Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:41 PM AWST
22/07/2026 1:41 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Deliver prescribed exercise to older clients with chronic conditions
Deliver prescribed exercise to older clients with chronic conditions
Unit of competency
National Code
SISFFIT531A
SISFFIT531A
State Code
D6247
D6247
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/12/2011
Field of Education
092103 - Sports Coaching, Officiating And Instruction
Original Release Date
22/12/2011
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to deliver exercise programs to referred older clients who present with risk of an adverse event or exacerbation of impairment during exercise, in collaboration with relevant medical or allied health professionals.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Consult with referred clients presenting with chronic conditions.
- 1.1. Receive exercise referral from a medical or allied health professional.
- 1.2. Confirm exercise referral has sufficient detail to allow flexibility for modifications to accommodate progression of the client.
- 1.3. Become familiar with typical adverse signs and symptoms that may arise during exercise for this pathology.
- 1.4. Consult with an appropriate medical or allied health professional as necessary.
- 1.5. Discuss with the client their complete exercise history and their chronic condition and co-morbidities and record information according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.6. Explain the physiology of chronic conditions and associated risk factors to the client in simple terms and confirm client understanding.
- 1.7. Explain to the client the causes and consequences of specific chronic conditions in the context of their effect on exercise capacity and conditions.
- 1.8. Explain to the client the role of physical activity and exercise in managing chronic conditions and enhancing health.
- 1.9. Confirm the outcomes of a goals and needs analysis in collaboration with the client and the medical or allied health professionals if appropriate.
- 1.10. Explain to the client and their family members where necessary their need to be referred back to a medical or allied health professional if their condition becomes unstable.
- 1.11. Establish client needs and identify any potential barriers to exercise, and discuss methods to enhance exercise adherence with the client.
- 1.12. Clarify any areas of concern with the referring medical or allied health professional, in conjunction with the client.
- 1.13. Obtain the informed consent of the client and maintain the client's records according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
2. Deliver prescribed exercise programs.
- 2.1. Undertake appropriate fitness assessments as required.
- 2.2. Work with medical or allied health professionals to deliver an exercise plan in accordance with recognised exercise recommendations, fitness test results, client limitations, and potential interactions of medications.
- 2.3. Explain to the client the different roles of cardiorespiratory and muscular conditioning, and the reasons for their inclusion as part of the client's exercise prescription.
- 2.4. Explain to the client the exercise variables to be delivered in the context of managing their specific cardiorespiratory conditions.
- 2.5. Apply instructional techniques to ensure safe and appropriate application of the exercise program by the client.
- 2.6. Demonstrate how modifications to the exercise can incorporate the different needs of older clients
- 2.7. Demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of selected exercise equipment and report or address any unsafe equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
3. Monitor and review clients responses to the prescribed exercise program.
- 3.1. Monitor perceived exercise intensity and make adjustment as required.
- 3.2. Assess the client's performance and explain and correct any unsafe exercise procedures.
- 3.3. Monitor client responses for any typical signs and symptoms requiring intervention that may occur during exercise.
- 3.4. Apply procedures to respond to signs and symptoms requiring intervention as required according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 3.5. Recognise signs of an unstable condition and refer the client back to an appropriate medical or allied health professional.
- 3.6. Monitor progress and report outcomes to the client.
- 3.7. Revise the client's record and advise the referral source of suggested changes to the exercise program if required.
4. Provide advice regarding additional lifestyle modifications to enhance the management of the condition.
- 4.1. Obtain information about the client's current lifestyle.
- 4.2. Discuss possible barriers to behaviour change and implementation of healthy eating practices.
- 4.3. Recommend other lifestyles changes to improve current disease status.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Medical or allied health professional may include:
sports physician
sports doctor
general practitioner
physiotherapist
accredited exercise physiologist
occupational therapist
remedial massage therapist
chiropractor
osteopath
accredited practising dietician
psychologist
aboriginal health worker
diabetes educator.
Chronic conditions may include:
asthma
autoimmune diseases
cancer
cardiovascular diseases
chronic fatigue
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
diabetes
hepatitis
osteoarthritis
osteoporisis
renal failure
rheumatoid arthritis.
Relevant legislation may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
duty of care
privacy
codes of practice
fair trading.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
emergency procedures
risk management
use of client record systems
collection and use of client information
equipment use and maintenance
client supervision
incident reporting
client screening procedures
client referral procedures.
