Skip to main content
Unit of study_

EXSS3027: Exercise and Rehabilitation

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The aim of this unit is to investigate the strategic application of the principles of exercise prescription to target specific prevention and rehabilitation goals. The unit explores the pathophysiological basis of exercise limitations across a range of musculoskeletal injuries including the ankle, knee and shoulder, chronic lower back pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and joint replacement.. The underlying aim of the unit focuses on the application of exercise to rehabilitate functional capacity for patients who suffer from such conditions. The principles of exercise prescription include examining scientific evidence for the safety and efficacy of numerous exercise modalities to help establish core stability; re-establish neuromuscular control; restore full range of motion; restore or increase muscular strength, endurance, and power; and maintain cardio-respiratory fitness.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EXSS3027
Academic unit Movement Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
EXSS3024
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

(EXSS2028 and EXSS2022) or EXSS2027

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Timothy English, tim.english@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Timothy English, tim.english@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Open book) Type C final exam Final exam
Short answer
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Skills-based evaluation Practical exam
Practical skills assessment
25% Week 07 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Skills-based evaluation Case study defense
Case study
25% Week 13 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Type C final exam = Type C final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Practical exam: Students will need to decide on appropriate musculoskeletal assessments for a given case study and also perform a musculoskeletal assessment. Students will answer questions orally relating to the condition of the case study, provide reasoning for the selection of the musculoskeletal assessments, and demonstrate knowledge of the normative values for the assessments and what abnormal results may indicate.
  • Case study defense: Up to 3 case studies will be provided. Students will need to design an exercise management plan for the case studies and will be asked to defend their solution to one of the cases during an oral examination.
  • Final exam (open book): The exam will comprise of short and extended answer questions on the topics described in the lecture outline.The final exam is conducted by the University Registrar in the formal examination period. 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction: risk factors, injury and management Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 02 Musculoskeletal assessment tools Lecture (2 hr)  
Joint range of motion Practical (2 hr)  
Week 03 Functional testing: postural stability and balance Lecture (2 hr)  
Functional tests 1 Practical (2 hr)  
Week 04 Chronic lower back pain Lecture (2 hr)  
Functional tests 2 Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 05 Conditions of the hip Lecture (2 hr)  
Lower back pain assessments Practical (2 hr)  
Week 06 Conditions of the knee Lecture (2 hr)  
Practice session: musculoskeletal assessment tools Practical (2 hr)  
Week 08 Conditions of the shoulder Lecture (2 hr)  
Case study: lower back and abdominals Practical (2 hr)  
Week 09 Conditions of the ankle Lecture (2 hr)  
Case study: shoulder joint Practical (2 hr)  
Week 10 Conditions of the foot and lower limb Lecture (2 hr)  
Case study: lower limb Practical (2 hr)  
Week 11 Osteoarthritis Lecture (2 hr)  
Case study practice Practical (2 hr)  
Week 12 Exam revision Lecture (2 hr)  
Case study practice Practical (2 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

1 x 2 hr lecture/week; 1 x 2hr practical/week

Lecture format

Lectures will be pre-recorded and uploaded on Tuesdays with the expectation students view the recorded lecture prior to the following weeks practical class. Please note down questions when viewing the lecture to foster discussion within face-to-face practical classes. Please also use the discussion board on Canvas to ask questions.

Practical class format

With the changing state of the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney, practical classes will likely be run face-to-face for those wanting to attend. However, videos of instruction and demonstration of practical skills will be posted online for those wanting to stay home. Students should be aware that the content taught in practical classes relates directly to the practical assessments in weeks 7 and 13.

Practical Assessments

Students are required to attend face-to-face for practical assessments in week 7 and 13. Students should refer to their personalised timetable for selected sessions in week 7 and week 13. Students will be allocated a more specific timeslot for their practical assessment within their selected session time closer to the date.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Textbook

There is no prescribed textbook for this unit.

Additional readings

Additional readings may be specified from the following key textbook. It is available in the Health Sciences library and in the reserve section.

ACSM’s exercise management for persons with chronic diseases and disabilities (4th Edition). Edited by Geoffrey E. Moore et al. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 2016

You should also search for material in relevant journals (both electronic and print). A list of key texts and recommended journals will be placed on the Canvas site.

 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. explain the stages of development of several chronic diseases and musculoskeletal injuries
  • LO2. describe the pathophysiological bases of several chronic diseases and musculoskeletal injuries
  • LO3. explain the effect of various pathologies on the response to exercise
  • LO4. discuss the role of exercise and physical activity in the management of chronic disease and musculoskeletal injuries
  • LO5. assess and prescribe a safe and effective exercise program for the management of chronic disease and musculoskeletal injuries.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The final exam has been changed from a Type A Live+ exam (online invigilation) to an open book exam.

Work, health and safety

You are required to complete the “COVID safe: Health and Hygiene module” in the “Quizzes” section on the Canvas site prior to attending your first face-to-face class. Please complete the WHS Practical Induction Checklist (EXSS and EP) in the “Quizzes”section on Canvas in your first practical with your tutor with special consideration of the COVID-19 precautions. 

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.