Exercise Physiology

Exercise Physiology

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 SHOLD KIDS 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. 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.

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY AT ADELAIDE PAEDIATRICS

We are very proud to have Andrew Bradley and Bradley Harvey as part of our team-providing clinic based exercise therapy from our Mile End and Morphett Vale locations, as well as offsite in schools and homes when necessary.