Clinical Exercise Physiologists in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Clinical Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs are crucial for patient recovery and management.
• The role of clinical exercise physiologists (CEPs) in these programs is significant but requires further investigation regarding prevalence and responsibilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of clinical exercise physiologists (CEPs) in early outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation (CR/PR) programs in the United States.
• To outline the hiring criteria and job tasks assigned to CEPs within these programs.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Surveys were distributed by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation to leaders of CR/PR programs.
• Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize findings.

Main Results:

• CEPs are the most frequently reported staff in both CR (86%) and PR (83%) programs.
• A bachelor's degree is the minimum hiring criterion for 92% of programs, with 70% requiring Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification.
• CEPs handle the majority of job tasks in 75% of CR/PR programs, indicating a broad scope of practice.

Conclusions:

• Clinical exercise physiologists play integral roles in US CR/PR programs, often working at the top of their scope of practice.
• Variability in academic preparation and the importance of the ACSM-CEP credential should be considered to optimize CEP utilization.