Evolving role and importance of the clinical exercise physiologist

This article provides an evidence-based rationale for the inclusion of exercise physiologists and accredited exercise specialists into the standard care of clinical populations. This argument is predicated on a convincing body of literature describing clinical benefits and a growing population of certified exercise physiologists with a scope of practice that includes fitness evaluation and exercise prescription for patients with a variety of health concerns. We call upon physicians and health policy makers to strongly consider including the field of exercise physiology within standard health management.