NDIS exercise physiology guide: funding, rates, what it covers

Exercise physiology is funded by NDIS under Capacity Building at $193.99 per hour (2025-26 price guide). Exercise physiologists design individualized exercise programs for NDIS participants with chronic conditions, disabilities, and mobility limitations. Services include chronic disease management, strength and mobility training, falls prevention, cardiovascular fitness, and pain management through exercise. Funding is allocated based on health and wellbeing goals in your NDIS plan.

NDIS Exercise Physiology at a Glance (2026)

DetailInformation
NDIS Rate (2025-26)$193.99/hour (maximum charge)
Typical Session Length45-60 minutes supervised exercise
Initial Assessment Cost$194-$388 (1-2 hours)
Typical Annual Allocation$2,000-$8,000 (varies by needs)
Budget CategoriesCapacity Building (Improved Health and Wellbeing) or (Improved Daily Living)
Plan Management TypesSelf-managed, plan-managed, agency-managed
Group SessionsAvailable (charged per participant)
Home VisitsYes (travel charged separately)
Gym-Based SessionsYes (clinical exercise prescription, not gym membership)
TelehealthLimited (in-person preferred for exercise supervision)

What NDIS Exercise Physiology Covers:

  • Chronic disease management (diabetes, heart disease, COPD)
  • Mobility and strength training
  • Falls prevention programs
  • Cardiovascular fitness programs
  • Weight management and obesity support
  • Pain management through exercise
  • Neurological rehabilitation (stroke, MS, CP, Parkinson’s)
  • Functional capacity building for daily activities
  • Mental health support through exercise

What Is Exercise Physiology Under NDIS?

Understanding Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology is a specialized allied health profession focused on using exercise as medicine for chronic disease management, injury prevention, and functional capacity improvement.

Exercise physiologists are university-qualified professionals with expertise in:

  • Human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics
  • Exercise prescription for clinical populations
  • Chronic disease management through exercise
  • Functional assessment and program design
  • Exercise physiology for disability and neurological conditions

Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology (4 years) plus registration with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP).

How Exercise Physiology Differs From Other Allied Health

Exercise Physiologist vs Physiotherapist:

AspectExercise PhysiologistPhysiotherapist
Primary FocusExercise prescription for chronic disease and long-term healthInjury rehabilitation and acute pain management
Typical ConditionsDiabetes, heart disease, obesity, chronic pain, neurological conditionsPost-surgery rehab, sports injuries, acute back pain, joint pain
InterventionStructured exercise programs, fitness training, chronic disease managementManual therapy, massage, joint mobilization, exercise prescription
Session FormatSupervised exercise (gym, pool, home, community)Hands-on treatment plus exercise
NDIS FundingCapacity Building (Improved Health and Wellbeing or Improved Daily Living)Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living)
Long-term FocusOngoing health management and fitnessReturn to function after injury

When you might see both:

  • Physiotherapist for acute injury rehab, exercise physiologist for ongoing fitness and chronic disease management
  • Physiotherapist for manual therapy and pain relief, exercise physiologist for strengthening and functional capacity
  • Combined treatment for complex conditions (e.g., stroke recovery, cerebral palsy)

Exercise Physiologist vs Personal Trainer:

Exercise Physiologist (NDIS-funded):

  • University degree and clinical training
  • Registered with ESSA (Accredited Exercise Physiologist)
  • Expertise in disability, chronic disease, neurological conditions
  • Individualized clinical assessment and prescription
  • Covered by NDIS Capacity Building funding
  • Medicare and private health rebates available

Personal Trainer (NOT NDIS-funded):

  • Certificate IV in Fitness (vocational qualification)
  • Focus on general fitness for healthy populations
  • Limited training in disability or chronic disease
  • Not NDIS-funded (personal expense)
  • No Medicare or NDIS rebates

NDIS will NOT fund personal training or general gym memberships. Only clinical exercise physiology services with individualized assessment and prescription are NDIS-funded.

