Aim Exercise Physiology’s ‘CVD + Cardiac rehabilitation program’ is a specialised exercise and lifestyle program with the goal of delivering optimal, cost-effective, quality care to individuals who are looking to improve their health and fitness or their performance in sport or life. The program assists and guides patients with appropriate exercise in a safe and fully supervised environment after their cardiac event. Our cardiac rehabilitation program is ideal for those patients who have just completed a Stage II hospital based program or those who are greater than six weeks post-operative and suffering from any one of the following heart conditions:

  • Post myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
  • Valve replacement
  • Post pacemaker and/or defibrillator insertion
  •  Ischaemic heart disease
  • Post-operative Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
  • Unstable angina
  • Arrhythmias
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Heart Failure or any other cardiac related condition

Our cardiac rehab program runs for 8 weeks. It requires a minimum of 2-3 individual sessions with one of our exercise physiologists to develop individual program before you can move into group sessions where you attend a weekly 60 minute exercise and education class with other cardiac patients. During these sessions, heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels are measured to ensure you exercise at a safe but adequate level. Both cardiovascular exercise and resistance training have been shown to be important for CVD prevention and cardiac rehabilitation. Combined strength and aerobic training is the most effective (Marzolini et al 2012; Pierson et al 2001).

Cardiac rehab is a structured program that includes exercise; education aimed at reducing risks and social support. Programs are run by our experienced team of Exercise Physiologists who have developed an evidence-based ‘Cardiac rehabilitation program’ of exercise to suit your individual needs, taking into account your condition, preferences and access to suitable exercise equipment and space. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) deliver personal training or group training at both of our exercise studios. Speak to our AEP’s to find out how cardiovascular and progressive resistance training could help you!

The health professionals who make up our ‘cardiac rehab’ team include your doctor, an exercise physiologist, a nurse, a dietician or nutritionist, and a Psychologist. The team:

  • assesses each person’s individual risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease
  • teaches + supports healthy lifestyle changes (e.g. weight control, heart-healthy diet, quit smoking, avoid second-hand smoke)
  • develops a personalised exercise plan and helps integrate exercise into daily routines
  • monitors and  helps control  blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
  • assesses psychological problems, such as depression, related to heart disease and provides counselling
  • helps people learn from and aid others with similar heart issues
  • Improves people’s communication with their doctors and other health care providers.

 

“Cardiac rehab is an opportunity to reinforce people’s confidence in physical activity and healthy diet; to reduce their anxiety; to help them understand their disease, their medications, and their self-care,”. Dr. Daniel Forman, director of the exercise testing lab at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School

Key features + benefits:

  1. Optimal technique instruction, training and supervision by experts in progressive resistance training.
  2. Expert program development, exercise progression and recovery techniques.
  3. Access to high-quality, specialised exercise equipment and dedicated exercise space.
  4. Optimal results with specialised strength & conditioning equipment + aerobic or progressive resistance exercise.
  5. Optimal progress through supervision, upgrades, encouragement, motivation and support.
  6. Optimal safety due to technique supervision, guided program upgrading and recovery techniques.
  7. Optimal motivation, performance, commitment and adherence to your exercise program.
  8. Fast progress and results – your gateway to safe, independent exercise at home or at your local gym

Initial assessment & treatment plan (60mins – Cost $130)

Your Exercise Physiologist will assess any physical and functional limitations associated with your pain, osteoarthritis or injury. A tailored treatment plan will be developed and initial home exercise prescribed. Depending on your personal circumstances, a subsequent appointment may be required.

Home & studio exercise program development (60minCost $130)

Individualised home and studio based programs will be prescribed in accordance with your needs and stage of rehabilitation. This will involve a combination of weight bearing, Pilates and gym equipment exercises.

 Supervised group exercise (12 x 60min – Cost $252)  

Attendance can be twice weekly for 6 weeks, or once per week for 12 weeks. All classes are supervised by an Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist. You are guided and monitored in each class and progressions are made throughout. Reassessment and review is advised at 6 and 12 weeks.

*Please note that most private health funds cover Exercise Physiology services – check with your fund for the specifics of your policy & the rebate you are entitled to. All of our clinics / exercise studios have a HICAPS machine for on the spot rebate claiming.

Doctors referrals

No Doctor’s referral is required for private patients. A Doctor’s referral is required for eligible services under Medicare’s EPC or Diabetes care plan, Dept. of Vet Affiars (DVA) or RTW-SA.