Harjoitusfysiologeista

Harjoitusfysiologeista, or exercise physiologists, are health science professionals who specialize in the study of the human body's physical response to exercise and training. Their primary focus is to understand how muscles, cardiovasculary and respiratory systems respond to various forms of physical activity, and to apply this knowledge to improve performance, health, and rehabilitation.

Education and certification vary by country. In many European contexts, a master’s degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, or sports science is required. Students study topics such as biomechanics, exercise metabolism, cardiovascular physiology, and nutritional science. Upon graduation, they must often pass a professional exam to become licensed or registered practitioners. In Finland, for example, exercise physiologists may be affiliated with university colleges and can work within municipal health services, sports clubs, or private clinics.

Practice settings include community fitness programs, elite sports teams, rehabilitation centers, and corporate wellness initiatives. Practitioners design individualized training protocols, monitor physiological responses using tools like VO₂ max testing, heart rate variability and lactate threshold analysis, and adjust programs based on client progress and goals. They also educate patients and athletes on safe exercise practices, injury prevention, and nutrition strategies.

Research contributions are significant, with studies ranging from the effects of training on age-related decline to interventions for chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Many exercise physiologists publish in peer‑reviewed journals and present at international conferences.

The profession is interdisciplinary, often collaborating with physicians, physiotherapists, dietitians, and psychologists to provide holistic care. As evidence‑based practice continues to expand, the demand for qualified exercise physiologists is expected to grow worldwide.