关于美国运动生理学的简介
The Exercise Physiologist
The Exercise Physiologist is an allied health professional who prescribes exercise programs, also for cardiac and pulmonary patients referred by a physician, and educates people about the benefits of exercise; the EP performs evaluation and assessment of cardiovascular and metabolic effects, as well as the mechanisms of exercise; EP studies acute and chronic physiological adaptation to physical activity, and helps active people and athletes to improve and maintain their health & fitness level or performance.
Many Exercise Physiologists might choose to devote their career to the study and research of diseases and chronic conditions to improve the health and quality of life of the general population. Nonetheless, the main focus of the study of exercise physiology remains the improvement of athletic performance.
The ASEP defines Exercise Physiology as "the identification of physiological mechanisms underlying physical activity, the comprehensive delivery of treatment services concerned with the analysis, improvement, and maintenance of health and fitness, rehabilitation of heart disease and other chronic diseases and/or disabilities, and the professional guidance and counsel of athletes and others interested in athletics, sports training, and human adaptability to acute and chronic exercise."
» Education requirements
Most Exercise Physiologists hold a master's degree, and in many cases this is the minimum level of education required. However, depending on the job settings, an undergraduate degree might still be accepted. For those interested in cardiac rehabilitation a master's degree is a requirement. Accredited programs are offered by many universities and schools. Also a list of accredited academic institutions is available at the AESP web site.
In general, the educational programs for a degree in exercise physiology or exercise science should includes the following courses:
Human anatomy & physiology
General chemistry
Biomechanics
Kinesiology
Exercise testing & prescription
Sports nutrition
ECG interpretation & exercise testing
An internship program, in a clinical setting or at the school itself, is also part of the curriculum; this practical experience should help the students to improve their skills and knowledge for the profession.
» Certifications
As an health allied professional, the Exercise Physiologist must have a professional certification offered by a recognized organization.
The Center for Exercise Physiology (CEP), an independent professional organization, is responsible for accreditation of academic programs, board certification, and regulating the profession through title protection and licensure. Candidates must pass a written multiple-choice exam and a practical exam that evaluates the hands-on laboratory skills and knowledge within exercise physiology. In addition to the exam, EPCs must maintained continuing education credits (more info).
The ACSM's Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist is another well recognized high standard certification for Exercise Physiologists.
In Canada, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) has its Health & Fitness Program of certifications.
» Job settings and responsibilities
Exercise Physiologists can find work in various type of settings such as colleges and universities, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, sport and athletic programs, and health and fitness facilities.
They can be hired as sports and wellness program instructors and directors; teachers or academic researchers; managers and exercise leaders in corporate wellness programs; exercise specialists in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs; sports consultants in areas of biomechanics, metabolism, kinesiology, and nutrition.
In clinical settings, the Exercise Physiologists prescribe exercises for cardiac and pulmonary patients referred by a physician; conduct exercise programs for health maintenance, cardiac risk identification, and rehabilitation; in a corporate setting, the EP provides health and fitness evaluation, exercise prescription, and overall program management in spas, health clubs, or recreation centers; in sports medicine clinics, the EP helps in the prevention and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.
» Salary
The salary of an Exercise Physiologist, as it is for most professionals in sports medicine, depends mostly on a variety of factors such as degree level, location, and certification. However, it has been evaluated that the salary might range from $25,000 to $75,000, with an average of $45,000.
» Main organizations
American Society of Exercise Physiologists
The ASEP is a national non-profit professional organization committed to the advancement of exercise physiologists. Founded in 1997 in the state of Minnesota, the Society provides a forum for leadership and exchange of information to stimulate discussion and collaboration among exercise physiologists active in all aspects of the profession. The Society works to set standards for exercise physiologists through ASEP-approved curricula in universities and colleges in the United States.
Objectives of ASEP
Unify exercise physiologists to promote and support the professionalization of exercise physiology.
Promote exchange of ideas and information regarding all phases of exercise physiology.
Encourage the implementation of academic programs to meet the diverse interests and career opportunities in exercise physiology.
Promote the exchange of scientific information between ASEP and organizations interested in health promotion, disease prevention, rehabilitation, sports fitness, and athletic training.
Set the agenda, enhance, and increase visibility of the exercise physiology profession.
Commit to quality and integrity in exercise physiology through adherence to a formalized code of professional responsibility.
The ASEP Professional Journal is Professionalization of Exercise Physiology online
The Journal of Exercise Physiology online is also published by the ASEP.
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology is a voluntary organization composed of professionals interested and involved in the scientific study of exercise physiology, exercise biochemistry, fitness and health. The CSEP (then known as the Canadian Association of Sport Sciences), was founded at the Pan American Games, Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1967 - the result of four years of cooperative efforts by the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Mission Statement
To promote the generation, synthesis, transfer and application of knowledge and research related to exercise physiology (encompassing physical activity, fitness, health, and human performance).
Vision
To be recognized as the Canadian scientific authority on exercise physiology, health and fitness, providing a continuum of service from those who drive the science to those who implement/apply the science.
Guiding Principles
To promote and foster the growth of the highest quality research and education in exercise physiology.
To provide a national forum (committees and networks) for Canadians whose interests coincide with exercise physiology.
To recognize the regional diversity of Canada and offer equal opportunity for persons within CSEP regardless of age, gender, race or disability.
To apply the knowledge derived from research in exercise physiology.
The official publication of the CSEP is the Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology
Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science
The Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science (AAESS) is a professional organisation which is committed to establishing, promoting and defending the career paths of tertiary trained exercise and sports science practitioners, who are in turn committed to best practice and client well-being. The central tenet of our profession is that: "Exercise and Sports Science is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the understanding and enhancement of human movement in the broadest sense, including general physical activity pursuits such as goal oriented fitness regimens and recreational sport as well as elite sport and the area of performance enhancement. It includes the knowledge, methods and applications of subdisciplines (ie. exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and motor development, exercise and sport psychology) as well as how they interact."
AAESS was officially founded in 1991 to meet the professional needs of exercise and sports scientists in Australia. It is directed by an Executive Board comprised of leading academics and practitioners in these fields and is supported by a growing number of regional chapters throughout Australia. AAESS is an incorporated body and its constitution has been registered with the Australian Securities Commission.
» Sources
Information for this section was taken from the following sources:
American Society of Exercise Physiologists
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
Australian Association for Exercise and Sport Science
