Exercise scientists 

Exercise scientists are 3 or 4 year university trained exercise and sports science/ human movement studies graduates. They specialise in the design, implementation and evaluation of exercise and physical activity. They provide intervention for improving general health, prevention of chronic diseases,  and sports performance enhancement.

Exercise physiologists

Exercise physiologists are 4-year university qualified allied health professionals who specialise in the delivery of exercise, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and injuries. EPs provide physical activity and behaviour change support for clients with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depressions, cancer, arthritis, COPD and many more.

ESSA provides the national accreditation program for exercise physiologists. Accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs) are recognised as allied health professionals and are eligible to register with Medicare Australia, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, WorkCover and have recognition among a number of health insurers.

AEP Scope of Practice v2 [323kb pdf]

Sports scientists

Sports scientists are 3 or 4 year university trained exercise and sports science/ human movement studies graduates. They specialise in helping an individual athlete or team to improve their sporting performance through the uses of scientific knowledge, methods and applications in the area of physiology, biomechanics, psychology, motor control and motor development. They evaluate research, assess and advise on the technical and practical aspects of training, injury prevention, technique analysis, and nutrition, optimisation of performance, and recovery practices in all areas and levels of sport.