Frequently Asked Questions

A guided and supervised exercise session incurs a fee of $70.

You may be eligible to claim for a rebate from private health funds, Medicare, my Aged Care or National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). If you have any difficulties with finances, please discuss your circumstances directly with Professor Maria Fiatarone Singh during your initial consultation.

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General Questions

Which patients are appropriate to refer?

A patient of any age suffering from any of the following disorders including:
Arthritis (Osteo- & Rheumatoid), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Cancer, Stable Congestive Heart Failure, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty with Mobility or Gait and Balance Problems, Falls, Frailty, Functionally Impaired, Heart Disease, Hip Fracture, HIV, Insomnia, Joint Replacement, Loss of Appetite or Weight Loss, Osteoporosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Recent Hospitalisation with Functional Decline, Steroid Treatment, Stroke, Transplants, Use of Multiple Medications.
There are many misconceptions about the type and intensity of exercise that is appropriate and beneficial for older adults. We would ask that you not give your patients any fixed ideas about the kind of exercise they can or should do until they undergo a full evaluation with our staff.

How is this different from referring someone to a Physiotherapist?

The Centre for STRONG Medicine provides an exercise prescription that is fully integrated into a multi-disciplinary Geriatric Medical Management plan. In contrast to Physiotherapy, which is time-limited and often not integrated into the rest of their medical care, we see exercise as a necessary component of the treatment of your patients’ targeted diseases for the rest of their lives.
We offer the combined expertise of a Consultant Geriatrician and Professor of Exercise and Sports Medicine prescribing and supervising the exercise and dealing with any injuries or medical issues as they arise. Any medical issues which affect exercise are dealt with on site.

What sort of benefits should patients expect?

This will vary based on the patients underlying condition(s) and duration and frequency of exercise training. On average, over the first three months we expect a 30-40% improvement in strength, balance, mood and quality of life.
Overall pain is reduced and mood improved. Disease-specific benefits can be variable, depending on both the stage of the disease and underlying physiology of the individual. Additional information can be found on our achievements page or download the STRONG 36 months Report here.

What should I tell the patients about the Centre for STRONG Medicine?

The Centre for STRONG Medicine has amongst the most experienced staff in Australia with international recognition of their care management.
Professor Maria Fiatarone Singh will personally assess and screen each person thoroughly, giving a detailed medical opinion in addition to implementing the exercise program.
Over 250,000 individual exercise sessions have been conducted with no deaths, heart attacks or strokes. A summary of adverse events is available on request.
An individual plan combining balance, weight training and aerobic exercises most appropriate for an individual’s condition(s) will be developed.
All appointment times are scheduled.
All sessions are supervised and AND INDIVIDUALLY TAILORED TO THE PATIENTS DISEASE AND CAPABILITIES.
When first commencing exercise training, the body will take a while to adjust to the new level of activity. Some soreness the day after a training session doesn’t mean the exercise is too hard, it is a sign that it is working as it should and will lessen over time as the body adjusts.
It is important to train for at least three months to fully experience the available benefits. Some changes may be felt well before, but it is important not to become discouraged by a lack of perceived change prior to this time.
As the person’s primary and trusted doctor, it is helpful to reinforce compliance by asking about the training at every office visit.

What should I tell the patient to expect on their first day?

See our “On your first day” page.
We also have a printable pamphlet (available on request) which answers the most frequently asked questions.

What information and benefits do I get from my patients attending the Centre?

The initial assessment by Professor Maria Fitarone Singh combines a general geriatric and general medicine consultation in addition to the formulation and integration of a tailored exercise prescription. You will receive a written summary of the consultation.