HLTH08031 2019 Exercise as Medicine

Explain the prevalence, aetiology, basic pathophysiology, standard treatment and pharmacology of selected chronic conditions.

Discuss the evidence for exercise in the prevention and management of selected chronic conditions including dose-response issues and applicable exercise-drug interactions.

Apply scientific principles to prescribe safe effective exercise programmes tailored to assist clients in the management of selected cardiovascular, neurological and metabolic conditions

Demonstrate the ability to select and conduct various health, fitness and functional tests, monitor psychophysiological exercise responses and suggest appropriate adaptations to programmes.

Demonstrate competence in communication and motivational strategies aimed at empowering clients to take ownership of their exercise goals and commit to lifelong adherence to regular physical activity participation.

This module will be delivered full-time, to include lectures and small-group practicals/workshops, augmented by both  independent and directed learning.  This approach is expected to address  the various student learning needs.  The college VLE platform may be used as a repository for educational resources and a means of assessment (quizzes, assignment uploading etc).

This module is 50% Continuous Assessment and 50% Final Exam.

Students will be required to pass both the Final Exam and the Continuous Assessment elements to achieve a pass overall.

Continuous Assessment Details:

Students will be assessed in a practical situation interviewing a peer/role-playing the initial exercise consultation.

Students will work in groups and receives feedback during practicals on their performance in testing various aspects of health, fitness and function (formative assessment).

Students will submit a written review summarising the evidence for exercise in the treatment of a selected chronic condition specifying relevant exercise prescription considerations.

Student will go on to apply the above principles to the design of an exercise programme for a case study client with a specific chronic condition.

These assessments will prepare students to undertake both the exercise consultation and exercise prescription/programming in real-life practice with exercise participants managing a chronic condition(s).

Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam will be offered where the student has met the minimum attendance requirements.

Explain the prevalence, aetiology, basic pathophysiology, standard treatment and pharmacology of selected chronic conditions.

• Clinical Conditions: controlled/stable Cardiovascular, Neurological & Metabolic Conditions.
  • Context: Prevalence, the extent of the problem, projected disease trajectory and public health considerations.
  • Relevant medical terminology, aetiology, basic pathophysiology, phycho-physical effects and
  • Overview of standard treatment including pharmacology and relevant drug-exercise interaction considerations

Discuss the evidence for exercise in the prevention and management of selected chronic conditions including dose-response issues and applicable exercise-drug interactions.

• Physical activity epidemiology summarising the current evidence for exercise as a treatment for selected conditions, including dose response considerations.

Demonstrate the ability to select and conduct various health, fitness and functional tests, monitor psychophysiological exercise responses and suggest appropriate adaptations to programmes.

• Recognising appropriate referrals, using screening protocols, risk stratification tools and understanding contraindications, exclusions and the role, responsibilities and limitations of the exercise professional.
• Assessment of functional ability and capacity in individuals with chronic conditions.

Apply scientific principles to prescribe safe effective exercise programmes tailored to assist clients in the management of their chronic.

• Applying evidence-based scientific principles of exercise prescription (FITTA) and specific modifications of acute programme variables applied to the design of effective programmes for the treatment of specific conditions, that follow relevant best-practise guidelines, are safe and adapted to individual capabilities.

Demonstrate competence in communication and motivational strategies aimed at empowering clients to take ownership of their exercise goals and commit to lifelong adherence to regular physical activity participation.

• Strategies and approaches for optimising client communication, adherence and progression.