Evaluation of the Establishment of Clinical Exercise Physiologist role in New Zealand

Summary

This report is of an evaluation conducted by Universal College of Learning (UCOL), regarding the establishment of the Clinical Exercise Physiologist role in New Zealand. Health Workforce New Zealand funded the establishment of the role from 2012 to 2014, and the evaluation.

The UCOL evaluation has demonstrated positive results for the establishment of the Clinical Exercise Physiologist role in New Zealand and the benefits of collaboration between public, private and non government organisations.

The evaluation included three projects: the provision of Clinical Exercise Physiologist services at UCOL U-Kinetics Te Huinga Waiora (U-Kinetics), a demonstration of the role of Clinical Exercise Physiologists in aged care, and career pathways initiatives offered through the UCOL Health Academy.

The evaluation highlights are:

• Since 2012, 31 students have completed the postgraduate diploma and gained employment
• Clients referred to the U-Kinetics 12 week programme have demonstrated significant improvements in measures for physical and mental health, and physical fitness, as well as small percentage improvements for body composition
• Significant improvements in balance, ability to undertake the activities of daily living and improvements in strength and mobility were demonstrated by the elderly clients of the aged care provider, Lavender Blue, in an eight week home-based project.
• 43 students involved in the career pathway project used the programme as a foundation for further study in health.