Course overview
In this course, students will be introduced to the field of physical activity and exercise for health. They will explore the benefits of physical activity, risks of sedentary behaviour and the important role of physiotherapists in promoting physical activity and exercise prescription in the community. Foundational concepts related to physical activity, acute responses of the musculoskeletal system to exercise, client assessment and exercise prescription will be introduced. Students will identify the risks associated with a range of exercises and strategies to minimise risks for clients. A range of assessment procedures and equipment used to conduct safe, exercise-related assessments, and the opportunity to design and modify basic exercises for health and fitness needs and goals for apparently healthy populations will also be introduced.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the principles of and rationale for therapeutic exercise and activity prescription.
- Relate the theory of therapeutic exercise and activity prescription to the role of physiotherapy in the promotion of health and wellbeing.
- Select and perform safe, appropriate and evidence-based, individualised assessments of physical activity and exercise.
- Design and implement safe, appropriate and evidence-based, individualised physical activity and exercise interventions.
- Explain the positive and negative factors that contribute to a person's motivation and ability to adhere to an exercise and/or activity prescription and how this will feed into its design.