Exercise & Sports Science Australia ( ESSA )
scientific knowledge , methods and applications in the areas of physiology ; biomechanics ; psychology ; and motor control and motor development . They evaluate research , and they advise on the technical and practical aspects of training ; injury prevention ; technique ; performance and recovery practices . Sports scientists work at all levels of sport .
Most exercise science graduates do not work in occupations where they are titled “ Exercise Scientist ” and are often employed as cardiac scientists , sleep technicians or corporate and workplace health consultants . Many also work in the fitness industry as personal trainers . ESSA is committed to expanding the public ’ s awareness of an exercise scientist ’ s competencies and is particularly motivated to see the consumer become informed about the qualifications of their trainers .
The AEP profession has seen rapid growth in recent years , triggered by the decision of the then Health Minister Hon Tony Abbott to provide AEPs with access to Medicare provider numbers in 2006 . AEP services are now the fourth most utilised allied health service in the Medicare-funded chronic disease management program , with demand increasing 900 % since 2006 . This demand is expected to continue because :
• AEPs are increasingly recognised by medical and other allied health practitioners for their skills in chronic disease prevention and management
• the incidence of chronic diseases is expected to rise significantly in coming decades
• the evidence underpinning the efficacy of exercise in preventing and treating chronic disease and its cost effectiveness is strong ( ESSA position statements , Exercise is Medicine factsheets , scores of Cochrane reviews )
ESSA believes AEPs are still an underutilised allied health profession who have the potential to positively impact the health of many Australian including those with special requirements such as older people and those living with a mental illness or a disability .
ESSA has been a passionate advocate of the sports science profession for many years ,