What Does NDIS Exercise Physiology Cover?

Chronic Disease Management

Exercise is a core intervention for managing many chronic health conditions common in NDIS participants.

Type 2 Diabetes Management

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • Aerobic exercise programs to improve insulin sensitivity
  • Resistance training to increase glucose uptake
  • Blood glucose monitoring during and after exercise
  • Education on exercise and blood sugar management
  • Coordination with diabetes educator and GP

NDIS funding rationale: Improving diabetes management reduces long-term complications and builds capacity for independent health management.

Typical program: 2x per week for 12-24 weeks initially, then ongoing monthly or fortnightly maintenance.

Cardiovascular Disease

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • Cardiac rehabilitation exercise programs
  • Graduated aerobic fitness training
  • Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring
  • Education on heart-healthy exercise
  • Coordination with cardiologist

NDIS funding rationale: Exercise reduces cardiovascular risk and improves functional capacity for daily activities.

Typical program: Weekly sessions for 12 weeks intensive phase, then fortnightly ongoing.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation exercise
  • Breathing exercises and techniques
  • Graduated aerobic and strength training
  • Functional capacity building (stairs, walking, daily tasks)

NDIS funding rationale: Improving respiratory fitness enhances independence and reduces disability impact.

Typical program: Weekly for 8-12 weeks, then monthly maintenance.

Obesity and Weight Management

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • Individualized exercise programs for weight loss
  • Metabolic health assessments
  • Sustainable lifestyle physical activity
  • Coordination with dietitian for combined approach

NDIS funding rationale: Weight management improves mobility, reduces pain, and supports independence.

Typical program: Weekly to fortnightly for 6-12 months.

Mobility and Strength Training

Exercise physiology builds functional capacity for daily living activities through targeted strength and mobility programs.

Falls Prevention

High-priority intervention for NDIS participants at risk of falls.

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • Balance and stability training
  • Lower limb strengthening (sit-to-stand, step-ups, lunges)
  • Functional movement practice (reaching, turning, bending)
  • Home safety assessment and exercise prescription
  • Coordination with occupational therapist

Evidence-based programs:

  • Otago Exercise Programme (evidence-based falls prevention)
  • Stepping On program
  • Individualized balance training

NDIS funding rationale: Falls prevention reduces injury risk and maintains independence.

Typical program: Weekly for 12 weeks intensive phase, then fortnightly ongoing.

Functional Strength Training

Building strength for daily activities:

  • Transferring (bed to chair, car transfers)
  • Household tasks (carrying groceries, lifting, reaching)
  • Personal care (showering, dressing)
  • Community mobility (walking, stairs, public transport)

Exercise prescription includes:

  • Resistance training (weights, resistance bands, bodyweight)
  • Functional task practice (sit-to-stand, step-ups)
  • Progressive overload to build capacity
  • Home exercise programs

NDIS funding rationale: Functional strength directly improves independence in daily living.

Typical program: Weekly to fortnightly for 12-24 weeks.

Neurological Rehabilitation

Exercise physiology plays a critical role in neurological condition management.

Stroke Recovery

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • Post-stroke fitness and endurance training
  • Gait retraining and walking programs
  • Upper limb strengthening and functional tasks
  • Cardiovascular fitness to reduce second stroke risk
  • Coordination with physiotherapist and occupational therapist

NDIS funding rationale: Exercise improves functional recovery and reduces disability after stroke.

Typical program: Twice weekly for 12 weeks intensive rehab, then weekly ongoing.

Cerebral Palsy

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • Strength and conditioning programs
  • Cardiovascular fitness
  • Functional mobility training
  • Gait training and walking endurance
  • Hydrotherapy programs

NDIS funding rationale: Maintaining and improving functional capacity across lifespan.

Typical program: Weekly to fortnightly ongoing (lifelong intervention).

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • Fatigue management through graded exercise
  • Strength training to maintain function
  • Balance and coordination training
  • Heat management strategies for exercise
  • Relapse recovery exercise programs

NDIS funding rationale: Exercise slows functional decline and manages MS symptoms.