Risk factors may include:
family history
obesity
joint trauma and injury
menopause in females
repetitive occupational use
physical inactivity
eating disorders
low body weight and calcium intake
smoking.
Client needs may include:
consideration of adaptations of older clients
methods of instruction
time delivery to achieve outcomes
changes to environment and or spaces
adaptation and modification of equipment.
Cardiorespiratory conditioning may include:
Choice of exercises and location:
appropriate to condition and health needs
emphasis on functional capacity and activities of daily living such as mobility
gait, coordination, balance limitations
low initial fitness level, easily fatigued
inefficient movement
possible cognitive impairment
integration with muscular training:
prior improvement in strength, balance and range of motion
use of exercise machines and circuit training
low fitness level and need for gradual progression.
Muscular conditioning may include:
muscular endurance
muscular strength
muscular power.
Instructional techniques may include:
transitions between exercises or games
class structure variations
communication skills
verbal and visual instructions relevant to client conditions
technique correction.
Exercise programs may include:
cardiovascular
strength training
flexibility
agility
balance
posture and core stability
fundamental movement skills
aquatic exercise.
Modifications may include:
accommodations for the physical changes and unstable health conditions
accommodations for the social and psychological changes that occur with ageing
Older clients may include:
adults 50 years and over with:
one chronic condition
multiple conditions
Exercise equipment may include:
treadmill
cycle
ergometers
rowing machine
dumbbells and strength training equipment
small equipment
chairs
balance equipment
interactive equipment
circuit-based equipment
aquatic.
Symptoms requiring interjection may include:
shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion
dizziness or syncope
orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
palpitations or tachycardia
intermittent claudication
unusual fatigue or shortness of breath with usual activities
illness or sickness
lack of functional strength
neck soreness or strain
pain on movement of any body part.
Procedures to respond to signs and symptoms requiring intervention may include:
cessation of activity
first aid
emergency medical assistance
referral.
Unstable condition may include:
musculoskeletal
sensory impairment
dementia
metabolic conditions
physical disabilities
neurological disorders
joint replacement
claudication
angina
stroke
COPD and or COAD.
Lifestyle modifications may include:
moderation of alcohol consumption
cessation of smoking
increased incidental activity
stress reduction
provision of health eating guidelines
provision of healthier choices.
Medical or allied health professional may include:
sports physician
sports doctor
general practitioner
physiotherapist
accredited exercise physiologist
occupational therapist
remedial massage therapist
chiropractor
osteopath
accredited practising dietician
psychologist
aboriginal health worker
diabetes educator.
Chronic conditions may include:
asthma
autoimmune diseases
cancer
cardiovascular diseases
chronic fatigue
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
diabetes
hepatitis
osteoarthritis
osteoporisis
renal failure
rheumatoid arthritis.
Relevant legislation may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
duty of care
privacy
codes of practice
fair trading.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
emergency procedures
risk management
use of client record systems
collection and use of client information
equipment use and maintenance
client supervision
incident reporting
client screening procedures
client referral procedures.
Risk factors may include:
family history
obesity
joint trauma and injury
menopause in females
repetitive occupational use
physical inactivity
eating disorders
low body weight and calcium intake
smoking.
Client needs may include:
consideration of adaptations of older clients
methods of instruction
time delivery to achieve outcomes
changes to environment and or spaces
adaptation and modification of equipment.
Cardiorespiratory conditioning may include:
Choice of exercises and location:
appropriate to condition and health needs
emphasis on functional capacity and activities of daily living such as mobility
gait, coordination, balance limitations
low initial fitness level, easily fatigued
inefficient movement
possible cognitive impairment
integration with muscular training:
prior improvement in strength, balance and range of motion
use of exercise machines and circuit training
low fitness level and need for gradual progression.
Muscular conditioning may include:
muscular endurance
muscular strength
muscular power.
Instructional techniques may include:
transitions between exercises or games
class structure variations
communication skills
verbal and visual instructions relevant to client conditions
technique correction.
Exercise programs may include:
cardiovascular
strength training
flexibility
agility
balance
posture and core stability
fundamental movement skills
aquatic exercise.
