Globally, physical inactivity has been directly linked to many chronic conditions or non-communicable diseases (diseases that are not passed on to others). In 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported an 11% probability of New Zealanders’ between 40 and 70 years, could die of the top four non-communicable diseases (NCD’s): cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory diseases, and 28.3% of New Zealanders were obese.
Increases in morbid obesity and levels of physical inactivity have been noted across New Zealand. The Waikato DHB is the fifth largest in New Zealand, with a population of 391,770.
Clinical exercise physiology (CEP) is a sub-discipline of Exercise Science, focusing on the physiological and psychological effects exercise has on chronic illness and injury. CEP has been recognised by Health Workforce New Zealand as an Allied Health profession. There is little knowledge or understanding about CEP amongst primary healthcare in New Zealand.