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:

Apply current physical activity recommendations for clients with metabolic syndrome
explain current recommendations, eg, American College of Sports Medicine, Active Australia, US Surgeon General, to client with metabolic syndrome
explain appropriate and optimum activity level to alter each component of metabolic syndrome
explain to what extent physical activity can alter components of metabolic syndrome

Apply factors motivating adults with health risks to be physically active
effective programs to include preference and need for
moderate activity
social interaction
non-competitive and non-judgmental setting
activities to address specific health concerns, eg, weight loss
barriers to adherence in clients with health risks
perceived vs actual barriers
initial low fitness level and probable overweight/obesity
time and access to facilities
self-consciousness in client
concerns for health
peer and family support

Cardio-respiratory conditioning
choice of modes within context of client preferences and recommendations for client with metabolic syndrome
integration with muscular conditioning (resistance training)
emphasis on body weight loss and control
gradual progression and expected outcomes

Components of an exercise session

importance of warm-up and cool-down in context of client's health needs

incorporation of stretching

role of different conditions methods in health context

muscular conditioning

cardiorespiratory conditioning

balance of different methods

health justification of each components

time efficiency

Ensure client safety
individuals and groups
formal (ie, class) and informal (eg, individual, exercise sessions)
equipment set-up and maintenance, including circuits for clients with metabolic syndrome
appropriate apparel and footwear
education on importance of footwear and checking feet for cuts for client with impaired glucose tolerance
client instruction on safe practices
formal instruction during class, induction or personal training
informal instruction and correction
effective and non-judgmental approach
written materials and displays addressing specific needs of client with metabolic syndrome

Exercise leadership and an ability to design an exercise session for clients with metabolic syndrome
individual and group instruction
formal and informal instruction
class instruction
supervision in exercise settings, eg, gym floor
induction of new client
education of client
importance of warm-up and cool-down in context of client with metabolic syndrome
importance of stretching and inclusion of stretching in program
roles of different aspects of conditioning in context of altering components of metabolic syndrome
muscular conditioning
cardio-respiratory conditioning
balance of different aspects
health justification for inclusion of each
time efficient exercise sessions to address client needs

Exercise variables that can be altered in the exercise prescription
mode
intensity
duration
frequency
interplay of each variable in exercise prescription for client with metabolic syndrome
role of both cardio-respiratory and muscular conditioning in altering components of metabolic syndrome
optimum combination for client with metabolic syndrome, in context of altering each component

Muscular conditioning
role in altering components of metabolic syndrome
safe and effective technique
specific exercises to include and avoid
appropriate work - rest intervals, numbers of sets and repetitions
moderate intensity, avoidance of maximum lifts
posture
consideration of contraindications if hypertension or other health concerns
selection of equipment, eg, free weights vs weight machines
gradual progression and expected outcomes

Potential risks to clients
hyperthermia and dehydration
soft-tissue injury
muscle soreness
shortness of breath
irregular heart beat, chest pain
fainting, dizziness
heart attack or other cardiac event

Role of physical activity in preventing and treating metabolic syndrome
definition of metabolic syndrome and components
hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity, glucose intolerance
role of abdominal obesity
synergistic effects of more than one component
effects of physical activity on each component
mechanisms by which physical activity modifies each component
answer client's questions about benefits of exercise in controlling each component of metabolic syndrome

Techniques to monitor client responses
rating of perceived exertion (RPE)
heart rate measures
'talk test'
direct observation
attention to possible fluctuations in blood glucose levels and dehydration

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 of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories from the Range Statement applicable to the learner's work environment. In particular, assessment must confirm the ability to
apply principles of exercise prescription into practical exercise delivery and instruction for the client with moderate risk of metabolic syndrome
explain and discuss with clients all aspects of the exercise prescription and reasons for inclusion of specific components in the context of metabolic syndrome
lead and instruct exercise for individual and group clients with moderate risk of metabolic syndrome
monitor safe and effective exercise practices
correct exercise technique when required
maintain exercise equipment and setting appropriate for clients with metabolic syndrome
apply risk assessment procedures in exercise settings serving clients with moderate risk of metabolic syndrome
recognise and act on evidence that a client is not coping with demands of a particular exercise, or is showing contraindications, or experiencing signs or symptoms of disease
demonstrate appropriate emergency procedures in the exercise setting
demonstrate appropriate attitudes, empathy and manner when working with clients with moderate risk of metabolic syndrome
incorporate methods to enhance exercise adherence and enjoyment for clients with moderate risk of metabolic syndrome

