Exercise physiology is a vital field that bridges the gap between physical activity and human health. It provides a scientific foundation for understanding how the body responds and adapts to physical exercise. The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Exercise Physiology offers participants a structured and in-depth exploration of key physiological principles, enabling them to apply this knowledge across health, fitness, sports, and rehabilitation contexts.
As the importance of physical fitness and preventative health continues to rise, so does the need for qualified professionals who understand the science behind exercise. This diploma equips participants with a clear understanding of how bodily systems respond to acute and long-term physical activity, supporting safe and effective exercise programming for a range of populations.
The course is ideal for those seeking to enhance their expertise in human performance, athletic conditioning, or clinical exercise applications. Whether working with athletes or individuals aiming to improve their general health, this diploma provides a strong academic and practical foundation.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Exercise Physiology is carefully designed to cover the key physiological systems and responses involved in exercise. It introduces participants to the core concepts of energy systems, cardiovascular and respiratory function, muscle physiology, and hormonal responses to training. Special focus is placed on exercise prescription, performance enhancement, and the role of exercise in preventing and managing chronic conditions.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Exercise Physiology offers a well-rounded curriculum developed to meet the practical and scientific demands of modern exercise professionals. With its focus on applied knowledge and evidence-based practice, the course ensures participants are prepared to deliver effective exercise strategies in a range of real-world environments.
Upon completing this diploma, participants may choose to pursue advanced study in related areas such as sports science, rehabilitation, kinesiology, or strength and conditioning. It also provides a strong foundation for other OSHAA qualifications in biomechanics, nutrition, or wellness coaching.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Exercise Physiology
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Exercise Physiology and Homeostasis (3 hours)
- Define the scope and importance of exercise physiology
- Explain the concept of homeostasis and its role in physical activity
- Identify the body’s acute responses and adaptations to exercise stress
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Responses to Exercise (4 hours)
- Describe how the heart and lungs respond to various intensities of exercise
- Understand oxygen transport and utilisation during physical activity
- Analyse cardiovascular adaptations resulting from long-term training
Muscle Structure, Function, and Adaptation (4 hours)
- Identify the types and characteristics of skeletal muscle fibres
- Explain how muscles contract and generate force
- Understand muscle hypertrophy and neural adaptations to resistance training
Energy Systems and Metabolic Function During Exercise (5 hours)
- Describe the ATP-PC, glycolytic, and oxidative energy systems
- Understand how energy production varies with intensity and duration of exercise
- Analyse the relationship between nutrition, metabolism, and performance
Hormonal Regulation and Endocrine Responses to Physical Activity (3 hours)
- Identify key hormones involved in exercise response and recovery
- Explain how exercise influences endocrine system activity
- Understand hormonal adaptations to different types of training
Neuromuscular Function and Motor Control in Exercise (3 hours)
- Describe the neuromuscular pathways involved in movement and coordination
- Understand motor unit recruitment and muscle activation patterns
- Analyse the impact of training on neuromuscular efficiency and control
Principles of Training and Physiological Adaptation (5 hours)
- Explain the principles of overload, specificity, progression, and reversibility
- Design training programmes that elicit targeted physiological adaptations
- Evaluate training outcomes and modify programmes for continued improvement
Exercise Prescription for Health and Chronic Disease Management (3 hours)
- Understand how exercise contributes to the prevention and management of chronic conditions
- Develop safe and effective exercise plans for individuals with varying health needs
- Apply evidence-based guidelines for exercise prescription in clinical and community settings
Course Benefits – OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Exercise Physiology
- Develop a deep understanding of how the human body responds and adapts to physical activity
- Gain scientific knowledge of energy systems, cardiovascular function, muscle mechanics, and hormonal responses during exercise
- Learn how to apply physiological principles to design safe and effective training programmes
- Understand the role of exercise in the prevention and management of chronic health conditions
- Acquire practical skills in assessing physical performance and tailoring interventions for diverse populations
- Strengthen capabilities in analysing fatigue, recovery, and overtraining to optimise performance and health outcomes
- Enhance career opportunities in fitness, sports science, health promotion, and rehabilitation sectors
- Build confidence in applying evidence-based strategies in both clinical and non-clinical environments
- Stay current with developments in exercise physiology and its applications across multiple disciplines
- Achieve a recognised professional diploma that demonstrates applied expertise and supports continuous professional development
This course is ideal for individuals working in or aspiring to roles where a strong understanding of exercise science and human physiology is essential. It is particularly suited to:
- Fitness professionals and personal trainers seeking to deepen their scientific knowledge of physical performance
- Sports coaches and athletic development specialists aiming to improve training outcomes
- Physiotherapists and rehabilitation practitioners integrating exercise into recovery plans
- Health and wellness coaches supporting clients in achieving physical health goals
- Individuals involved in chronic disease management and health promotion programmes
- Professionals in sports science, kinesiology, or biomedical fields seeking applied knowledge in exercise physiology
The diploma is also valuable for participants looking to advance their career, enhance client outcomes, or prepare for further study in exercise science or related disciplines. No prior academic background in physiology is required to benefit from this course.
