Outline

Overview

The aim of this unit is to investigate the strategic application of exercise prescription principles to target specific prevention and rehabilitation goals. The unit focuses on the role of therapeutic exercise for the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions of the upper body and cervical spine and the application of exercise rehabilitation within compensable systems.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	EXSS5104
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jeanette Thom, jeanette.thom@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 3 October 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam written exam with short-answer questions and case-based interpretation.	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Case Study Defence Case Study Defence of EMP	25%	STUVAC	20 minutes (oral)
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Competency Checklist Competency checklist	5%	Week 10	From all Tutorials week 7-10	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Practical Skills Assessment Practical Skills Assessment	25%	Week 11	20 mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Competency Checklist Competency Checklist	5%	Week 12	From tutorial classes wk 11-12	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Competency Checklist: From all pracs and tutorial classes.

Practical Exam: Select relevant assessments, demonstrate joint and movement assessments, demonstrate knowledge.
Case Study Defence: Design exercise managenment plan and defend the solution during an oral examination
Final exam: The exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and practical classes. The exam will have a mixture of short-answer questions and case-based interpretation.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas

Assessment criteria

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 guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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. However, a unit of study may prohibit late submission or exclude late penalties only if expressly stated below.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Mid-semester break	CLBP & BPS model of care	Lecture (2 hr)
	Trunk & Cervical Spine: Common conditions of the cervical spine & trunk	Lecture (2 hr)
	Shoulder: Scapula & GHJ Ax + Rx	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	Introduction and revision of musculoskeletal rehabilitation principles and goals; Common conditions of the Wrist	Lecture (2 hr)
	Common conditions of the Elbow	Lecture (2 hr)
	Revision / Upper arm	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Shoulder I: Common conditions of the scapula	Lecture (2 hr)
	Shoulder II: Common conditions of the Glenohumeral Joint	Lecture (2 hr)
	Wrist & Elbow Ax + Rx	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	Spine, Trunk & Lower Back Pain Ax & Rx	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	Climbing practical	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Occupational Rehab and Compensable Systems I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Prac exam revision & checklist	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Occupational Rehab and Compensable Systems II	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assessment information (EMP & OCD)	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Occupational Rehab and Compensable Systems A	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	Musculoskeletal rehabilitation cases & Revision of musculoskeletal rehabilitation principles and goals	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Occupational Rehab and Compensable Systems B	Tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

This unit is designed with a strong emphasis on tutorial and practical based learning in a collegial environment. It is expected that students attend and engage with the instructor and each other. Attendance at tutorials and practicals is strongly recommended. Competency of skills are marked in these classes. Attendance will be recorded. Attendance at lectures is not compulsory, however is strongly advised as they lead directly onto the practicals and tutorials.

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’s reading list system Leganto, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

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. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of human structure, function, behaviour and the pathophysiological bases for a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions, to allow safe and effective engagement in physical activity in healthy and clinical populations.
LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of exercise and physical activity in the management of musculoskeletal injuries within the AEP scope of practice
LO3. Conduct and interpret a variety of musculoskeletal assessments, integrating anatomical and biomechanical knowledge to formulate measurement tool selection, monitoring actions, and strategies for case management
LO4. Design, revise and deliver client-centred exercise plans that consider scientific evidence, client goals, medical history, clinical status and other influencing factors for a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions across the Accredited Exercise Physiology (AEP) pathology domains using behaviour change strategies, interpretation of information, critical analysis, synthesis of evidence, reflection and creativity.

