Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Role of physical activity in health and disease prevention may include:
major causes of disease and disability in Australian adults:
effects of physical activity in prevention
effects of physical activity in management of disease and disability
mechanisms by which physical activity alters disease risk
answer questions by clients about health benefits of physical activity.
Chronic lifestyle disease or disability may include:
hypertension
type 2 diabetes
obesity
cardiovascular disease
dislipidemia
musculoskeletal conditions
mental health problems
asthma
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
osteoporosis
sarcopenia.
Risk factors may include:
family history
smoking
hypertension
hypercholesterolaemia
impaired fasting glucose
obesity
sedentary lifestyle
alcohol
dietary imbalances
age
co-morbidities.
Current recommendations regarding physical activity may include:
position statements and recommendations by recognised bodies
national physical activity guidelines
evidence based research.
Exercise variables may include:
mode
intensity
frequency
duration.
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.
Methods of measuring physical activity may include:
diary
log
recall
self report
direct observation
pedometer
accelerometer
calorimetry.
Factors affecting participation in physical activity may include:
personal factors
social factors
environmental factors
cultural factors
education factors.
Health promotion activities may include:
population approaches
individual approaches.
Sources of relevant information may include:
state , national and international support organisations
books
journals
internet sites
research studies
medical and allied health professionals.
Behavioural change models may include:
health belief model
protection motivation theory
theory of reasoned action
theory of planned behaviour
social cognitive model
self efficacy
trans-theoretical model
Client physiological responses may include:
heart rate
rating of perceived exertion (RPE)
'talk test'
direct observation.
Records may include:
electronic
hand written
questionnaires
pre-exercise screening forms
medical clearance and referral
physical activity recall
exercise programming cards
diaries
attendance records.
Risk factors may include:
family history
smoking
hypertension
hypercholesterolaemia
impaired fasting glucose
obesity
sedentary lifestyle
alcohol
dietary imbalances
age
co-morbidities.
Health promotion strategies may include:
screening, individual risk factor assessment
education and skill development
social marketing
health information
environmental approaches
public policy
workforce initiatives
community action
settings and supportive environments.
Factors motivating adults to be physically active and influencing exercise adherence may include:
client need and preference for:
moderate activity
social interaction
non-competitive setting
non-judgmental interactions and instruction
activity specifically addressing health concerns and risks
barriers to participation:
perceived versus actual
initial low fitness level
time
access
health risks and concerns
peer and family support
possibly overweight.
Population sub-groups considered 'at risk' may include:
a group identified through statistics to be less likely to be physically active or able to access or afford programs or facilities that encourage active participation
young adolescents
people with chronic disease or disability
indigenous Australians
people from non-English speaking backgrounds
older adults
women especially mothers with young children
middle age
adults with low education and or low socio-economic status.
Settings for health promotion interventions may include:
worksites
schools
community based
health.
Determinants of physical activity may include:
demographic or biological variables
psychological factors
socio-cultural factors
physical environmental factors
behavioural attributes or skills
physical activity characteristics.

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:
demonstrates understanding and application of current exercise recommendations to promote health, reduce risk factors and prevent chronic lifestyle disease
designs, implements and evaluates health promotion activities to improve the health status of groups or individuals
uses effective communication strategies to lead and instruct physical activity sessions, and to deliver education and training activities to promote good health
monitors and maintains the safety of participants, exercise equipment and the exercise setting when delivering health promotion interventions
provides appropriate motivational strategies to effect a positive behaviour change in participants
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure demonstration of skills over a period of time within a setting where a variety of exercise modes and equipment are available to deliver physical activity sessions
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a range of clients from a range of ages who do not meet the minimum level of physical activity to gain health benefit
a suitable setting for the implementation of a physical activity intervention
relevant documentation such as client health screening forms, physical activity logs or questionnaires, other record forms
demonstration of skills on sufficient occasions to determine competence in interpreting relevant client information, and designing, delivering and evaluating health promotion activities to promote health, reduce risk factors and prevent chronic disease.
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 the delivery of health promotion activities including physical activity sessions
written plans of physical activity intervention strategies
samples of health promotion materials, client records and support materials
observation of dealing effectively with a range of contingencies such a range of clients with varied risk factors or health conditions
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the relationship between physical activity and chronic disease, behaviour change principles, exercise recommendations and health promotion principles
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing work performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISXIND405A Conduct projects
SISFFIT523A Deliver prescribed exercise to clients with cardiorespiratory conditions
SISFFIT524A Deliver prescribed exercise to clients with metabolic conditions