The Physiological Society is the largest network of physiologists in Europe, representing scientists from over 60 countries. Whilst physiologists have a common interest in understanding how the body works, it is sometimes helpful to consider their discipline in a more focused way and we encourage our members to classify their interest by Themes and specialities. One of our most popular Themes is Human, Environmental & Exercise Physiology (HEEP), which is a large and vibrant network of exercise physiologists.
Over the last two years, members of HEEP have been engaged in the development of a pathway to establish and register Clinical Exercise Physiologists. Led by Prof Helen Jones at Liverpool John Moores University; this work has resulted in a forward roadmap which has recently been published.
Unlike in other countries, currently in the UK here is no regulator or register to ensure ‘Clinical Exercise Physiologists’ (CEPs) are safe to practice. The aim is for suitably qualified CEPs to join the professional standards authority (PSA) voluntary register. The register of ‘Clinical Exercise Physiologist’ will ensure that registrants are: appropriately trained, meet the scope of practice and standards of proficiency, have indemnity insurance, are committed to continued professional development, and are deemed ‘fit to practice’.
Those registered will be qualified specialists practicing in the development, prescription and delivery of evidence-based exercise interventions. All aspects of which are key to the prevention, treatment and long-term management of acute, sub-acute, chronic and complex conditions. CEPs will work as part of multi-disciplinary teams of research scientists and healthcare professionals across sectors and settings.
Chief Executive of The Physiological Society, Dariel Burdass said:
”Physical activity is an important factor in staying healthy and resilient and having registered Clinical Exercise Physiologists who are recognised as part of the allied health profession in the UK is important as it will improve standards of practice in exercise research, improve reproducibility and ultimately improve health outcomes for patients. The Society is fully supportive of this development.”
Professor David Paterson, President of The Physiological Society said:
“The Society’s recent work on advising how to maintain resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and improve public health as people get older has highlighted the vital role of physical activity in maintaining good health. Physiology plays a central role in designing evidence-led effective public interventions. Clinical Exercise Physiologists are an important part of our community of physiologists and we are pleased to support this roadmap.”
The Physiological Society looks forward to supporting the onward journey toward registration and to working with Helen Jones and the Steering Committee to play a part in supporting CEPs and their important work as part of the community of exercise physiologists.