Diploma in Exercise Referral
Official Accreditations:
Certified by the Fitness & Wellness Instructors Registration Authority of the United Arab Emirates
(The official licensing body for certified trainers in government-licensed gyms across the UAE)
Accredited by the official UK authority for sports coaching education and certification with international recognition
(Recognized in over 30 countries including the UK, European countries, all Arab nations, Canada, and Australia)
ABOUT COURSE
◼️ Diploma in Exercise Referral (Level 3)
With a focus on exercise therapy for patients with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and musculoskeletal disorders.
COURSE AUDIENCE (for whom this course can be useful)
◼️ Suitable for trainers aiming to work professionally alongside doctors, physiotherapists, and healthcare teams
◼️ Ideal for specialized fitness centers, rehabilitation clinics, and medical fitness therapy projects
PREREQUISITES
Participants must have one of the following documents:
◼️ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym/Exercise to Music or Aqua) or equivalent (including qualifications which give entry to the REPs Physical activity Advisor category)
◼️ Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training
◼️ Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Matwork
◼️ Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga
COURSE OUTLINE
◼️ ?
◼️ ?
◼️ ?
ASSESSMENT
◼️Multiple choice question paper
◼️Worksheet
◼️Practical Demonstration
◼️Session and Self Evaluation
◼️Case Study
LOCATION
◼️ UAE , Dubai
COURSE CONTENTS
| Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Health | |
|---|---|
| Learning Outcomes | Assessment Criteria |
| 1. Understand the heart and circulatory system and its relation to exercise and health | 1.1 Explain the function of the heart valves 1.2 Describe coronary circulation 1.3 Explain the effect of disease processes on the structure and function of blood vessels 1.4 Explain the short and long term effects of exercise on blood pressure, including the valsalva effect 1.5 Explain the cardiovascular benefits and risks of endurance/aerobic training 1.6 Define blood pressure classifications and associated health risks |
| 2. Understand the musculoskeletal system and its relation to exercise | 2.1 Explain the cellular structure of muscle fibres 2.2 Describe the sliding filament theory 2.3 Explain the effects of different types of exercises on muscle fibre type 2.4 Identify and locate the muscle attachment sites for the major muscles of the body 2.5 Name, locate and explain the function of skeletal muscle involved in physical activity 2.6 Identify the anatomical axis and planes with regard to joint actions and different exercises 2.7 Explain the joint actions brought about by specific muscle group contractions 2.8 Describe joints/joint structure with regard to range of motion/movement and injury risk 2.9 Describe joint movement potential and joint actions 2.10 Describe the structure of the pelvic girdle and associated muscles and ligaments |
| 3. Understand postural and core stability | 3.1 Describe the structure and function of the stabilising ligaments and muscles of the spine 3.2 Describe local muscle changes that can take place due to insufficient stabilisation 3.3 Explain the potential effects of abdominal adiposity and poor posture on movement efficiency 3.4 Explain the potential problems that can occur as a result of postural deviations 3.5 Explain the impact of core stabilisation exercise and the potential for injury/aggravation of problems 3.6 Explain the benefits, risks and applications of the following types of stretching: – static (passive and active) – dynamic – proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation |
| 4. Understand the nervous system and its relation to exercise | 4.1 Describe the specific roles of: – the central nervous system (CNS) – the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) including somatic and autonomic systems 4.2 Describe nervous control and transmission of a nervous impulse 4.3 Describe the structure and function of a neuron 4.4 Explain the role of a motor unit 4.5 Explain the process of motor unit recruitment and the significance of a motor unit’s size and number of muscle fibres 4.6 Explain the function of muscle proprioceptors and the stretch reflex 4.7 Explain reciprocal inhibition and its relevance to exercise 4.8 Explain the neuromuscular adaptations associated with exercise/training 4.9 Explain the benefits of improved neuromuscular coordination/efficiency to exercise performance |
| 5. Understand the endocrine system and its relation to exercise and health | 5.1 Describe the functions of the endocrine system 5.2 Identify the major glands in the endocrine system 5.3 Explain the function of hormones including: – growth hormone – thyroid hormones – corticosteroids – catecholamines – insulin – glucagon |
| 6. Understand energy systems and their relation to exercise | 6.1 Identify the contribution of energy according to: – duration of exercise/activity being performed – type of exercise/activity being performed – intensity of exercise/activity being performed 6.2 Identify the by-products of the three energy systems and their significance in muscle fatigue 6.3 Describe the effect of endurance training/advanced training methods on the use of fuel for exercise |
| Unit 2: Professional Practice for Exercise Referral Instructors | |
|---|---|
| Learning Outcomes | Assessment Criteria |
