Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Musculoskeletal Conditions

Unit code:SCL6202Study level:Postgraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park

Prerequisites

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

The learning for this unit of study focuses on exercise assessments and interventions for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries; this being a foundational knowledge and skills category requirement for graduates seeking professional accreditation with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). This unit of study will cover a range of topics relating to acute, sub-acute, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions and injuries in practice. The theory component of this unit will cover the pathophysiology and presentation of a wide range of conditions throughout the musculoskeletal system and how these affect physical function and performance. The practical component will cover a range of assessment procedures, including tests relating to pain and tissue tolerance, physical function, palpation & surface anatomy, manual muscle testing, goniometry, passive/resisted muscle testing, and special tests.

Learning Outcomes

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

Investigate and interpret knowledge of a broad range of acute, sub-acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions and elucidate how these impact tissues and alter function;
Propose and implement individualised assessments of physical function, strength, and movement capacity for clients presenting with musculoskeletal conditions and injuries;
Critically evaluate assessment outcomes and related evidence for acute, sub-acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions; and
Design, implement and evaluate safe, evidence-based exercise prescription to facilitate rehabilitation and optimise function for people with musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Assignment | Grade: 20%

Proposal and justification of assessments for selected musculoskeletal conditions or injuries (1000 words);

Assessment type: Case Study | Grade: 40%

Case-based response and research report detailing evaluation of assessment outcomes, and justified evidence-based exercise prescription (2000 words)

Assessment type: Examination | Grade: 40%

30-minute case-based practical examination (hurdle)

Assessment 1 (‘Assignment’) includes video submission demonstrating one of these assessments (5 min)
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: Successful completion of the practical examination (receive at least 50% in the practical exam). This is a practical and applied assessment of core practitioner skills essential for students to be successful on placement. Students are afforded one (1) opportunity to re-sit the assessment if they fail their first attempt.