre-exercise health screening documentation for at least two older clients

plan, document, implement and evaluate suitable exercise programs within scope of practice for older clients:

three clients that don’t require guidance or instruction provided by medical or allied health professionals

two clients in response to guidance or instruction provided by medical or allied health professionals

conduct sessions that incorporate:

appropriate selection and monitoring of a range of equipment appropriate for the client’s functional ability, according to industry guidelines

demonstration, explanation, and instruction of exercises

injury prevention strategies specific to client needs and to minimise the risk of falls

suitable order and sequence of activities

session components that target the needs and goals of the individual

suitable duration, intensity, volume

ongoing clear and constructive feedback to clients and, where required, medical or allied health professionals

use of evidence based exercise adherence strategies

minimise the risk of falls

variations and structure suitable to the needs of the older client

provision of hydration and rest opportunities as required

explanation of the role of exercise and incidental physical activity in prevention of chronic diseases and functional decline that may or may not be associated with ageing and reducing the risk of falls

modify programs for clients, addressing at least three of the following:

technical requirements

changing needs due to fitness adaptations

changing goals

client needs, objectives, likes and dislikes

technical difficulty adjustments of exercises

medical or allied health professional feedback

conduct periodic ongoing evaluation of outcomes from fitness programs in accordance with the established program goals and industry best practice.


Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

legislative and regulatory requirements regarding specific population exercise participation:

privacy

anti-discrimination

work health and safety/occupational health and safety

duty of care

organisational policies and procedures in regards to specific population exercise participation:

industry endorsed risk management protocols, exercise implications and referral requirements

overcrowding

ventilation and/or climate control

hygiene

emergency

standards of personal presentation

participant’s clothing and footwear

use, care and maintenance of equipment

precautions to exercise relevant to the older adults in accordance with industry guidelines where applicable

signs and symptoms of exercise intolerance and appropriate management strategies

situations where cessation of exercise program is required, this may include but is not limited to:

chest pain at rest or during activity

severe breathlessness/feeling faint/dizziness/loss of balance

unusual fatigue or shortness of breath

asthma aggravation/attack

significant muscle, bone or joint pain (beyond what is normally expected during exercise)

situation whereby the fitness professional makes a judgement that continuing the session is beyond their professional capabilities and scope of practice, and could potentially compromise client health and safety

role of medical or allied health professionals for referral processes:

accredited exercise physiologist

accredited practising dietician

chiropractor

continence nurse advisor

general practitioner

occupational therapist

osteopath

physiotherapist

podiatrist

psychologist

remedial massage therapist

sports doctor

typical anatomical and physiological considerations for older adults

common barrier to exercise participation:

perceived versus actual barriers

initial low fitness level

time and access to facilities

self-consciousness in client

methods to overcome barriers to exercise adherence:

goal setting

feedback

healthy habits

health-related components of fitness:

body composition

flexibility

muscle strength

muscle endurance

cardiovascular endurance

awareness of major types of injuries or conditions that may present in older clients that may require referral to a relevant medical or appropriate allied health professional:

sprains

musculoskeletal

cardiovascular

respiratory

other

importance of strength and balance training in falls prevention

exercise considerations in regards to the following components of ageing process, injuries and conditions:

physiological

biomechanical

psychological

behavioural change and social needs

lifestyle and cultural

general population characteristics

awareness of the following injury risks or considerations that may be related to older clients:

inadequate skill and physical preparation

overtraining

biomechanics and exercise technique

physical and mental preparation

poor core and postural awareness

fatigue and recovery

history of falls

incontinence

benefits of exercise related to older populations:

increased muscle mass

maintenance of bone health

joint health

minimising fat levels to prevent disease

improved ability to function in everyday tasks and reduced risk of functional decline that is often associated with ageing

prevention of chronic disease related to sedentary lifestyles and ageing

reduced risk of falls

concepts of healthy ageing

risks of leading a sedentary ageing lifestyle:

falls

low bone density

cardiovascular deficiency.