Typical program: Fortnightly to monthly ongoing.

Parkinson’s Disease

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • High-intensity interval training (shown to be neuroprotective)
  • Balance and gait training
  • Functional movement practice
  • Boxing-based programs (Rock Steady Boxing)
  • Cueing strategies for movement

NDIS funding rationale: Exercise slows disease progression and maintains mobility.

Typical program: Twice weekly ongoing.

Pain Management Through Exercise

Chronic pain is common in NDIS participants. Exercise physiology provides non-pharmacological pain management.

Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • Joint-protective strengthening
  • Low-impact aerobic exercise (hydrotherapy, cycling)
  • Flexibility and range of motion exercises
  • Pain education and pacing strategies

NDIS funding rationale: Exercise reduces pain and improves joint function without medication side effects.

Typical program: Weekly to fortnightly ongoing.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • Graded exercise therapy
  • Pacing and energy management
  • Gentle aerobic and strengthening programs
  • Sleep hygiene and exercise timing

NDIS funding rationale: Graduated exercise improves function and reduces disability impact.

Typical program: Fortnightly to monthly, carefully graded to avoid flare-ups.

Chronic Back Pain

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • Core strengthening and stabilization
  • Flexibility and mobility exercises
  • Functional movement retraining
  • Posture and ergonomics education
  • Coordination with physiotherapist

NDIS funding rationale: Exercise reduces pain and improves functional capacity for work and daily activities.

Typical program: Weekly for 8-12 weeks, then fortnightly maintenance.

Mental Health Support Through Exercise

Exercise is an evidence-based intervention for mental health conditions common in NDIS participants.

Conditions benefiting from exercise:

  • Depression (moderate to severe)
  • Anxiety disorders
  • PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder

Exercise physiology interventions:

  • Structured exercise programs shown to reduce depression symptoms
  • Group exercise for social connection
  • Outdoor exercise for additional mental health benefits
  • Exercise education and behavior change support
  • Coordination with psychologist or psychiatrist

NDIS funding rationale: Exercise complements psychological therapy and medication for mental health management.

Typical program: Weekly to twice weekly for 12-24 weeks, then ongoing maintenance.

NDIS Exercise Physiology Funding and Costs

Which NDIS Budget Covers Exercise Physiology?

Exercise physiology is funded from Capacity Building, NOT Core Supports.

Two possible Capacity Building categories:

1. Capacity Building (Improved Health and Wellbeing)

For chronic disease management and health conditions:

  • Diabetes management
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Respiratory conditions (COPD, asthma)
  • Obesity and weight management
  • Mental health conditions

Rationale: Exercise directly manages health conditions and prevents complications.

2. Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living)

For functional capacity and mobility improvement:

  • Falls prevention
  • Strength and mobility training
  • Neurological rehabilitation
  • Pain management affecting daily function
  • Functional capacity for daily activities

Rationale: Exercise builds capacity for independence in daily living.

Note: Some NDIS plans have combined Capacity Building budgets (all Capacity Building funds in one pool). Check your plan to confirm which category applies.

NDIS Exercise Physiology Rates (2025-26)

Maximum NDIS Rate: $193.99 per hour

What the hourly rate covers:

  • Initial assessment and functional capacity testing
  • Individualized exercise program design
  • Supervised exercise sessions (gym, home, community, hydrotherapy)
  • Progress monitoring and program adjustments
  • Exercise education and home program instruction
  • Communication with GP and other health professionals

Additional Costs:

Initial Assessment:

  • Comprehensive health and fitness assessment: $194-$388 (1-2 hours)
  • Functional capacity testing (6-minute walk test, strength testing, balance assessment)
  • Medical history review and exercise clearance
  • Goal setting and program design

Report Writing:

  • Initial assessment report: $97-$194 (0.5-1 hour)
  • Progress reports for NDIS plan reviews: $97-$194
  • GP or specialist reports: $97-$194

Travel Time (Home Visits):

  • Charged at 50% of hourly rate ($97/hour)
  • Only for home-based or community-based sessions
  • Must be reasonable distance

Group Sessions:

  • Charged per participant (not per group)
  • Each participant pays $193.99/hour from their NDIS plan
  • Maximum group size typically 4-6 participants

How Much Exercise Physiology Funding Will I Get?

