Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statements provide advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competence, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. The Range Statements relate to the unit as a whole and helps facilitate holistic assessment. In addition, the following variables may be present for this particular unit of competency:

Actions resulting from evaluation of risk status
referral to a medical professional for further medical evaluation and clearance
clinical test
medical professional present for maximal testing
medical professional present for sub-maximal testing
fitness professional conducts sub-maximal testing

Allied health professionals

the following allied health professionals may be suitably credentialled

Physiotherapists

Chiropractors

Exercise Physiologist

Occupational Therapists

Osteopaths

Massage Therapists

Sports Physicians

Medical Practitioners

Podiatrists

Dieticians

Therapeutic recreation (Diversional Therapist)

Benefits of exercise for specific populations
improved functional capacity
improved quality of life
independence
decreased mortality
decreased morbidity
decrease in medication dosage
relief of symptoms

Clients

experienced or inexperienced

adult or children

specific populations with medical clearance

medical conditions or injury under the supervision of an appropriate health or medical professional

Contraindications to exercise

absolute

relative

risk of participation outweighs any perceived benefits

Exercise prescription guidelines
frequency of exercise
intensity of exercise
duration of exercise or volume of exercises
exercises or activities selected
order of the exercises
equipment utilised
duration of recovery

Exercise programs

resistance training

circuit training

endurance training

aerobic fitness

group exercise fitness class

aqua fitness class

circuit training

spinning

gentle exercise

aqua therapy

stretching class

Fitness appraisal

heart rate

blood pressure

range of motion

strength

anthropometric measurements

girth measurements

skin folds

basic sub-maximal appraisal of aerobic fitness capacity

tri-level bicycle ergometer test

step up test

treadmill

functional tests

Fitness equipment

free weights

pin loaded weights

hydraulic systems

air braked systems

cardiovascular/electronic equipment

aquatic equipment

group fitness equipment

bands

fitball

Fitness facilities

weights room

aerobic room

pool

community setting

Level of risk
low risk
moderate risk
high risk

Medical conditions

cardiovascular disease

coronary artery disease

hypertension

congestive heart failure

arteriosclerosis

peripheral vascular disease

cerebrovascular disease

pulmonary disease

chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder

asthma

metabolic disease or conditions

diabetes

obesity

thyroid disorder

pregnancy

musculoskeletal conditions

rheumatoid arthritis

osteoarthritis

osteoporosis

lower back pain

cognitive/emotional/sensory disorders

depression

anxiety

hearing impairment

visual impairment

intellectual impairment

Alzheimer's

immunological disorders

acquired immune deficiency syndrome

hepatitis

glandular fever

chronic fatigue

neurological disease

spinal cord injury

cerebral palsy

muscular dystrophy

Parkinson's disease

cancer

renal disease

liver disease

Medications

beta blockers

ace inhibitors

diuretics

calcium channel blockers

vasodilators

hormones - insulin

Medical professional

general practitioner

medical specialist

Modifications to exercise or exercise programs
frequency of exercise
intensity of exercise
duration of exercise or volume of exercises
exclusion of selected exercises or activities
inclusion of selected exercises or activities
exercise variation
variation of postural position
order of the exercises
equipment utilised
range of movement
speed of movement

Pathology
the pathophysiology of the condition
variations of the pathophysiology of the disease/condition
the physical or physiological effects of the disease/condition
the psychological effects of the disease/condition
method of how a sufferer should be managed if complications arise during a fitness activity
effect of the condition on exercise behaviour

Poor signs of exercise tolerance
shortness of breath
pallor
dizziness or light-headedness
swelling of ankles
nausea or vomiting
fatigue
claudication
leg cramps

Pre-exercise screening

initial screening may consist of

questionnaire

interview

medical clearance

initial screening should determine whether the client

has a medical condition

has an injury

is on prescribed medication

forms used

pre-activity screening questionnaire

informed consent

medical clearance

information obtained

medical history

functional limitations

medication

lifestyle evaluation

fitness goals

exercise history

time availability

Risk status
known disease
increased risk - symptomatic
increased risk - asymptomatic
cardiac risk factors
aged
low risk

