Abstract
The clinical application of exercise physiology is exemplified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) Core Competencies for Cardiac Rehabilitation Professionals.1 Specifically, all four process categories (Needs Assessment, Goal Setting, Intervention, and Outcome Evaluation) include extensive reference to exercise physiology in content category D (Restoration of Functional Capacity). The AACVPR Competency Guidelines for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Professionals2 also include exercise as one of six content categories within the three major clinical process categories. In addition, the American Heart Association's Greater Los Angeles Affiliate published Guidelines for Cardiac Rehabilitation Centers3 that list nine specific accountabilities for the professional skilled in exercise training/conditioning. These accountabilities encompass administration and interpretation of physiologic assessments, exercise prescription, monitoring and modification of ongoing exercise programming, and education of patients or family members. There is ample support for the prominent role of exercise application in the clinical environment.