Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:53 AM AWST
22/07/2026 4:53 AM 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 clients with cardiorespiratory conditions
Deliver prescribed exercise to clients with cardiorespiratory conditions
Unit of competency
National Code
SISFFIT523A
SISFFIT523A
State Code
D6239
D6239
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
60
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to deliver prescribed exercise programs to stable clients with cardiorespiratory conditions in collaboration with medical or allied health professionals.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Consult with referred clients presenting with stable cardiorespiratory conditions.
- 1.1. Receive exercise referral from an accredited exercise physiologist, or relevant 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 a relevant medical or allied health professional as necessary.
- 1.5. Discuss with the client their complete exercise history and their cardiorespiratory condition and co-morbidities and record information according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.6. Explain the physiology of cardiorespiratory 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 cardiorespiratory considerations 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 cardiorespiratory 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 their need to be referred back to a medical or allied health professional if their condition becomes unstable.
- 1.11. 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 relevant 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 the accredited exercise physiologist or medical or allied health professional 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 conditioning 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 cardio respiratory conditions.
- 2.5. Apply instructional techniques to ensure safe and appropriate application of the exercise program by the client.
- 2.6. 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. Report outcomes to referral source as well as 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 delivery of healthy eating practices.
- 4.3. Provide information in accordance with healthy eating guidelines for to improve general health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- 4.4. 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.
Cardiorespiratory condition may include:
Asthma (controlled)
Hypertension: controlled
Anaemia
Coronary artery disease
stable angina
Relevant legislation may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
duty of care
privacy
codes of practice
fair trading.
Organisational policies and procedures must include:
Occupational Health and Safety
emergency procedures
risk management
use of client record systems
collection and use of client information
equipment use and maintenance
incident reporting
client history gathering procedures
client referral procedures.
Risk factors may include:
family history such as myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, sudden cardiovascular death before 55 years of age in father or other male first-degree relative or before 65 years of age in mother or other female first degree relative
cigarette smoker
hypertension; systolic blood pressure of =140 mm Hg or diastolic =90 mm Hg confirmed by measurement on at least two separate occasions, or taking any antihypertensive medication
hypercholesterolaemia; total serum cholesterol of >5.0 mmol/l or high density lipoprotein cholesterol of <1.0 mmol/l, or on lipid-lowering medication
impaired fasting glucose; fasting blood glucose of =6 mmol/L by measurements on at least 2 separate occasions
obesity; body mass index of =30kg/m2 or waist girth of > 100cm for males, = 88cm for women or waist/height ratio of = 0.5 cm
sedentary lifestyle; persons not participating in a regular exercise program or accumulating 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
Goals and needs analysis may include:
timeframes
appropriate exercise program adjustments
barriers
motivation
stage of readiness for behaviour change
opportunities and enablers.
Methods to enhance exercise adherence may include:
rewards for attendance and participation
statement of intent
perceived choice
goal setting.
Records may include:
electronic
hand written.
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:
establishing rapport
instructional position
communication
demonstration and motivational strategies
positive feedback.
Exercise program may include:
Program variables include mode, intensity, frequency, duration and volume
exercise variety
logical progression.
Exercise equipment may include:
cardiorespiratory equipment:
stepper
rowing machine
stationary bicycle
treadmill
free weight equipment
resistance training machines
aquatic equipment
resistance bands.
Monitor client responses may include:
rating of perceived exertion (RPE)
heart rate measures
'talk test'
direct observation.
Symptoms requiring intervention may include:
pain, discomfort or other typical symptoms of angina equivalent in the chest, neck, jaw, arms or other areas that may be due to ischemia
shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion
dizziness or syncope
orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
palpitations or tachycardia or bradycardia
intermittent claudication
unusual fatigue or shortness of breath with usual activities
acute febrile illness or sickness
complaint
unaccustomed lack of functional strength
signs and symptoms of acute inflammations and infections such as fever, temperature, redness
fractures
recent muscle injury
haematoma
joint instability
acute and or sudden joint swelling
neck soreness or strain
pain on movement of any body part
inability to bear weight through a limb
cyanosis.
Procedures to respond to symptoms requiringintervention must include:
cessation of activity
first aid
emergency medical assistance
referral.
Signs of unstable condition may include:
fatigue and weakness
cardiac pain
breathlessness
oedema
palpitations
claudication pain
dizziness.
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.
Cardiorespiratory condition may include:
Asthma (controlled)
Hypertension: controlled
Anaemia
Coronary artery disease
stable angina
Relevant legislation may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
duty of care
privacy
codes of practice
fair trading.
Organisational policies and procedures must include:
Occupational Health and Safety
emergency procedures
risk management
use of client record systems
collection and use of client information
equipment use and maintenance
incident reporting
client history gathering procedures
client referral procedures.
