The learning for this unit focuses on exercise assessments and interventions for neurological conditions; this being a core knowledge and skills category requirement for graduates seeking professional accreditation with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). This unit (SCL6203) will give students information on exercise methods and their applications for clientele with a range of neurological pathologies. The unit will cover the exercise assessment and exercise prescription for a range of neurological conditions including (but not limited to): Stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson's disease, and neuromuscular diseases i.e., motor neuron disease, autism spectrum disorders, dementia and muscular dystrophy.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
SCL6203

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a range of acute, sub-acute and chronic neurological and neuromuscular conditions;  
  2. Research and apply established theories and methods to clinical exercise physiology practice when working with clients with neurological and neuromuscular conditions;  
  3. Critically analyse, evaluate, and synthesize complex information about a range of assessment techniques and exercise methods to facilitate evidence-based and competent assessment and prescription for a range of neurological and neuromuscular conditions; and,  
  4. Interpret and transmit knowledge, skills, and ideas associated with the assessment and exercise-based treatment of neurological and neuromuscular conditions to a range of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and clients.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Test Multiple choice/short answer quiz (x2) 15%
Presentation Group-based peer-teaching presentation of exercise assessment, prescription, and instruction based on a neurological case study. 40%
Case Study Case study Roleplay based on Skills Application Part A: exercise assessment (10%), Part B: prescription and appropriate delivery (35%) 45%
Hurdle 1: Successful completion of the Skills Application Assessment 3 - Part A (receive at least 50%) Hurdle 2: To gain an overall pass in this unit, students must attend and complete 80% of the practical (lab) sessions as per ESSA accreditation requirements.

Required reading

American College of Sports Medicine (2022). ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 11th ed. Wolters Kluwer, Philadelphia, PA or American College of Sports Medicine (2018). ACSM's Exercise Testing and Prescription (2018). 1st ed. Wolters Kluwer, Philadelphia, PA.

Clinical Exercise Physiology, 4th edn.
Erhman, J, K., Gordon, P.M., Visich, P.S & Keteyian, S.J. (2018).
Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL.

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As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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