Exercise Physiology Service

The Exercise Physiology service, as a part of the Wellness and Supportive Care services, delivers exercise education and individualised exercise prescription to outpatients receiving cancer treatment at the ONJ Centre.

Exercise@ONJ gym showing exercise equipment 26

What are the details?

The Exercise@ONJ service is a group based eight-week, twice-weekly exercise program supervised by an exercise physiologist. Group classes are limited to eight participants, and exercise programs are individually tailored to your cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment and side effects, as well as your fitness. The team can also offer supervised one-to-one supervised exercise sessions, home based programs and telehealth services, depending on your needs and preferences. 
 
We will discuss your goals during your first appointment and conduct a series of assessments (e.g., fitness, muscle strength) to help us prescribe your individualised exercise program. 
 
Exercise programs can be delivered either in person at the Level 5 Gym at the ONJ Centre or via video-delivered telehealth. Alternatively, we can refer you to a local exercise physiologist or physiotherapist service with similar specialist expertise closer to home.  

About our exercise physiology service 

The Exercise@ONJ team includes exercise physiologists and physiotherapists with specialist expertise in prescribing exercise programs for individuals with cancer.

What is an accredited exercise physiologist (AEP)? 

AEPs are university qualified allied health professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies to design, deliver and evaluate safe and effective exercise interventions for people with acute, sub-acute or chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities. Pathology domains covered by the services of AEPs include cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, musculoskeletal, cancers, kidney, respiratory / pulmonary and mental health, and any other conditions for which there is evidence that exercise can improve the client’s clinical status.

Visit the Exercise & Sports Science Australia website for more information about how AEPs can help.

What is a physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists help you get the most out of life. They help you recover from injury, reduce pain and stiffness, increase mobility and prevent further injury. They listen to your needs to tailor a treatment specific to your condition. As first contact practitioners, you don’t need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists, doctors, and other health professionals will often work as part of a team to plan and manage treatment for a specific condition.

Visit the Australian Physiotherapy Association's 'Choose physio' website for more information about how physiotherapists can help.

Who do I contact?

Exercise@ONJ Team  

Exercise physiologists

Ashley Bigaran
Blake Binion
Christie Mellerick 
Greta Ishak

Physiotherapists

Clare O’Donnell
Kristen Capron

Email: onjexercise@austin.org.au
Phone: 03 9496 9445

Administration Assistants, Wellness & Supportive Care  

Lisa Garretto 
Sindi Lefort
Phone: 03 9496 3799 

Who is eligible?

Cancer patients at Austin Health who are about to commence treatment, currently undergoing treatment, or have recently completed treatment are eligible for a referral to the Exercise @ ONJ service.

What are the benefits of taking part?

Watch the VidEx video below and hear from our health professionals at the ONJ Centre on how exercise can keep you motivated and help people with a cancer diagnosis to tolerate chemotherapy better. It's never too late to start exercising to improve your fitness levels and health. 

You can also find out more about the benefits of exercise for cancer patients, by watching Holly’s Journey on the Exercise Right website.