Clinical Exercise Physiology: An Introduction for Healthcare Professionals in Viet Nam

Clinical Exercise Physiology: An Introduction for Healthcare Professionals in Viet Nam

Clinical Exercise Physiology is an established area of professional practice in several countries and health systems. It applies exercise science, assessment and evidence-based exercise interventions to support people living with chronic diseases and other health conditions, injuries, disabilities or functional limitations. This introductory resource was developed by the Vietnam Lifestyle Medicine Alliance following World Clinical Exercise Physiology Day 2026 to support awareness and informed discussion among healthcare professionals in Viet Nam. World Clinical Exercise Physiology Day was launched on 23 September 2024 and is observed annually on 23 September.[1]

What is Clinical Exercise Physiology?

Clinical Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified professionals with specialized knowledge and training in exercise science and clinical exercise physiology. Their roles vary across countries and professional systems, but may include assessing exercise capacity, designing and supervising individualized exercise programs, supporting behavior change, and contributing to prehabilitation, rehabilitation and the longer-term management of health conditions. In the United States, for example, the American College of Sports Medicine describes Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologists as using evidence-based practice to design, implement and supervise exercise programs for people living with chronic diseases, health conditions or physical limitations.[2]

International professional models also illustrate the breadth of this work. In Australia, Accredited Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals trained to design, deliver and evaluate safe and effective exercise interventions for people with acute, subacute or chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities. Their areas of practice include cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, musculoskeletal, cancer, kidney, respiratory and mental health conditions, chronic pain and other conditions where there is evidence that exercise can improve clinical status.[3] Although professional models differ between countries, they illustrate how structured and individualized exercise can go beyond generic advice when a person's health needs require more careful assessment, adaptation, monitoring or supervision.

Why is this relevant to Lifestyle Medicine?

Physical activity is a core component of evidence-based Lifestyle Medicine, but its clinical application may require more than simply advising someone to exercise more. The Lifestyle Medicine Core Competencies: 2025 Update includes a dedicated section on Physical Activity Science, Assessment and Prescription. It covers the components of physical activity, assessment in clinical practice, appropriately modified physical activity prescriptions for specific populations, the use of evidence in treatment protocols, and recognition of when referral to health and fitness professionals is appropriate. The update contains 89 competencies overall and was developed through the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance Scientific Advisory Committee process.[4]

This creates a natural connection between Clinical Exercise Physiology and multidisciplinary Lifestyle Medicine. Appropriately trained exercise professionals may contribute expertise in exercise assessment, program design, supervision and behavior-change support, while each member of the healthcare team works within their own qualifications, professional responsibilities and applicable regulations. How these roles are organized in practice varies across countries and health systems.

Clinical Exercise Physiology in Viet Nam

The regulatory context in Viet Nam differs from jurisdictions where Clinical Exercise Physiology has established professional, certification or accreditation frameworks. Under Article 26(1) of Văn bản hợp nhất số 26/VBHN-VPQH dated 26 February 2026, consolidating the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment, Clinical Exercise Physiologist is not among the professional titles expressly listed as requiring a practice license. Article 26(2) allows the Government to regulate additional professional titles and their licensing conditions, after reporting to the National Assembly Standing Committee, while Article 26(3) provides that the Minister of Health regulates the scope of practice for each professional title.[5]

This distinction matters. The fact that Clinical Exercise Physiologist is not listed in Article 26(1) should not, by itself, be interpreted to mean that all activities related to exercise physiology are prohibited in Viet Nam. At the same time, an international Clinical Exercise Physiology title or credential should not be assumed to create an equivalent licensed professional title or scope of practice under Vietnamese law. When exercise assessment or intervention is provided within a healthcare setting, the applicable laws and regulations, the qualifications and permitted professional activities of the people involved, patient safety, clinical governance and the policies of the healthcare organization all need to be considered. International experience can offer useful models and lessons, but these need to be understood and adapted carefully to the Vietnamese context.

VLMA sees value in helping healthcare professionals better understand this field and in encouraging evidence-informed discussion about how more specialized exercise assessment and intervention may contribute to prevention, chronic disease management, rehabilitation and multidisciplinary care in Viet Nam. The aim at this stage is not to assume that any particular international professional model should be adopted in Viet Nam, but to build a clearer understanding of the evidence, competencies, safety considerations and regulatory context that should inform future development.

Important note: This resource describes Clinical Exercise Physiology primarily in an international context and is provided for educational purposes. It does not establish, authorize or confer a professional title, credential or scope of practice in Viet Nam. Professional roles and permitted activities depend on applicable laws and regulations, individual qualifications and the governance requirements of the relevant healthcare setting.

References and Further Reading

1. International Confederation of Sport and Exercise Science Practice. World Clinical Exercise Physiology Day. Background on World Clinical Exercise Physiology Day, launched on 23 September 2024, and its aim to raise awareness of the role of Clinical Exercise Physiologists in health and healthcare.

2. American College of Sports Medicine. Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Information on education, clinical experience, certification requirements and the role of the American College of Sports Medicine Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist.

3. Exercise & Sports Science Australia. What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist? Overview of the Australian professional model, including education, accreditation and work across a range of clinical conditions.

4. Rea BL, Cheema S, Lanza S, et al. Lifestyle Medicine Core Competencies: 2025 Update. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2026;20(3):443–451. doi:10.1177/15598276251379821. First published online 28 October 2025; issue published March/April 2026.

5. Văn phòng Quốc hội. Văn bản hợp nhất số 26/VBHN-VPQH ngày 26 tháng 02 năm 2026, Luật Khám bệnh, chữa bệnh. See particularly Article 26 on professional titles requiring practice licenses and Article 27 on practice licenses.

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