Clinical exercise & rehabilitation
Victoria University Clinical Exercise & Rehabilitation (VUCER) Clinic provides evidence-based exercise programs for healthy individuals, and those with pre-existing injuries and other health concerns.
Staff, students and members of the public are welcome.
Location
Building L, Level 3
Footscray Park Campus
Hours
Clinical rehabilitation program
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am—12pm.
Exercise science program
Monday—Friday, 1—5pm.
What we offer
The VUCER Clinic provides two exercise programs designed for different client needs: the Exercise Science Clinic Program and the Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation Program.
The appropriate program is determined by your health history, current conditions and exercise needs.
We deliver client-centred exercise while providing master’s and undergraduate students with practical experience as part of their coursework.
Our clinic includes a clinical-grade gymnasium, exercise testing laboratory and private consultation rooms.
These programs allow staff, students and members of the community to be a client for a student studying exercise science or exercise physiology.
Exercise Science Clinic Program
The Exercise Science Clinic is for people who do not have a diagnosed medical, chronic health or other clinical condition requiring clinical exercise rehabilitation.
It is suitable for people of different fitness levels who are seeking support with general exercise goals, including improving fitness, general health and well-being, building strength, developing general exercise capacity, working towards other non-clinical exercise goals.
Sessions run for one hour, on the hour, between 1pm and 5pm on weekdays.
Sessions are delivered by Exercise Science students under the supervision of accredited exercise physiologists.
The Exercise Science Program is free of charge; however, we do require clients to commit to 15 sessions for a student to complete their portfolio with their allocated client as part of their placement requirements. This can be up to 3 sessions per week.
Clients are paired with an Exercise Science student based on the availability of both the student and client.
If you have a diagnosed health condition, please disclose it in your expression of interest form. Our team will determine the appropriate pathway.
Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation Program
Note that we are currently at capacity for the Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation Program.
The Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation Program is for people living with an existing injury, diagnosed chronic health condition, neurological condition or other clinical condition requiring individualised exercise rehabilitation.
Programs provide individualised, evidence-based exercise rehabilitation and are delivered by Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation.
Students are supervised under accredited exercise physiologists.
Accredited exercise physiologists are qualified allied health professionals who specialise in the delivery of exercise and lifestyle modification programs for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and injuries.
Sessions run for one hour, on the hour, between 9am—12pm
Programs are generally around 5 weeks with one appointment at a set time each week. Depending on your needs and student availability, there may be an opportunity to extend the program or continue with ongoing sessions.
Fees
- Initial assessment: $60
- One-on-one session: $15
- Pensioners, students and VU staff: $12
- Cancellation fee (within 24 hours): $12
Each session runs for one hour. Full payment is required at the time of the appointment. Credit card and EFTPOS facilities are available. Cash is not accepted.
Virtual clinical exercise rehabilitation
Clinical exercise rehabilitation may also be available virtually via Zoom. Virtual sessions provide the same clinical exercise rehabilitation service from your home and may be suitable for clients who live further from the clinic or prefer an online appointment.
Fees and program requirements are the same as the onsite Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation Program.
Virtual appointments are subject to student and supervisor availability.
Important information about eligibility
The Exercise Science Clinic is intended for clients whose needs are within the scope of practice of an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES).
If you have a diagnosed medical or health condition, please refer to the Undergraduate Clinic Guidelines before completing your EOI. The guidelines provide examples of conditions and circumstances that may fall outside the scope of the Exercise Science Clinic. The examples provided are not exhaustive, and eligibility is determined based on each client's individual circumstances and needs.
When completing your Expression of Interest (EOI), please disclose your relevant health information, including:
- diagnosed medical or health conditions, including those that are well controlled, stable, previously treated, resolved or currently in remission
- current injuries or ongoing symptoms
- medications
- any other health concerns.
Not sure which program is right for you?
Please disclose all relevant health information in your EOI. This information is required to support clinical triage by our clinical supervisors and determine the most appropriate program and pathway for you.
Undergraduate clinic guidelines
In Australia, an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) is not qualified to independently treat or manage any established, clinically diagnosed chronic condition. Under Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) guidelines, an AES's scope is strictly limited to healthy populations and individuals with risk factors for chronic disease (such as pre-diabetes or obesity). [1, 2, 3]
The clinical treatment and prescription of exercise for diagnosed medical conditions is the role of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)
Major chronic conditions that an AES cannot independently treat include:
Cardiovascular conditions
- Coronary heart disease
- Chronic heart failure
- Hypertension (established high blood pressure)
- Stroke rehabilitation
Metabolic & kidney diseases
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (established)
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Advanced metabolic syndrome
Respiratory conditions
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD
- Severe or clinical asthma · Cystic fibrosis [1]
Neurological & cognitive conditions
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Cerebral
Musculoskeletal & neuromuscular conditions
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis and severe osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes
- Acute or complex spinal/back injuries
Other complex conditions
- Cancer (during or post-treatment)
- Clinical mental health conditions
Client forms
Before or during your appointment, we may need you to complete a client information form. There is no need to complete a form unless instructed to by the Clinic.
The VUCER GP referral form needs to be completed by a medical practitioner for clients who are over the age of 40, or have cardiovascular risk factors or other chronic condition/s.
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