Typical NDIS Exercise Physiology Allocations (Annual):

Participant ProfileTypical AllocationSessions Per YearProgram Intensity
Maintenance fitness (low support needs)$2,000-$4,00010-20 sessionsMonthly or fortnightly
Chronic disease management$4,000-$8,00020-40 sessionsWeekly to fortnightly
Active rehabilitation (stroke, injury)$6,000-$12,00030-60 sessionsTwice weekly to weekly
Intensive intervention (complex needs)$8,000-$15,00040-75 sessionsTwice weekly
Falls prevention program$2,000-$5,00010-25 sessionsWeekly for 12 weeks, then monthly

Funding depends on:

  • NDIS plan goals related to health, mobility, and functional capacity
  • Recommendations from GP, exercise physiologist, or other health professionals
  • Evidence of chronic health conditions or functional limitations
  • Previous exercise physiology outcomes (if continuing funding)

How to Access NDIS Exercise Physiology

Step 1: Confirm Funding in Your NDIS Plan

Check your NDIS plan for Capacity Building funding:

Look for:

  • Capacity Building (Improved Health and Wellbeing) line item
  • Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living) line item
  • Goals mentioning health, fitness, mobility, chronic disease management

If exercise physiology funding is NOT in your plan:

  • Contact NDIS planner or LAC
  • Request plan variation to add exercise physiology
  • Provide GP referral or exercise physiologist assessment showing need
  • Explain how exercise physiology aligns with NDIS goals

While not mandatory, GP clearance is recommended before starting exercise physiology, especially if you have:

  • Cardiovascular disease or heart conditions
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Recent surgery or injury
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Neurological conditions affecting movement or balance

GP referral should include:

  • Current medical conditions and medications
  • Any exercise precautions or contraindications
  • Blood pressure, heart rate, or blood glucose targets
  • Specific goals for exercise intervention

Step 3: Find an Exercise Physiologist

Depending on plan management type:

Self-Managed Participants:

  • Can use any qualified exercise physiologist (NDIS registered or not)
  • Negotiate rates (up to NDIS maximum $193.99/hour)
  • Pay and claim reimbursement from NDIS

Plan-Managed Participants:

  • Can use any exercise physiologist willing to work with plan manager
  • Provider invoices plan manager directly
  • Must charge within NDIS rate limit

Agency-Managed Participants:

  • Must use NDIS-registered exercise physiologists only
  • NDIS pays provider directly

How to Find Exercise Physiologists:

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA):

  • Visit: essa.org.au/find-aep
  • Search for Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs)
  • Filter by NDIS providers, location, specialty areas

NDIS Provider Finder:

MD Home Care Provider Network:

  • Call: 1800 953 253
  • Find exercise physiologists in Sydney and Melbourne suburbs

Step 4: Initial Assessment

What to expect in initial exercise physiology assessment:

Assessment Components (60-90 minutes):

  1. Health History Review:

    • Current medical conditions, medications, surgical history
    • Previous exercise experience and barriers
    • Current functional limitations and goals
    • Lifestyle and physical activity patterns

  2. Functional Capacity Testing:

    • Cardiovascular fitness: 6-minute walk test, step test
    • Strength: Sit-to-stand test, grip strength, functional movement
    • Balance: Berg Balance Scale, functional reach test
    • Flexibility: Range of motion assessments

  3. Exercise Prescription:

    • Individualized exercise program based on assessment findings
    • Specific exercises, sets, repetitions, intensity
    • Progression plan over weeks and months
    • Home exercise program

