Editing Exercise physiology (section)

==Education in exercise physiology==

Accreditation programs exist with professional bodies in most developed countries, ensuring the quality and consistency of education. In Canada, one may obtain the professional certification title – Certified Exercise Physiologist for those working with clients (both clinical and non clinical) in the health and fitness industry. In Australia, one may obtain the professional certification title - Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) through the professional body [https://www.essa.org.au/ Exercise and Sports Science Australia] (ESSA). In Australia, it is common for an AEP to also have the qualification of an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES). The premiere governing body is the [[American College of Sports Medicine]].{{cn|date=April 2025}}

An exercise physiologist's area of study may include but is not limited to [[biochemistry]], [[bioenergetics]], [[cardiopulmonary]] function, [[hematology]], [[biomechanics]], [[skeletal muscle]] physiology, [[neuroendocrine]] function, and central and peripheral [[nervous system]] function. Furthermore, exercise physiologists range from basic scientists, to clinical researchers, to clinicians, to sports trainers.{{cn|date=April 2025}}

Colleges and universities offer exercise physiology as a program of study on various different levels, including undergraduate, graduate degrees and certificates, and doctoral programs.  The basis of Exercise Physiology as a major is to prepare students for a career in the field of health sciences.  A program that focuses on the scientific study of the physiological processes involved in physical or motor activity, including sensorimotor interactions, response mechanisms, and the effects of injury, disease, and disability. Includes instruction in muscular and skeletal anatomy; molecular and cellular basis of muscle contraction; fuel utilization; neurophysiology of motor mechanics; systemic physiological responses (respiration, blood flow, endocrine secretions, and others); fatigue and exhaustion; muscle and body training; physiology of specific exercises and activities; physiology of injury; and the effects of disabilities and disease. Careers available with a degree in Exercise Physiology can include: non-clinical, client-based work; strength and conditioning specialists; cardiopulmonary treatment; and clinical-based research.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Paul |title=Careers in Exercise Physiology |url=http://www.americankinesiology.org/featured-careers/featured-careers/exercise-physiology |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103015707/http://www.americankinesiology.org/featured-careers/featured-careers/exercise-physiology |archive-date=2018-01-03 |access-date=2012-04-18}}</ref>

In order to gauge the multiple areas of study, students are taught processes in which to follow on a client-based level. Practical and lecture teachings are instructed in the classroom and in a laboratory setting. These include:
* '''Health and risk assessment''': In order to safely work with a client on the job, you must first be able to know the benefits and risks associated with physical activity. Examples of this include knowing specific injuries the body can experience during exercise, how to properly screen a client before their training begins, and what factors to look for that may inhibit their performance.{{cn|date=April 2025}}
* '''Exercise testing''':  Coordinating exercise tests in order to measure body compositions, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength/endurance, and flexibility. Functional tests are also used in order to gain understanding of a more specific part of the body. Once the information is gathered about a client, exercise physiologists must also be able to interpret the test data and decide what health-related outcomes have been discovered.{{cn|date=April 2025}}
* '''Exercise prescription''':  Forming training programs that best meet an individual's health and fitness goals. Must be able to take into account different types of exercises, the reasons/goal for a client's workout, and pre-screened assessments. Knowing how to prescribe exercises for special considerations and populations is also required. These may include age differences, pregnancy, joint diseases, obesity, pulmonary disease, etc.<ref>{{Cite book |last=American College of Sports Medicine |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780781769037 |title=ACSM's guidelines for exercise testing and prescription |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-7817-6903-7 |edition=8th |location=Philadelphia |url-access=registration}}</ref>

===Curriculum===

The curriculum for exercise physiology includes [[biology]], [[chemistry]], and [[applied sciences]]. The purpose of the classes selected for this major is to have a proficient understanding of human anatomy, human physiology, and exercise physiology. Includes instruction in muscular and skeletal anatomy; molecular and cellular basis of muscle contraction; fuel utilization; [[neurophysiology]] of motor mechanics; systemic physiological responses (respiration, blood flow, endocrine secretions, and others); fatigue and exhaustion; muscle and body training; physiology of specific exercises and activities; physiology of injury; and the effects of disabilities and disease. Not only is a full class schedule needed to complete a degree in Exercise Physiology, but a minimum amount of practicum experience is required and internships are recommended.<ref>{{Cite web |last=University |first=Ohio |title=Class Requirements |url=http://www.ohio.edu/chsp/ahsw/academics/exphu.cfm}}</ref>