Government acknowledges healing power of exercise

Sep 12, 2005

Enquiries for professional degree in exercise physiology expected to soar

Thanks to a recent decision by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Mr Tony Abbott -- being hailed as setting the standard for world-wide health care -- one course at the University of Wollongong is about to gain a lot more popularity among prospective students.

The Federal Government has decided to include the services of university trained exercise physiologists under Medicare’s allied health measure. From 1 January 2006, exercise physiologists will be among the allied health professionals able to provide Medicare services to people with chronic and complex illnesses.

Exercise physiologists provide exercise therapy to prevent and assist in the management of chronic diseases. They can improve the health of people with chronic and complex medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and arthritis. They can also help patients with dementia, osteoporosis and depression, as well as people who have had a stroke, and do so by tailoring the exercise prescription to the current needs of the individual.

Head of Biomedical Science at the University of Wollongong, Associate Professor Paul Else, commented on a successful project completed in 2004, targeting people recently diagnosed with diabetes which, in collaboration with Illawarra Division of General Practice, provided evidence of how exercise can be used to improve the health of individuals.

The project conducted by Master of Science student, Mr Chris Tsar, in groundbreaking research, showed conclusively that exercise could be used to control blood sugar levels, improve cardiovascular parameters, increase strength and condition and improve mood in this population. This research project has now developed into an ongoing program through the Illawarra Division of General Practice with GPs referring patients (particularly those with Type-2 diabetes) to a program that offers individualised exercise prescription able to be carried out at home or through the Beaton Park Leisure Centre. The exercise intervention is monitored by students of Exercise Science.

Professor Else said that the Government’s decision was undoubtedly influenced by the very high level of support from the Illawarra Division of General Practice, from the Divisions of Practice in general, and from the Australian College of General Practice, and would have an enormous impact on increasing the recognition of the profession.

Professor Else said the announcement could be credited to the work of the professional body, the Australian Association for Exercise and Sport Science, with which UOW through its students and staff has had a long-standing connection.

For further information contact Associate Professor Paul Else on 4221 3496 or Mr Owen Curtis 4221 3493.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128