Risk factors may include:
family history such as myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, sudden cardiovascular death before 55 years of age in father or other male first-degree relative or before 65 years of age in mother or other female first degree relative
cigarette smoker
hypertension; systolic blood pressure of =140 mm Hg or diastolic =90 mm Hg confirmed by measurement on at least two separate occasions, or taking any antihypertensive medication
hypercholesterolaemia; total serum cholesterol of >5.0 mmol/l or high density lipoprotein cholesterol of <1.0 mmol/l, or on lipid-lowering medication
impaired fasting glucose; fasting blood glucose of =6 mmol/L by measurements on at least 2 separate occasions
obesity; body mass index of =30kg/m2 or waist girth of > 100cm for males, = 88cm for women or waist/height ratio of = 0.5 cm
sedentary lifestyle; persons not participating in a regular exercise program or accumulating 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
Goals and needs analysis may include:
timeframes
appropriate exercise program adjustments
barriers
motivation
stage of readiness for behaviour change
opportunities and enablers.
Methods to enhance exercise adherence may include:
rewards for attendance and participation
statement of intent
perceived choice
goal setting.
Records may include:
electronic
hand written.
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:
establishing rapport
instructional position
communication
demonstration and motivational strategies
positive feedback.
Exercise program may include:
Program variables include mode, intensity, frequency, duration and volume
exercise variety
logical progression.
Exercise equipment may include:
cardiorespiratory equipment:
stepper
rowing machine
stationary bicycle
treadmill
free weight equipment
resistance training machines
aquatic equipment
resistance bands.
Monitor client responses may include:
rating of perceived exertion (RPE)
heart rate measures
'talk test'
direct observation.
Symptoms requiring intervention may include:
pain, discomfort or other typical symptoms of angina equivalent in the chest, neck, jaw, arms or other areas that may be due to ischemia
shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion
dizziness or syncope
orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
palpitations or tachycardia or bradycardia
intermittent claudication
unusual fatigue or shortness of breath with usual activities
acute febrile illness or sickness
complaint
unaccustomed lack of functional strength
signs and symptoms of acute inflammations and infections such as fever, temperature, redness
fractures
recent muscle injury
haematoma
joint instability
acute and or sudden joint swelling
neck soreness or strain
pain on movement of any body part
inability to bear weight through a limb
cyanosis.
Procedures to respond to symptoms requiringintervention must include:
cessation of activity
first aid
emergency medical assistance
referral.
Signs of unstable condition may include:
fatigue and weakness
cardiac pain
breathlessness
oedema
palpitations
claudication pain
dizziness.
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 professionals regarding relevant health and functional status of the referred client and discusses aspects of exercise prescription with clients.
when appropriate, reacts to adverse events to deal with exercise program problems and issues
ability to correctly interpret the exercise prescription and makes modifications consistent with prescribed parameters and scope of practice
safely and effectively delivers exercise for referred clients with cardiorespiratory 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 clients.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure demonstration of skills over a period of time within a facility where a variety of exercise modes and equipment are available to support effective exercise for clients with cardiorespiratory conditions.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a range of clients with real or simulated cardiorespiratory conditions from a range of ages
a range of real or simulated medical or allied health professional referrals for a range of referred clients with cardiorespiratory conditions and risk factors
relevant documentation such as client record forms
demonstration of skills on sufficient occasions to determine competence in interpreting relevant information and delivering the prescribed exercise program for a range of clients with a range of cardiorespiratory 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 consulting with clients and carers and adjusting standard exercise prescriptions in consultation with an appropriate medical or allied health professional to account for a range of cardio- respiratory conditions and risk factors to focus on functional capacity and health rather than physical fitness
observation of dealing effectively with a range of contingencies such as real or simulated client injuries or inability to complete the exercise prescription
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the physiology of cardiorespiratory conditions, medications and associated risk factors
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:
SISFFIT524A Deliver prescribed exercise to clients with metabolic conditions.
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 professionals regarding relevant health and functional status of the referred client and discusses aspects of exercise prescription with clients.
when appropriate, reacts to adverse events to deal with exercise program problems and issues
ability to correctly interpret the exercise prescription and makes modifications consistent with prescribed parameters and scope of practice
safely and effectively delivers exercise for referred clients with cardiorespiratory 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 clients.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure demonstration of skills over a period of time within a facility where a variety of exercise modes and equipment are available to support effective exercise for clients with cardiorespiratory conditions.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a range of clients with real or simulated cardiorespiratory conditions from a range of ages
a range of real or simulated medical or allied health professional referrals for a range of referred clients with cardiorespiratory conditions and risk factors
relevant documentation such as client record forms
demonstration of skills on sufficient occasions to determine competence in interpreting relevant information and delivering the prescribed exercise program for a range of clients with a range of cardiorespiratory 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 consulting with clients and carers and adjusting standard exercise prescriptions in consultation with an appropriate medical or allied health professional to account for a range of cardio- respiratory conditions and risk factors to focus on functional capacity and health rather than physical fitness
observation of dealing effectively with a range of contingencies such as real or simulated client injuries or inability to complete the exercise prescription
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the physiology of cardiorespiratory conditions, medications and associated risk factors
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:
SISFFIT524A Deliver prescribed exercise to clients with metabolic conditions.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C7922 | SRFFSP007A | Plan and deliver exercise for moderate risk clients with cardio-respiratory considerations | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J769 | SIS50213 | Diploma of Fitness | Qualification |
| D444 | SIS50210 | Diploma of Fitness | Qualification |