Social justice rights

Special requirements

rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries

pre-natal concerns for the mother and foetus

post-natal considerations for the mother

medical condition

Specific populations

individuals diagnosed with a selection of disease states or conditions which may limit or alter the capacity to exercise

specific populations - clients with specific physiological needs

asthmatic

diabetic

arthritic

osteoporotic

pregnant

older adult

obese

hypertensive

children

injured

specific disability or impairment

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competence and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statements.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment should confirm sufficient knowledge of exercise guidelines for specific populations.
Assessment must confirm integrated demonstration of all elements of competency and their performance criteria, in particular the ability to
identify specific population clients
apply knowledge of the pathology of the disease, condition or injury to exercise prescription and delivery
provide suitable advice to specific population clients about exercise participation
modify exercise delivery for specific population clients after referral and under the supervision of health professionals

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit must be assessed after attainment of competency in the following unit(s)
Nil
This unit must be assessed in conjunction with the following unit(s)
Nil
For the purpose of integrated assessment, this unit may be assessed in conjunction with the following unit(s)
SRFFIT004B Develop basic fitness programs
SRFGYM001B Instruct fitness activity skills to a client using fitness equipment

Required knowledge and skills
Required knowledge
Basic exercise science
The client induction and screening process
A industry standard risk evaluation process
The principles of training, exercise planning and programming
Basic biomechanics
Social justice rights
Occupational health and safety regulations and relevant industry standard equipment and safety requirements
Special needs and requirements of specific population groups
Required skills
Effective oral and written communication skills to obtain information in order to determine exercise requirements and exercise limitations
Interpersonal skills to develop rapport with a range of clients with specific needs
Ability to modify instructional techniques to accommodate differing needs of specific population clients
Safe operation of fitness equipment

Resource implications
Physical resources - assessment of this competency requires access to
a fitness centre with appropriate fitness equipment and facilities such as a weights gym, an exercise to music room, and/or a pool, and/or a community fitness setting
appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace including an industry standard screening tool
specific population fitness clients
Human resources - assessment of this unit of competency will require human resources consistent with those outlined in the Assessment Guidelines. That is, assessors (or persons within the assessment team) should
be competent in this unit
be current in their knowledge and understanding of the industry through provision of evidence of professional activity in the relevant area
have attained the National Competency Standards for Assessment: BSZ401A, BSZ402A and BSZ403A

Consistency in performance
Due to issues such as demonstrating safety requirements and delivery of appropriate techniques, this unit of competency must be assessed over a minimum of three (3) different occasions to ensure consistency of performance over the Range Statements and contexts applicable to the work environment

Context for assessment
This unit of competency must be assessed in the context of the fitness industry in Australia. For valid and reliable assessment the fitness activity or procedure should closely replicate the work environment. The environment should be safe, with the hazards, circumstances and equipment likely to be encountered in a real workplace
This unit of competency should be assessed through the observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on required knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes. Where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all categories in the Range Statement in the work environment, the remainder may be assessed through realistic simulations, case studies, projects or oral/written questioning of 'What if' scenarios.
Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a "period of time" and/or in a "number of locations", any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

These levels do not relate to the Australian Qualifications Framework. They relate to the seven areas of generic competency that underpin effective workplace practices.

The three levels of performance (1, 2 and 3) denote the level of competency required to perform the task:

1. Use routine approaches

2. Select from routine approaches

3. Establish new approaches

Please refer to the Assessment Guidelines for advice on how to use the Key Competencies.
Communicating ideas and information
Provide information to clients about exercise, refer clients to health professionals, consult with health professionals about suitable exercise programs (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
To identify medication conditions, disease states or injury, to determine specific requirements and needs, to research information about conditions, obtain information about medications (3)

Planning and organising activities
Deliver exercise programs, modify fitness activities to accommodate clients with specific needs (3)

Working with others and in teams
Network with a range of allied health and medical professionals, provide support and advice for a range clients with differing needs (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Apply concepts relating to physiological responses (1)

Solving problems
Deal with situations where clients rights and specific needs must be met, use information collected to determine most appropriate course of action (3)

Using technology
Utilise technology and fitness equipment to deliver exercise programs and liaise with health professionals (2)