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Unit of study_

EXSS5062: Exercise for Musculoskeletal Conditions

Semester 1a, 2020 [Normal day] - Cumberland, Sydney

The major emphasis of Exercise for Musculoskeletal Conditions is the strategic application of the principles of exercise prescription to target specific prevention and rehabilitation goals. The unit investigates the structure and organisation of therapeutic exercise for the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. This includes the structure, mechanical properties and function of connective tissues and the responses of these tissues to mechanical stress and musculoskeletal disorders and the role of exercise in the management of these conditions. Throughout the unit discussion of the effects of disease on the exercise response is used to enhance understanding of normal exercise physiology and biomechanical function. Similar attention is paid to the contributions of disuse and deconditioning to exacerbation of exercise impairment imposed by disease or injury.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EXSS5062
Academic unit
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Alycia Fong Yan, alycia.fongyan@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Podcast
PowerPoint and voice-over
20% Week 10 12 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17
Skills-based evaluation Online practical skills assessment
Video submission
35% Week 12 25 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15
Final exam Online Final exam
Online Final exam
45% Week 13 1.5 hours

Assessment summary

  • Podcast Assignment: This assignment will require your group to create a powerpoint presentation with voiceover covering a new musculoskeletal condition and how you would approach and manage the condition
  • Practical Exam: Practical skills demonstration of musculoskeletal assessment, movement analysis, and movement modification
  • Final exam: The exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and practical classes. The exam will have a mixture of multiple choice questions and short answer questions.

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

Exceptional knowledge in musculoskeletal conditions and their management using individualised exercise testing and programming

Distinction

75 - 84

High level of knowledge in musculoskeletal conditions and their management using individualised exercise testing and programming

Credit

65 - 74

Good level of knowledge in musculoskeletal conditions and their management using individualised exercise testing and programming

Pass

50 - 64

Basic level of knowledge in musculoskeletal conditions and their management using individualised exercise testing and programming

Fail

0 - 49

Learning outcomes of the unit are not met to a satisfactory standard. There is a risk of harm to patients with the lack of knowledge and skill demonstrated

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than 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 1. Welcome and unit overview; 2. Decision-making algorithms Lecture (4 hr) LO16
Week 02 1. Pain and inflammation; 2. Phases of healing; 3. Restoring ROM restoring strength; 4. Neuromuscular control Lecture (2 hr) LO6 LO7 LO12 LO13 LO16 LO17
HHD, MMT and ROM practical Practical (2 hr) LO9 LO10
Week 03 1. FMS; 2. The Kinetic Chain; 3. Movement quality and pathomechanics Lecture (2 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO17
1. FMS; 2. Postural analysis Practical (2 hr) LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11
Week 04 Core: common conditions Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO15 LO16 LO17
Core 1. Assessment; 2. Training Practical (2 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO15
Week 05 Hip: common conditions Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO15 LO16 LO17
Hip 1. Assessment; 2. Training Practical (2 hr) LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO15
Week 06 Knee: common conditions Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO15 LO16 LO17
Knee 1. Assessment; 2. Training Practical (2 hr) LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO15
Week 07 Shoulder: common conditions Lecture (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO15 LO16 LO17
Shoulder 1. Assessment; 2. Training Practical (2 hr) LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO15
Week 08 Elbow: common conditions Lecture (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO15 LO16 LO17
Elbow 1. Assessment; 2. Training Practical (2 hr) LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO15
Week 09 Ankle: common conditions Lecture (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO15 LO16 LO17
Ankle 1. Assessment; 2. Training Practical (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO15
Week 10 Home/Work ergonomics Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO8 LO14 LO16
1. Ergonomic assessments; 2. Functional capacity evaluations; 3. Return to work plans Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO8 LO14 LO16
Week 11 Home/Work ergonomics Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO8 LO14 LO16
1. Ergonomic assessments; 2. Functional capacity evaluations; 3. Return to work plans Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO8 LO14 LO16

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance at all lectures, tutorials, and practicals (as outlined in the teaching schedule) is mandatory.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

  • Houglum P.A Therapeutic Exercise for Musculoskeletal Injuries 2nd Edition. Baltimore, Human Kinetics, 2005. 
  • Woolf-May K. Exercise prescription. Physiological foundations. London: Elsevier. 2006. 
  • American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 6th edition. Eds BA Franklin et al. Baltimore, Lipincott, Williams and Wilkins, 2000.