Modifications may include:
accommodations for the physical changes and unstable health conditions
accommodations for the social and psychological changes that occur with ageing
Older clients may include:
adults 50 years and over with:
one chronic condition
multiple conditions
Exercise equipment may include:
treadmill
cycle
ergometers
rowing machine
dumbbells and strength training equipment
small equipment
chairs
balance equipment
interactive equipment
circuit-based equipment
aquatic.
Symptoms requiring interjection may include:
shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion
dizziness or syncope
orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
palpitations or tachycardia
intermittent claudication
unusual fatigue or shortness of breath with usual activities
illness or sickness
lack of functional strength
neck soreness or strain
pain on movement of any body part.
Procedures to respond to signs and symptoms requiring intervention may include:
cessation of activity
first aid
emergency medical assistance
referral.
Unstable condition may include:
musculoskeletal
sensory impairment
dementia
metabolic conditions
physical disabilities
neurological disorders
joint replacement
claudication
angina
stroke
COPD and or COAD.
Lifestyle modifications may include:
moderation of alcohol consumption
cessation of smoking
increased incidental activity
stress reduction
provision of health eating guidelines
provision of healthier choices.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
communicates effectively with accredited exercise physiologist or relevant medical or allied health professional regarding relevant health and functional status of the referred client
effective communication skills to discuss aspects of exercise prescription with clients
when appropriate, react to adverse events to deal with exercise program problems and issues
ability to correctly interpret the exercise prescription and make modifications consistent with prescribed parameters and scope of practice
safely and effectively delivers exercise for older clients with chronic conditions and recommends appropriate alterations according to client's physical and motivational responses
monitors and maintains the safety of clients, exercise equipment and the exercise setting and applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with problems and issues that may arise during the exercise program
applies all relevant legal and ethical requirements when discussing and recording client information
demonstrates appropriate manner, empathy and patience when working with older clients
develops a variety of sessions for physical activity classes for a range of client groups of older clients with chronic conditions
modifies individual exercises to accommodate the specific needs of the client
evaluates exercise sessions and modifies exercise plans according to feedback received from clients and own evaluation.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure training of multiple exercise sessions that are of sufficient duration and breadth to allow the demonstration of competency and consistency of performance
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a facility or venue where a variety of exercise modes and equipment are available, such as a weights gym, pool, exercise room and open air
a range of real or simulated medical or allied health professional referrals for a range of older clients with chronic conditions
relevant documentation such as client record forms
a range of participant groups composed of older adults with a variety of chronic conditions.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of instructing and monitoring exercise classes for older clients with unstable conditions
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of ageing process, specific medical conditions and how these relate to effective exercise planning
portfolio of plans for physical activity programs for older clients with different unstable conditions
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing work performance.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
communicates effectively with accredited exercise physiologist or relevant medical or allied health professional regarding relevant health and functional status of the referred client
effective communication skills to discuss aspects of exercise prescription with clients
when appropriate, react to adverse events to deal with exercise program problems and issues
ability to correctly interpret the exercise prescription and make modifications consistent with prescribed parameters and scope of practice
safely and effectively delivers exercise for older clients with chronic conditions and recommends appropriate alterations according to client's physical and motivational responses
monitors and maintains the safety of clients, exercise equipment and the exercise setting and applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with problems and issues that may arise during the exercise program
applies all relevant legal and ethical requirements when discussing and recording client information
demonstrates appropriate manner, empathy and patience when working with older clients
develops a variety of sessions for physical activity classes for a range of client groups of older clients with chronic conditions
modifies individual exercises to accommodate the specific needs of the client
evaluates exercise sessions and modifies exercise plans according to feedback received from clients and own evaluation.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure training of multiple exercise sessions that are of sufficient duration and breadth to allow the demonstration of competency and consistency of performance
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a facility or venue where a variety of exercise modes and equipment are available, such as a weights gym, pool, exercise room and open air
a range of real or simulated medical or allied health professional referrals for a range of older clients with chronic conditions
relevant documentation such as client record forms
a range of participant groups composed of older adults with a variety of chronic conditions.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of instructing and monitoring exercise classes for older clients with unstable conditions
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of ageing process, specific medical conditions and how these relate to effective exercise planning
portfolio of plans for physical activity programs for older clients with different unstable conditions
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing work performance.
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J769 | SIS50213 | Diploma of Fitness | Qualification |
| D444 | SIS50210 | Diploma of Fitness | Qualification |