| 1. Understand the role and importance of exercise referral and related policies and key documents | 1.1 Explain the role of exercise referral in both the fitness industry and the health sector 1.2 Evaluate the general role of exercise in disease risk reduction and condition management 1.3 Outline the key points of government policies relating to exercise referral schemes 1.4 Outline key points from the Professional and Operational Standards for exercise referral |
| 2. Understand roles and responsibilities within an exercise referral scheme | 2.1 Explain the roles of the medical, health, and fitness professionals in an exercise referral scheme 2.2 Define the fitness professional’s scope of practice and the inter-professional boundaries within an exercise referral scheme 2.3 Describe how to deal with a patient who has a medical condition outside the scope of practice of the exercise referral instructor 2.4 Explain when to refer to other professionals including the original referrer 2.5 Explain how to determine ‘inappropriate referrals’ 2.6 Explain the importance of not accepting a patient who has been declined a referral for exercise from their medical practitioner or health professional 2.7 Explain the importance of effective inter-professional communication |
| 3. Understand the current healthcare systems in the UK | 3.1 Describe the role of Clinical Commissioning Groups 3.2 Identify key health service documents/policies and their impact on the healthcare system in relation to exercise referral |
| 4. Understand the exercise referral process | 4.1 Explain the process of receiving a referred patient from a healthcare professional 4.2 Describe the protocol for an initial patient consultation with the exercise referral instructor 4.3 Describe the principles of patient monitoring and data collection 4.4 Outline the medico-legal requirements relevant to the exercise referral instructor job role |
| 5. Understand the principles and procedures of record keeping | 5.1 Explain how patient confidentiality is maintained in an exercise referral scheme 5.2 Explain the concept of data protection 5.3 Explain the meaning of validity and reliability in relation to measurement of techniques and outcomes 5.4 Explain how to evaluate the quality and reliability of evidence |
| 6. Understand the concept of a patient-centred approach | 6.1 Explain how verbal and non-verbal communication, appearance and body language can influence patients’ perception 6.2 Describe a range of consulting skills 6.3 Explain the term ‘health behaviours’ 6.4 Explain locus of control |
| 7. Understand how to monitor a successful exercise referral scheme | 7.1 Describe techniques to monitor success for the patient and the scheme 7.2 Describe the importance of monitoring and evaluation in exercise referral |
| 8. Understand the principles of risk stratification in exercise referral | 8.1 Describe the principles of risk stratification 8.2 Explain the current use of risk stratification tools used in exercise referral |
| Unit 3: Understanding Medical Conditions for Exercise Referral | |
|---|---|
| Learning Outcomes | Assessment Criteria |
| 1. Understand the clinical features of medical conditions relevant to exercise referral programmes | 1.1 Describe the pathophysiology, and clinical signs and symptoms of specified medical conditions 1.2 Describe how pathophysiology, and clinical signs and symptoms change with progression of specified medical conditions 1.3 Describe the common causes of specified medical conditions |
| 2. Know the accepted methods for treatment and management of medical conditions relevant to exercise referral programmes | 2.1 Using a range of credible sources, identify the common drug, surgical or therapeutic interventions used to treat specified medical conditions 2.2 Describe the desired effects, and side effects, of common medications on the patient’s exercise response for specified medical conditions 2.3 Describe how lifestyle modification, including nutrition and physical activity changes, can be used in addition to medical therapies for specified medical conditions |
| 3. Understand the relationship between exercise and specified exercise referral medical conditions | 3.1 Explain the risks of exercise for patients with specified medical conditions 3.2 Explain how exercise can benefit patients with specified medical conditions 3.3 Evaluate the risks of exercise against the benefits for patients with specified medical conditions |
| 4. Understand how to programme safe, effective exercise programmes for patients with specified exercise referral medical conditions | 4.1 Outline exercise guidelines and restrictions for patients with specified medical conditions 4.2 Identify considerations for exercise when dealing with co-morbidities |
| Unit 4: Applying the Principles of Nutrition to a Physical Activity Programme | |
|---|---|
| Learning Outcomes | Assessment Criteria |
| 1. Understand the principles of nutrition | 1.1 Describe the structure and function of the digestive system 1.2 Explain the meaning of key nutritional terms including: diet, healthy eating, nutrition, balanced diet 1.3 Describe the function and metabolism of: macro nutrients, micro nutrients 1.4 Explain the main food groups and the nutrients they contribute to the diet 1.5 Identify the calorific value of nutrients 1.6 Explain the common terminology used in nutrition including: DRV, RDA, RDI, glycaemic index 1.7 Interpret food labelling information 1.8 Explain the significance of healthy food preparation 1.9 Explain the relationship between nutrition, physical activity, body composition and health including: disease links, cholesterol, types of dietary fat |
