EXSC9001B Exercise and Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions (Practicum) (4.5/9 units)

This topic is taught and assessed as a continuum.

This topic provides students with knowledge about the pathophysiology, medical and exercise management of common and prevalent neuromusculoskeletal conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, dementia, traumatic brain injury. Students will be given the opportunity to develop and apply the following clinical exercise physiology skills essential in the management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal conditions in the primary, secondary, and tertiary health care settings: i) clinical assessment of movement and exercise capacity; ii) planning and delivery of individualised exercise prescription.

In addition students will source, and apply contemporary exercise research to support other medical and allied medical interventions for neuromusculoskeletal conditions. This topic requires students to complete a clinical placement.

This topic aims to:

• Support students to gain a practical understanding of the clinical assessment of exercise and functional capacity of people with common neuromusculoskeletal conditions
• Support students to critically assess the psycho-physiological response to exercise interventions as a rationale for provision of exercise as a treatment strategy in common neuromusculoskeletal conditions
• Support students to apply contemporary evidence-based approach in the design, modification and monitoring of exercise interventions in people with neuromusculoskeletal conditions

1. Critically evaluate the professional roles and scope of practice of an accredited exercise physiologist (AEP) and demonstrate an understanding of the clinical, scientific, ethical, and legislative parameters, related to the work of an AEP in the Australian healthcare network
2. Design, apply and interpret evidence-based clinical assessments such as neuromusculoskeletal physical examinations, movement screening, fatigue, exercise and functional capacity, to determine a patient’s clinical status/neuromusculoskeletal condition for the purpose of developing and progressing evidence-based exercise prescription for people with neuromusculoskeletal conditions
3. Interpret outcomes of other common medical assessments and interventions, both surgical and pharmacological, in the application of appropriate strategies for the safe and effective progression of exercise in patients with neuromusculoskeletal conditions
4. Assess, interpret, and reflect on the physiological and psychological responses to exercise and integrate evidence-based behaviour change theory to accommodate individual goal achievement or needs, and to counteract identified psychosocial barriers to exercise compliance and lifestyle modification for people with common neuromusculoskeletal conditions
5. Design, deliver, and modify evidence-based, safe and effective exercise interventions, including implementation of effective monitoring strategies, appropriate first-aid when required, consideration of a safe exercising environment, and unique individual challenges, as part of the overall management plan in people with neuromusculoskeletal conditions
6. Implement and reflect on clinical leadership skill including creation and communication of reports in both verbal and written formats on initial clinical status, changes in clinical status, and progress in response to the exercise intervention for key stakeholders (i.e. client, peers, placement providers, and referrer), according to legislative and compensable scheme requirements for people with neuromusculoskeletal conditions
7. Design, apply and interpret evidence-based clinical assessments such as risk factor screening, physical examination and movement screening, exercise and functional capacity, to determine and/or improve through exercise programming a client’s functional capacity for the purpose of evaluating ability to perform work, leisure, and/or everyday normal activities