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit must be assessed after attainment of competency in the following unit(s)
SRFAHN001A Make referrals and work collaboratively with allied health professionals where appropriate
SRFAHN002A Receive and respond to rehabilitation referrals for allied health professionals
SRFFIT012B Utilise an understanding of motivational psychology with fitness clients
SRFFIT014A Provide advice on the application of basic anatomy and physiology to fitness programs
SRFFSP001A Provide body composition management programming for moderate risk clients
SRFFSP003A Plan and deliver exercise to promote physical and psychological well-being in low and moderate risk clients
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)
SRFFIT017A Provide nutrition information to clients with specific requirements in accordance with recommended guidelines

Required knowledge and skills
Required knowledge
Definition and health risks of metabolic syndrome
Causes and contributing factors to metabolic syndrome
Health risk of each component of metabolic syndrome
Recommended values for each component of metabolic syndrome
Modification of exercise prescription for clients with or moderate risk of metabolic syndrome
Effects of physical activity on each component of metabolic syndrome
Different roles of cardio-respiratory and muscular conditioning on each component of metabolic syndrome
Structure of an exercise session for clients with metabolic syndrome
Expected fitness levels and progress in clients with metabolic syndrome
Factors likely to affect exercise adherence in clients with metabolic syndrome
Contraindications, signs and symptoms of untoward events that may occur during exercise in clients with metabolic syndrome
Importance of hydration and footwear for the client with impaired glucose tolerance
Required skills
Exercise leadership for individuals and groups
Exercise instruction over a variety of modes recommended for clients with metabolic syndrome
Exercise equipment maintenance
Safe exercise procedures using a variety of exercise modes
Use of different methods to monitor exercise intensity and client response to exercise
Structure of the exercise session for the client with metabolic syndrome
Educating client about the health benefits of exercise in the context of prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome

Resource implications
Physical resources - assessment of this competency requires access to
interaction with actual or simulated clients with or moderate risk of metabolic syndrome. Work with actual clients should be under direct supervision. Interaction should occur in an appropriate setting in which these clients are likely to exercise, eg, fitness centre, using a variety of exercise equipment and modes, as well as free-walking, eg, outdoor walking. Actual or simulated clients should be overweight and have at least one additional component of metabolic syndrome to be addressed in assessment
appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace, such as client progress forms, correspondence with referring allied health professionals, and instructional materials, eg, brochures, displays
Human resources - assessment of this 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
There is wide range of clients with metabolic syndrome who would exhibit several interrelated risk factors, eg, overweight/obesity, high blood pressure. Due to issues such as safety requirements and delivery of appropriate techniques this unit of competency must be assessed over at least three (3) occasions, preferably up to five (5) different occasions to include a range of clients with different components of metabolic syndrome 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 health, fitness and physical activity for clients with moderate risk of metabolic syndrome. These clients are very different from young, healthy and fit clients in a number of ways that are critical to delivery of exercise programs
This unit of competency should be assessed through observation of processes and procedures demonstrated by working with real or simulated clients, oral and written questioning on required knowledge and skills (especially those relating to the role of physical activity in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome), and the manner and attitude when dealing directly with these clients
Where performance is not directly observed or is required to be demonstrated over time or in different locations, evidence may be authenticated by supervisors or clients or other qualified individuals provided that the person authenticating this evidence has directly witnessed the interactions with client(s) and that this authentication addresses issues specifically relating to delivery of exercise for clients with or moderate risk of metabolic syndrome

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
Discuss with client role of physical activity in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome, explain role of activity in altering each component of metabolic syndrome, and how these are addressed in exercise session (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Incorporate exercise prescription and other information about client into planning and delivering exercise session, instruction and education of client (2)

Planning and organising activities
Major responsibility for organising, leading and delivering exercise session in safe and effective manner that client finds enjoyable and thus likely to continue (3)

Working with others and in teams
Liaise with allied health professionals providing the exercise prescription about the client's progress and responses to exercise (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Use of some quantitative techniques such as heart rate monitoring, estimation of body fat levels, rating of perceived exertion (2)

Solving problems
Monitor client responses to exercise and make appropriate adjustments to exercise considering client's needs and responses (2)

Using technology
Use of exercise equipment, heart rate monitors (possibly), various exercise techniques, eg, Pilates, Swiss ball (2)