Chapter 14

Exercise Physiology: A New Healthcare Profession

Tommy Boone

Abstract

The epidemic of sedentary behavior is a serious public health issue that requires the attention of exercise physiologists. The American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) is playing a key role in providing a profession-specific infrastructure for exercise physiologists as healthcare professionals. After all, exercise medicine is a credible treatment and should be prescribed by Board Certified Exercise Physiologists. Exercise medicine is the new treatment for heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, aging, sleep apnea, and depression. Aside from Board Certified Exercise Physiologists practicing exercise medicine guided by their own Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice in their own healthcare clinics, it is inevitable that they will become members of the medical team. Exercise physiologists should join the ASEP organization, support it, and speak up to help with the professionalization of exercise physiology.

Total Pages: 279-294 (16)

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