  4. Goal Setting:

    • SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
    • Aligned with NDIS plan goals
    • Short-term (6 weeks) and long-term (6 months) goals

Assessment Cost: $194-$388 (1-2 hours at NDIS rate)

Post-Assessment:

  • Written assessment report (usually within 1-2 weeks)
  • Exercise program and home exercise sheet
  • Quote for recommended number of sessions

Step 5: Attend Regular Exercise Sessions

Typical exercise physiology session structure:

Supervised Exercise Session (60 minutes):

  1. Warm-up (5-10 minutes):

    • Light aerobic activity (walking, cycling)
    • Dynamic stretching and mobility

  2. Main Exercise (35-45 minutes):

    • Resistance training (strength exercises)
    • Cardiovascular training (walking, cycling, rowing)
    • Functional task practice (sit-to-stand, stairs, reaching)
    • Balance and coordination exercises

  3. Cool-down (5-10 minutes):

    • Gentle stretching and flexibility
    • Heart rate and blood pressure check
    • Session review and home exercise reminder

Session Settings:

  • Gym-based: Exercise physiologist’s clinic with gym equipment
  • Hydrotherapy: Heated pool for low-impact exercise
  • Home-based: Exercise in your home with portable equipment
  • Community-based: Parks, walking tracks, community centers
  • Group programs: Small group sessions (2-6 participants)

Between Sessions:

  • Home exercise program (2-3 days per week)
  • Activity tracking and progress monitoring
  • Communication via email or phone if questions

Step 6: Progress Reviews and Program Progression

Regular progress monitoring:

Every 4-6 weeks:

  • Repeat functional capacity tests
  • Assess goal achievement
  • Progress exercise program (increase intensity, resistance, complexity)
  • Adjust program based on feedback and progress

Every 3-6 months:

  • Formal progress report
  • Updated functional capacity assessment
  • Review NDIS plan goals and alignment
  • Recommendations for continued funding if needed

Exercise Physiology for Specific NDIS Populations

Children and Adolescents

Exercise physiology for children with disabilities:

Common Conditions:

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Down syndrome
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
  • Childhood obesity
  • Congenital heart conditions

Pediatric Exercise Physiology Interventions:

  • Fun, play-based exercise programs
  • Gross motor skill development
  • Strength and coordination training
  • Sport-specific skills training
  • Family and parent involvement
  • School-based exercise programs

Typical Session Format:

  • Play-based activities incorporating exercise
  • Group sessions with peers
  • Parent education and home programs
  • Coordination with occupational therapist and physiotherapist

NDIS Funding: Typically $3,000-$10,000 annually under Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living).

Adults with Acquired Disabilities

Exercise physiology for adults post-injury or illness:

Common Conditions:

  • Stroke
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Amputation
  • Multiple sclerosis (onset in adulthood)

Adult Rehabilitation Exercise Programs:

  • Intensive functional rehabilitation
  • Cardiovascular fitness training
  • Strength and endurance building
  • Return to work conditioning programs
  • Independent living functional capacity

Typical Program Intensity:

  • First 6-12 months post-injury: Twice weekly intensive rehabilitation
  • Ongoing maintenance: Weekly to fortnightly

NDIS Funding: $6,000-$15,000 annually for first year intensive rehab, $2,000-$6,000 ongoing.

Older Adults (65+ with NDIS Access)

Exercise physiology for older NDIS participants:

Primary Goals:

  • Falls prevention (highest priority)
  • Maintenance of independence
  • Chronic disease management
  • Functional mobility for aging in place

Older Adult Exercise Programs:

  • Strength training (maintaining muscle mass)
  • Balance training (falls prevention)
  • Flexibility and mobility
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Bone health (osteoporosis prevention)

Typical Program Intensity: Fortnightly to monthly maintenance programs.

NDIS Funding: $2,000-$5,000 annually.

Note: NDIS participants aged 65+ when they enter NDIS can continue to receive services. New participants must be under 65 to access NDIS (then transition to Aged Care system at 65).

Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Exercise Physiology

What does an exercise physiologist do for NDIS participants?

Exercise physiologists design and deliver exercise programs for NDIS participants with chronic conditions and disabilities. Services include: chronic disease management (diabetes, heart disease, COPD), mobility and strength training, falls prevention, weight management, pain management through exercise, cardiovascular fitness programs, neurological rehabilitation, and functional capacity building.

How much does NDIS exercise physiology cost?

NDIS exercise physiology costs $193.99 per hour under the 2025-26 NDIS price guide. Initial assessments cost $194-$388 (1-2 hours). Group exercise sessions are charged per participant at the same hourly rate. Session length typically 45-60 minutes. Additional costs may include report writing ($97-$194) and travel time for home visits (50% of hourly rate).

Is exercise physiology covered by NDIS?

Yes, exercise physiology is covered by NDIS under Capacity Building budgets. Funding comes from either: Capacity Building (Improved Health and Wellbeing) for chronic disease management and health conditions, or Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living) for functional capacity and mobility improvement. Exercise physiology must align with NDIS plan goals and demonstrate capacity-building outcomes.

What is the difference between exercise physiologist and physiotherapist under NDIS?

Exercise physiologists focus on exercise prescription for chronic disease management, fitness, and long-term health conditions. Physiotherapists focus on injury rehabilitation, pain management, and restoring movement after acute injury or surgery. Both are funded under NDIS Capacity Building at the same rate ($193.99/hour). Many participants benefit from both services for different goals.

How do I get exercise physiology funding in my NDIS plan?

To get exercise physiology funding: (1) Include health and wellbeing or mobility goals in NDIS application or plan review, (2) provide GP or specialist referral recommending exercise physiology, (3) submit functional capacity assessment showing exercise-related needs, (4) discuss exercise physiology at planning meeting, (5) request specific funding amount under Capacity Building (Improved Health and Wellbeing or Improved Daily Living).

Can NDIS pay for gym membership or exercise classes?

NDIS does NOT fund general gym memberships or group fitness classes. NDIS only funds individualized exercise physiology services with clinical assessment, personalized exercise prescription, and progress monitoring. Exercise physiologists may conduct sessions in gym settings, but the service is clinical exercise prescription, not general gym access.

What conditions does exercise physiology help with under NDIS?

Exercise physiology helps with: diabetes (type 1 and 2), cardiovascular disease, obesity and weight management, chronic pain (arthritis, fibromyalgia), neurological conditions (cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke), respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD), mental health (depression, anxiety), falls prevention, osteoporosis, and functional capacity improvement for daily activities.

How many exercise physiology sessions does NDIS fund?

NDIS does not set session limits. Funding depends on individual plan allocation and goals. Typical allocations: maintenance programs $2,000-$4,000 annually (10-20 sessions), active intervention $4,000-$8,000 annually (20-40 sessions), intensive rehabilitation $8,000-$15,000 annually (40-75 sessions). Frequency typically weekly to fortnightly.

Do I need a referral for NDIS exercise physiology?

You do not need a medical referral to access exercise physiology under NDIS once you have NDIS funding. However, a GP or specialist referral is helpful for: NDIS planning meeting (strengthens funding request), initial assessment (medical clearance for exercise), coordination with medical team, and documenting chronic disease management needs.

Can exercise physiologists work with other NDIS therapists?

Yes, exercise physiologists often collaborate with: physiotherapists (combined rehab programs), occupational therapists (functional task practice), dietitians (weight management programs), psychologists (mental health and exercise), diabetes educators (chronic disease management). Multidisciplinary team approach provides comprehensive support and is encouraged under NDIS.

Key Resources for NDIS Exercise Physiology

Official NDIS Information:

Professional Association:

MD Home Care Services:

Need help finding exercise physiology services? MD Home Care connects NDIS participants with qualified exercise physiologists across Sydney and Melbourne. Call 1800 953 253 for assistance finding exercise physiology services in your local area.