| 2. Understand key guidelines in relation to nutrition | 2.1 Identify the range of professionals and professional bodies involved in the area of nutrition 2.2 Explain key healthy eating advice that underpins a healthy diet 2.3 Describe the nutritional principles and key features of the National food model/guide 2.4 Define portion sizes in the context of the National food model/guide 2.5 Explain how to access reliable sources of nutritional information 2.6 Distinguish between evidence-based knowledge versus unsubstantiated marketing claims |
| 3. Understand nationally recommended practice in relation to providing nutritional advice | 3.1 Explain professional role boundaries with regard to offering nutritional advice to clients 3.2 Explain the importance of communicating health risks associated with weight loss fads and popular diets 3.3 Evaluate the potential health and performance implications of severe energy restriction, weight loss and weight gain 3.4 Identify clients at risk of nutritional deficiencies 3.5 Explain how cultural and religious dietary practices can influence nutritional advice 3.6 Describe safety, effectiveness and contraindications relating to protein and vitamin supplementation 3.7 Explain why detailed or complex dietary analysis involving major change should be referred to a Registered Dietician |
| 4. Understand the relationship between nutrition and physical activity | 4.1 Define the role of carbohydrate, fat and protein as fuels for aerobic and anaerobic energy production 4.2 Explain the components of energy expenditure and the energy balance equation 4.3 Explain how to calculate an estimate of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) 4.4 Explain how to estimate energy requirements based on physical activity levels and other relevant factors 4.5 Identify energy expenditure for different physical activities 4.6 Evaluate the nutritional requirements and hydration needs of physically active clients |
| 5. Understand how to collect information relating to nutrition | 5.1 Explain the importance of obtaining informed consent before collecting nutritional information 5.2 Describe the information that needs to be collected to offer nutritional advice 5.3 Explain the legal and ethical implications of collecting nutritional information 5.4 Describe different formats for recording nutritional information 5.5 Explain why confidentiality is important 5.6 Describe sensitive issues when collecting nutritional information 5.7 Explain different methods to measure body composition and health risk in relation to weight |
| 6. Understand how to use nutritional information | 6.1 Describe basic dietary assessment methods 6.2 Explain how to analyse and interpret collected info to identify client needs and goals 6.3 Interpret information from body composition and health risk assessments 6.4 Explain how to sensitively share results with clients 6.5 Recognise signs and symptoms of disordered eating 6.6 Describe industry guidance on managing users with suspected eating disorders 6.7 Explain when a client should be referred to a GP or Registered Dietician |
| 7. Understand the principles of nutritional goal setting with clients | 7.1 Explain how to apply the principles of goal setting in nutritional advice 7.2 Translate nutritional goals into healthy eating advice aligned with national guidelines 7.3 Explain when others should be involved in nutritional goal setting 7.4 Identify who might be involved 7.5 Identify barriers to achieving nutritional goals 7.6 Apply motivational strategies to encourage adherence 7.7 Explain the need to reassess clients’ body composition and health measures over time |
| 8. Be able to collect and analyse nutritional information | 8.1 Collect necessary information to provide healthy eating advice 8.2 Record client info and nutritional goals in approved format 8.3 Analyse info including nutritional needs and preferences in relation to client goals |
| 9. Be able to apply the principles of nutrition to a physical activity programme | 9.1 Use credible sources to inform goal setting 9.2 Design and agree nutritional goals based on analysis and national guidance 9.3 Ensure nutritional goals align with other parts of the programme 9.4 Agree review points 9.5 Review clients’ understanding of the advice 9.6 Monitor, evaluate, and review progress toward nutritional goals |
| Unit 5: Planning Exercise Referral Programmes with Patients | |
|---|---|
| Learning Outcomes | Assessment Criteria |
| 1. Understand how to prepare for exercise referral programmes | 1.1 Describe a range of resources required to deliver exercise referral programmes for individuals and groups, including: – environment for the session – portable equipment – fixed equipment 1.2 Explain how to work in environments that are not specifically designed for exercise/physical activity |
| 2. Understand the importance of long term behaviour change for exercise referral patients | 2.1 Explain why it is important for patients to understand the health benefits of structured exercise referral programmes 2.2 Explain why it is important for an exercise referral instructor to work together with patients to agree goals, objectives, programmes and adaptations 2.3 Explain the importance of long-term behaviour change in developing patients’ health and fitness 2.4 Explain how to encourage patients to commit themselves to long-term change |
