Wielandt, Rebecca, Leicht, Anthony, Singh, Maria Fiatarone, Dawes, Nathan, Njoku, Chidiamara Maria, Rangel, Carolina Almendrales, O'Neill, Leonie, Lloyd, Natalie, Doma, Kenji, Valenzuela Arteaga, Trinidad, and Inskip, Michael (2026) Perceptions towards integrating accredited exercise physiologists into residential aged care in north Queensland: preliminary findings for workforce integration and development. Journal of Clinical Exercise Physiology, 15 (S2). p. 202.

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION & AIM: Clinical exercise physiology is increasingly recognised as a key component of best-practice care in residential aged care homes (RACHs). However, we currently have limited understanding of the barriers affecting routine integration and role awareness of Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) in the sector. This study aimed to explore perceptions, experiences, and barriers to AEP services in RACHs from multiple stakeholders, including general practitioners (GPs), AEPs both working and not working within aged care, and directors of nursing (RACH leadership).

METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders (n=15) across North Queensland RACHs. Thematical analysis was used to identify perceptions of role, scope, skills, benefits, barriers, and tertiary and professional development needs of AEPs.

RESULTS: GPs and organisational leadership had awareness of the holistic approach of AEPs, including exercise prescription, frailty/falls assessment, chronic disease management, and promotion of independence and social engagement, however there was some confusion of scope. AEPs working in aged care emphasised challenges such as workforce availability, poor understanding of their role among staff and management, and limited access to clinical documentation. Core skillsets for aged-care practice identified as essential included manual handling, pressure care, equipment mastery, behavioural management, pharmacological interactions, dementia awareness and communication, compassion fatigue and coping with mortality. Recent graduate AEPs not working in aged care noted limited aged care preparation in university curricula and access to placements. Across all stakeholders, there was strong support for mentoring, structured professional development, and industry advocacy to enhance AEP role awareness and integration.

CONCLUSIONS: AEPs contribute unique, highly valued skills to care in RACHs, but systemic barriers and limited tertiary preparation have constrained workforce integration. Embedding aged care-specific training, mentoring, and professional development for AEPs is critical to strengthen sustainable, multidisciplinary care. This project will inform the development of future industry frameworks for optimal AEP development and integration.

Item ID:	92061
Item Type:	Article (Abstract)
ISSN:	2165-7629
Keywords:	Exercise physiology, aged care, workforce capacity, rural
Related URLs:	https://jcep.kglmeridian.com/view/journa...
Copyright Information:	© 2026 Clinical Exercise Physiology Association 2026
Date Deposited:	26 May 2026 23:32
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