Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Neurological Conditions

Unit code: SCL6203 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

The learning for this unit focuses on exercise assessments and interventions for neurological and neuromuscular conditions; this being among the core areas of practice for graduates seeking professional accreditation as an exercise physiologist with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). This unit fosters students’ knowledge of relevant pathophysiology and its application to exercise assessment, prescription, and delivery for clients with a range of neurological and neuromuscular pathologies. The conditions may include (but not be limited to): Stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, and neuromuscular diseases. Throughout this unit, students will build essential knowledge of these conditions and competency in practitioner skills supporting best-practice care for clients with neurological conditions.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Exhibit an advanced and integrated understanding of the pathophysiology and treatments for a range of neurological and neuromuscular conditions;
  2. Devise and interpret assessments of physical function and symptomology to inform exercise treatment strategies;
  3. Design and implement safe, evidence-based exercise prescription to optimise function and maximise independence for people with neurological and neuromuscular conditions; and
  4. Communicate client needs to other health care professionals and advocate for physical activity for clients with neurological and neuromuscular conditions.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 10%
In-class short answer questions and Case Study covering principles of neuropathophysiological and neurological signs and symptoms (60min)
Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 30%
Evidence-based clinical evaluation & prescription knowledge, procedures & reporting to other health professionals (1500 words)
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
Online SAQ assessing knowledge of neurological conditions’ pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and management (90min)
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 40%
30min Case-based practical examination (hurdle)

Hurdle 1: To gain an overall pass in this unit, students must attend and complete 80% of the practical (in-person) classes as per ESSA accreditation requirements.

Hurdle 2: Assessment 4, the Practical Examination is a hurdle requirement whereby students need to achieve 50% of available marks on the assessment to pass the unit. Students are afforded one (1) opportunity to re-sit the assessment if they fail their first attempt.

Required reading

RECOMMENDED TEXTS: Prentice, W. E. (2021). Principles of athletic training: a guide to evidence-based clinical practice / William E. Prentice. McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Other recommended readings will be made available via the unit VU Collaborate site.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation
AMEP | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 1.5 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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