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 principles of occupational rehabilitation and functional conditioning
  • LO2. outline profession-relevant national and NSW-based compensation schemes and legislation
  • LO3. explain the role of Accredited Exercise Physiologists and Case Managers in the management and delivery of services under relevant compensation schemes
  • LO4. explain the stages of development and underlying pathophysiology of target musculoskeletal conditions
  • LO5. discuss the role of exercise and physical activity in the management of target musculoskeletal conditions
  • LO6. identify precautions and contraindications to exercise that may occur during the various stages of tissue healing
  • LO7. identify signs and symptoms during and after exercise that may occur during the various stages of tissue healing
  • LO8. explain the role of cognitive behavioural therapy in occupational rehabilitation
  • LO9. select and perform a range of musculoskeletal screening tools in a clinically-relevant timeframe
  • LO10. select and perform a range of musculoskeletal assessment tools, which identify physiological impairments and deficits in functional capacity, in a clinically-relevant timeframe
  • LO11. use musculoskeletal assessment data to design active therapy-based rehabilitation interventions
  • LO12. identify and prescribe in a clinically relevant-timeframe, a course of action for precautions and contraindications to exercise
  • LO13. identify and prescribe in a clinically relevant-timeframe, a course of action for signs and symptoms during and after exercise that may occur during the various stages of tissue healing
  • LO14. effectively document and communicate the outcomes of musculoskeletal assessments and rehabilitation plans
  • LO15. design and instruct exercises for specific muscle groups, and be able to modify these exercises for various conditions
  • LO16. demonstrate an appreciation for multidisciplinary approaches to client management
  • LO17. critically evaluate, interpret, and apply information.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - ESSA
1.3.1. Illustrate the scope of practice of Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and the scope of roles available for AEP practice.
1.3.2. Employ core principles of case management and appropriate clinical reporting in the delivery of clinical, health and wellness, work conditioning and rehabilitation services within the boundaries of the ESSA AEP scope of practice and the healthcare system framework.
11.4.6. Select and employ pre-employment and other screening tools/techniques within the AEP scope of practice to establish client baseline exercise and functional capacity; inform exercise prescription and monitor client progression.
3.3.9. Discuss core principles of functional capacity as it relates to regulations, scientific evidence, safe practice, client need and a multi-disciplinary care environment.
LO2
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - ESSA
11.4.4. Examine: the scope of exercise physiology practice in rehabilitation and return to optimised function environments; and the use and limitations in use of common diagnostic tests to inform exercise prescription.
3.3.10. Formulate and demonstrate measurement, evaluation and reporting of functional capacity that includes evaluation plans and considers a variety of settings including clinical/private practice, tertiary care, pre-employment, workplace, recreation and sports settings.
3.3.7. Formulate and demonstrate measurement, evaluation and reporting of exercise capacity including verbal and written communication with clients, referrer and other relevant stakeholders.
4.3.3. Design and revise functional capacity assessments and interventions that consider the clients’ needs, capabilities, duties and/or workplace setting/requirements.
LO3
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - ESSA
1.3.1. Illustrate the scope of practice of Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and the scope of roles available for AEP practice.
1.3.2. Employ core principles of case management and appropriate clinical reporting in the delivery of clinical, health and wellness, work conditioning and rehabilitation services within the boundaries of the ESSA AEP scope of practice and the healthcare system framework.
3.3.10. Formulate and demonstrate measurement, evaluation and reporting of functional capacity that includes evaluation plans and considers a variety of settings including clinical/private practice, tertiary care, pre-employment, workplace, recreation and sports settings.
3.3.7. Formulate and demonstrate measurement, evaluation and reporting of exercise capacity including verbal and written communication with clients, referrer and other relevant stakeholders.
3.3.9. Discuss core principles of functional capacity as it relates to regulations, scientific evidence, safe practice, client need and a multi-disciplinary care environment.
LO4
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - ESSA
11.4.1. Examine in depth, the pathological and pathophysiological bases of all target musculoskeletal conditions; and the interactions between exercise and acute, sub- acute and chronic conditions; musculoskeletal signs, symptoms and medications; and sport, rehabilitation and activity of daily living (ADL) environments.
2.3.1. Differentiate the pathological and pathophysiological bases for all target conditions in the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular domains and a broad range of the AEP target conditions across the other AEP pathology domains.
LO5
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards - ESSA
1.3.1. Illustrate the scope of practice of Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and the scope of roles available for AEP practice.
1.3.2. Employ core principles of case management and appropriate clinical reporting in the delivery of clinical, health and wellness, work conditioning and rehabilitation services within the boundaries of the ESSA AEP scope of practice and the healthcare system framework.
11.4.11. Compose, deliver and revise safe and effective functional exercise and workplace rehabilitation programs that consider client clinical status and needs, treatment objectives/progress, influencing parameters and protocol/guidelines including age appropriate exercise guidelines and final phase rehabilitation/functional conditions/return to play guidelines.
11.4.2. Appraise the mode, intensity, duration frequency, volume and progression on clinical outcomes for musculoskeletal clients.
11.4.7. Consider medications, surgical, medical and allied health interventions/treatments, clinical and safety risks, co-morbidities, indications, contraindications, exercise setting, treatment objectives and their implications on clinical status, exercise and functional capacity, and the design and delivery of safe and effective exercise and intervention plans for individual musculoskeletal, rehabilitation and pre-employment clients.
2.3.3. Evaluate evidence base for mode, intensity, duration, frequency, volume and progression of exercise interventions for the target conditions in the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular domains and for a broad range of target conditions across all of the other AEP pathology domains.
3.3.4. Formulate measurement actions, monitoring actions, and strategies to manage client clinical status and changes in clinical status before, during and after assessment and exercise, for all target conditions in the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular domains and a broad range of AEP target conditions across the other AEP pathology domains.
3.3.5. Choose and apply (before, during and after assessment and exercise) guidelines and measurement tools/techniques to measure and assess clients’ clinical and functional status; and safe and effective exercise ranges and limits, for all target conditions in the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular domains and a broad range of target conditions across the other AEP pathology domains.
3.3.6. Recognise, interpret, revise and demonstrate in client-centred, multi-disciplinary care models, responses to changing risk factors, safety factors and clinical situations before, during and after assessments and exercise (including first-aid response), for all target conditions in the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular domains and a broad range of target conditions across the other AEP pathology domains.

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

No changes made.

Work, health and safety

WHS induction checklist must be completed in first class.

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