| 3. Understand the principles of collecting information to plan an exercise referral programme | 3.1 Explain the principles of informed consent 3.2 Summarise the patient information that should be collected when designing an exercise referral programme 3.3 Explain how to select the most appropriate methods of collecting patient information according to patient need 3.4 Explain how to interpret information collected from the patient in order to identify patient needs and goals 3.5 Explain the legal and ethical implications of collecting patient information |
| 4. Understand how to identify health-related fitness goals with exercise referral patients | 4.1 Explain how to identify patients’ short, medium and long term goals 4.2 Identify when exercise referral instructors should involve others, apart from their patients, in goal setting 4.3 Explain how to use specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound (SMART) objectives in an exercise referral programme |
| 5. Understand how to plan an exercise referral programme with patients | 5.1 Explain the absolute contraindications to exercise 5.2 Summarise the key principles of designing exercise referral programmes to achieve short, medium and long term goals, including the order and structure of sessions 5.3 Describe a range of safe and effective exercises/physical activities to develop: – cardiovascular fitness – muscular fitness – flexibility – motor skills – core stability 5.4 Explain how to include physical activities as part of patient’s lifestyle to complement exercise sessions 5.5 Identify when it might be appropriate to share the programme with other professionals |
| 6. Understand how to adapt an exercise referral programme with patients | 6.1 Explain how the principles of training can be used to adapt the programme where: – goals are not being achieved – new goals have been identified 6.2 Describe appropriate training systems and their use in providing variety and ensuring programmes remain effective 6.3 Explain why it is important to keep accurate records of changes including the reasons for change 6.4 Explain when it may be appropriate to share changes to exercise referral programmes with other professionals |
| 7. Be able to collect information about exercise referral patients | 7.1 Establish a rapport with patients 7.2 Explain own role and responsibilities to patients 7.3 Collect the information needed to plan an exercise referral programme using methods appropriate to the patients and their condition(s) 7.4 Show sensitivity and empathy to patients and the information they provide 7.5 Record the information using appropriate formats in a way that will aid analysis 7.6 Treat confidential information correctly |
| 8. Be able to agree goals with exercise referral patients | 8.1 Work with patients to agree short, medium and long-term goals appropriate to their needs 8.2 Ensure the goals are: – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound – consistent with industry good practice 8.3 Agree with patients their needs and readiness to participate |
| 9. Be able to plan an exercise referral programme with exercise referral patients | 9.1 Plan specific outcome measures, stages of achievement and exercises/physical activities that are: – appropriate to patients’ medical condition(s), goals and level of fitness – consistent with accepted good practice 9.2 Ensure appropriate components of fitness are built into the programme 9.3 Apply the principles of training which are appropriate to exercise referral patients and their condition(s) to help achieve short, medium and long term goals 9.4 Agree the demands of the programme with patients 9.5 Agree a timetable of sessions with patients 9.6 Agree appropriate evaluation methods and review dates with patients 9.7 Identify the resources needed for the programme, including the use of environments not designed for exercise 9.8 Record plans in a format that will help patients and other professionals involved to implement the programme 9.9 Agree how to maintain contact with exercise referral patients between sessions |
| 10. Be able to manage an exercise referral programme with patients | 10.1 Monitor integration of exercise referral programme and wider physical activity 10.2 Provide alternatives to the programmed exercises/physical activities if patients cannot take part as planned 10.3 Monitor patients’ progress using appropriate methods 10.4 Write a letter to a healthcare professional communicating appropriate information and using accurate language |
| 11. Be able to review progress with exercise referral patients | 11.1 Explain the purpose of reviewing progress to patients 11.2 Review short, medium and long term goals with patients at agreed points in the programme, taking into account any changes in circumstances 11.3 Encourage patients to give their own views on progress 11.4 Use suitable methods of evaluation that will help to review patient progress against goals and initial baseline data 11.5 Give feedback to patients during their review that is likely to strengthen their motivation and adherence 11.6 Agree review outcomes with patients and other professionals 11.7 Keep an accurate record of reviews and their outcome |
