SPOR08009 2022 Strength and Conditioning

Ethically plan and evaluate a fitness testing session.

Plan and demonstrate advanced training methods.

Review biomechanics in terms of core stability, energy transfer, and injury prevention.

Design and evaluate a periodised sports specific resistance training programme.

Appraise the physiological adaptations to strength, speed and power training protocols.

This module lays the foundation for REPS Ireland accreditation in personal training. By the end of the module, the learner will have had the opportunity to achieve industry-standard competencies which will make them ready to progress final stage of accreditation where they will engage a real client. 

Candidates will participate in active learning in a gym environment where practical knowledge can be applied and evaluated. Planning skills will be prioritised as students prepare for three separate practical assessments. These practical assessments are linked to the embedded award (EQF Level 4 Personal Trainer). Students will also have the opportunity to integrate prior knowledge through continuous assessment and work independently to design a sports-specific resistance training programme. Lectures will build on prior knowledge to bring students to a professional standard and this knowledge will be tested using a terminal exam. Moodle will be used as a repository to support students with diverse learning needs and to run online assessments.

75% attendance is required to achieve the LO1 and LO2.

Types of assessment include:

• Practical (3 x in-class practical assessments ongoing between weeks 3 and 10)

• Individual Project related to resistance programme design.

• Terminal Examination

Participation in this module does NOT guarantee that industry-related competencies will be achieved by the learner.

• Failed elements of written CA may be resubmitted in the autumn.

• Candidates may re-sit the final exam in the autumn.

• Practical assessments will only be re-scheduled for medically certified.

• Non-attendance for the practical component will result in the learner having to repeat attend this element as 75% attendance is required.

To achieve the embedded industry qualification in personal training, the following criteria must be met:

1. The candidate must attempt all pieces of continuous assessment.

2. The candidate must pass the final exam.

3. The candidate must achieve 60% overall in the practical component.

1.0 Ethically plan and evaluate a fitness test session:

• Discuss the importance of pre-test instructions.

• Discuss the ethical importance of pre-exercise screening and informed consent.

• Discuss the environmental conditions necessary for effective fitness testing.

• Explain the relevance of test validity and reliability.

• Ethically plan and evaluate a fitness test battery.

2.0 Plan & demonstrate advanced training methods:

• Lesson plan and instruct resistance training systems. 

• Lesson plan and instruct an advanced cardiovascular training session.

• Practice speed, plyometrics and Olympic lifts.

3.0 Review biomechanics in terms of core stability, energy transfer, and injury prevention.                                    

• Appraise the muscles fundamental to core stability.

• Practice core stability and injury prevention exercises.

• Review the contribution of core stability to posture and skill execution (e.g. golf swing).                                        

• Explain the mechanisms specific to rotator cuff injury. 

• Explain spinal curvature and stress transmission.

• Identify muscular sub-systems engaged in specific movement patterns.

• Compare foot mechanics & Q-Angles on running efficiency and injury.

• Compare open and closed chain kinetic movements.

4.0 Design & evaluate a periodised sports-specific resistance training programme:                                                                                     

• Explain needs analysis and evaluation.

• Describe training cycles (micro, meso & macrocycles).

• Appraise linear and non-linear approaches to periodisation.

• Design and evaluate a sports-specific resistance programme in relation to acute programme variables.

5.0 Appraise the physiological adaptations to speed and power training

• Describe the principles behind strength speed and power development. 

• Explain the application of the plyometric stress continuum.

• Explain muscle adaptations to anaerobic training.