What is an Exercise Physiologist?

Exercise physiologists are university-qualified health professionals who specialise in delivering exercise interventions to individuals experiencing acute, sub-acute and chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities. Exercise physiologists can provide services to any individual experiencing a condition in which exercise has been proven to provide benefit.

Common conditions include:

• Cardiovascular

• Musculoskeletal

• Mental Health

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

• Neurological

• Cancers

• Respiratory and Pulmonary

• Cerebral Palsy

• Diabetes

• Obesity

Why is exercise important for children and adolescents?

Performing regular physical activity is important for people of all ages, however it is particularly important for kids as evidence has shown it can improve:

• Heart and lung development

• Blood flow to vital organs and muscles

• Muscle strength and endurance

• Coordination and motor skill performance

• Immune health

• Brain function and development

• Mood, behaviour and concentration

• Bone development

• Weight management

• Likelihood of developing disease and illness

How much exercise should children be doing?

Children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years should aim to perform 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic-based activity per day, and muscle strengthening activities at least 3 days per week.

In addition to this, long periods of sitting should be avoided, recreational screen time should be limited to no more than 2 hours, and kids should aim for 8 to 11 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Independent Consulting Exercise Physiologists at Adelaide Paediatrics

We are very proud to have Bradley Harvey consulting in his private practice providing clinic-based exercise therapy from Adelaide Paediatrics Mile End and Morphett Vale locations, as well as offsite in schools and homes when necessary.

References: essa.org.au; exerciseright.com.au