Exercise Physiology

An Exercise Physiologist, or EP, is an Allied Health professional who has completed a minimum of 4 years of tertiary study and is accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). This ensures safe and effective exercise interventions are consistently followed for the prevention and management of chronic conditions and injuries. 

At CPA, our ESSA accredited EP’s deliver individual and group based therapy using evidence-based, targeted exercise intervention to manage health and fitness for people with cerebral palsy and similar conditions. They prescribe holistic exercise programs and deliver education to support a continued healthy lifestyle and improve the individual’s quality of life.

The many benefits of regular exercise include:

• Improved muscle strength
• Improved fitness
• Support development of a healthy lifestyle and long-term behaviour change
• Increased flexibility and mobility
• Improved mood and general feelings of wellbeing
• Reduced risk of co-morbidities or health conditions such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes
• Reduced anxiety, feelings of stress or risk of depression
• Reduced pain
• Improved sleep
• Improved immune system to reduce illness
• Increased self-esteem
• Improved balance for preventing falls and improving mobility and independence 
• Increase physical activity and sports participation
• Improved confidence in movement to increase regular physical activity 
• Support weight loss and weight management 
• Increased social and community participation
• Improved quality of life

• Achieving individual goals to help improve strength and fitness and build independence
• Maintaining your mobility and range of motion so you can move more freely at home or  in the community and complete daily activities with greater independence such as dressing and personal care
• Develop your skills for completing specific tasks such as kicking a ball or riding a bike
• Learning about how to live a healthy lifestyle and manage your weight
• Managing the impacts of your disability and prevention of other health conditions
• Being independent in your exercise program within the community
• Participating in other sport, recreation and leisure activities with your peers

Our fully accessible gym and clinic facilities offer people with cerebral palsy and similar conditions access to specialised equipment, in a practical and supportive exercise environment.

You can also access our exercise physiology services at our Allambie Heights hydrotherapy pool at, off site in community gyms and pools or virtually via telepractice.