| 12. Be able to adapt an exercise referral programme with patients | 12.1 Identify goals and exercises/physical activities that need to be redefined or adapted 12.2 Agree adaptations, progressions or regressions to meet patients’ needs to optimise achievement 12.3 Identify and agree any changes to resources and environments with the patient 12.4 Introduce adaptations in a way that is appropriate to patients, their needs and medical condition(s) 12.5 Record changes to programme plans to take account of adaptations 12.6 Monitor the effectiveness of adaptations and update the programme as necessary |
| Unit 6: Instructing Exercise with Referred Patients | |
|---|---|
| Learning Outcomes | Assessment Criteria |
| 1. Understand how to instruct exercise to exercise referral patients | 1.1 Explain the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication when instructing patients 1.2 Describe how to adapt communication to meet patients’ needs 1.3 Evaluate different methods of maintaining patients’ motivation, especially when patients are finding exercises difficult 1.4 Explain the importance of correcting patient technique |
| 2. Understand how to adapt exercise to meet the needs of exercise referral patients | 2.1 Explain why it is important to monitor individual progress if more than one patient is involved in the session 2.2 Describe different methods of monitoring patients’ progress during exercise, including groups of patients 2.3 Explain when it may be necessary to adapt planned exercises to meet patients’ needs 2.4 Explain how to adapt exercise/exercise positions as appropriate to individual patients and the environment 2.5 Explain how to modify the intensity of exercise according to the needs and response of the patient |
| 3. Understand how to review exercise referral sessions with patients | 3.1 Explain why exercise referral instructors should give patients feedback on their performance during a session 3.2 Explain why patients should be given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their performance 3.3 Explain how to give patients feedback on their performance in a way that is accurate but maintains patient motivation/commitment 3.4 Explain why patients need to see their progress against goals 3.5 Explain why patients need information about future exercise and physical activity, both supervised and unsupervised |
| 4. Be able to prepare resources for the exercise referral sessions | 4.1 Select a range of exercises/physical activities to help patients achieve their objectives and goals 4.2 Obtain and prepare the resources needed for planned exercises/physical activities |
| 5. Be able to prepare patients for exercise referral sessions | 5.1 Help patients feel at ease in the exercise environment 5.2 Explain the planned objectives and exercises/physical activities to patients 5.3 Explain to patients how objectives and exercises/physical activities support their goals and are appropriate to their condition 5.4 Explain the physical and technical demands of the planned exercises/physical activities to patients 5.5 Explain to patients how planned exercise/physical activity can be progressed or regressed to meet their goals 5.6 Assess patients’ state of readiness and motivation to take part in the planned exercises/physical activities 5.7 Negotiate and agree with patients any changes to the planned exercises/physical activities that: – meet their goals and preferences – enable them to maintain progress 5.8 Record changes to patient’s exercise referral programmes |
| 6. Be able to instruct and adapt planned exercises to exercise referral patients | 6.1 Use motivational styles that: – are appropriate to the patients – are consistent with accepted good practice 6.2 Explain the purpose and value of a warm-up to patients 6.3 Provide warm-ups appropriate to the patients, planned exercise and the environment 6.4 Make best use of the environment in which the patients are exercising 6.5 Provide instructions, explanations and demonstrations that are technically correct, safe and effective 6.6 Adapt verbal and non-verbal communication methods to make sure patients understand what is required 6.7 Ensure patients can carry out the exercises safely on their own 6.8 Analyse the performance of patients, providing positive reinforcement throughout 6.9 Correct exercise technique at appropriate points 6.10 Progress or regress exercises according to patients’ performance 6.11 Monitor and modify the intensity of exercise appropriate to patient and their condition |
| 7. Be able to bring exercise referral sessions to an end | 7.1 Allow sufficient time for the closing phase of the session 7.2 Explain the purpose and value of cool-down activities to patients 7.3 Select cool-down activities according to the type and intensity of physical exercise, patient needs and environment 7.4 Provide patients with feedback and positive reinforcement 7.5 Explain to patients how their progress links to their goals 7.6 Allow patients the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their performance 7.7 Inform patients about future opportunities for exercise and physical activity 7.8 Leave the environment in a condition suitable for future use |
| 8. Be able to review exercise referral sessions | 8.1 Review the outcomes of working with patients including their feedback 8.2 Identify: – how well the sessions met patients’ goals – how effective and motivational the relationship was with patients – how well the instructing styles matched patients’ needs 8.3 Identify how to improve personal practice 8.4 Explain the value of reflective practice |
“Our international courses are recognized by REPs UAE (Register of Exercise Professionals UAE).”