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
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - 1.2.1. Practise with integrity within the scope of practice for an AEP, the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, and jurisdictional Codes of Conduct. 2.2.1. Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life. 2.2.2. Examine principles of biopsychosocial care, value-based care, person-centred care and social and cultural determinants of health and apply this to promote health and well-being for individual clients and population groups. 2.2.4. Evaluate the effect of commonly prescribed medications, diagnostic procedures, medical, surgical, and other interventions on both resting and exercise-related physiological responses across the full health spectrum. 2.2.5. Evaluate research findings and apply exercise prescription principles to develop recommendations and interventions, including targeted exercise prescription for the purposes of optimising health status, function, recovery, independence, and participation. 2.2.6. Apply clinical, ethical, and evidence-based decision-making to formulate appropriate interventions and recommendations and communicate the expected outcomes. 2.2.7. Explain national, state, and compensable scheme frameworks across the health care, aged care, and disability sectors, and the requirements for AEPs working in these settings.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - 1.2.1. Practise with integrity within the scope of practice for an AEP, the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, and jurisdictional Codes of Conduct. 2.2.1. Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life. 2.2.2. Examine principles of biopsychosocial care, value-based care, person-centred care and social and cultural determinants of health and apply this to promote health and well-being for individual clients and population groups. 2.2.4. Evaluate the effect of commonly prescribed medications, diagnostic procedures, medical, surgical, and other interventions on both resting and exercise-related physiological responses across the full health spectrum. 2.2.5. Evaluate research findings and apply exercise prescription principles to develop recommendations and interventions, including targeted exercise prescription for the purposes of optimising health status, function, recovery, independence, and participation. 2.2.6. Apply clinical, ethical, and evidence-based decision-making to formulate appropriate interventions and recommendations and communicate the expected outcomes. 2.2.7. Explain national, state, and compensable scheme frameworks across the health care, aged care, and disability sectors, and the requirements for AEPs working in these settings.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - 1.2.1. Practise with integrity within the scope of practice for an AEP, the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, and jurisdictional Codes of Conduct. 1.2.3. Differentiate and select verbal and non-verbal communication strategies that are contextually appropriate, timely, accessible, and respectful to clients, population groups, and relevant others. 2.2.1. Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life. 2.2.6. Apply clinical, ethical, and evidence-based decision-making to formulate appropriate interventions and recommendations and communicate the expected outcomes. 3.2.1. Formulate appropriate screening processes to evaluate and stratify risk for participation in assessments and interventions, including consideration of appropriate service modalities for clients. 3.2.2. Formulate safe, effective, and culturally sensitive assessments to collect relevant information, social and cultural determinants of health, client history, and client needs, preferences, barriers, facilitators, and goals. 3.2.3. Formulate appropriate assessments and outcome measures relevant to treatment and client goals, and evaluate health status, function, capacity, and progress, to inform clinical reasoning and to monitor the delivery and outcomes of interventions. 3.2.4. Distinguish, record, report, and appropriately action changing risk factors and adverse signs and symptoms that may arise before, during, and after assessments and interventions. 3.2.8. Choose and use relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively, and safely. 4.2.7. Communicate effectively and respectfully with clients and relevant others about progress and outcomes of interventions, including appropriate reporting.
	Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - 1.2.1. Practise with integrity within the scope of practice for an AEP, the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, and jurisdictional Codes of Conduct. 1.2.3. Differentiate and select verbal and non-verbal communication strategies that are contextually appropriate, timely, accessible, and respectful to clients, population groups, and relevant others. 2.2.1. Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life. 2.2.2. Examine principles of biopsychosocial care, value-based care, person-centred care and social and cultural determinants of health and apply this to promote health and well-being for individual clients and population groups. 2.2.4. Evaluate the effect of commonly prescribed medications, diagnostic procedures, medical, surgical, and other interventions on both resting and exercise-related physiological responses across the full health spectrum. 2.2.5. Evaluate research findings and apply exercise prescription principles to develop recommendations and interventions, including targeted exercise prescription for the purposes of optimising health status, function, recovery, independence, and participation. 2.2.6. Apply clinical, ethical, and evidence-based decision-making to formulate appropriate interventions and recommendations and communicate the expected outcomes. 2.2.7. Explain national, state, and compensable scheme frameworks across the health care, aged care, and disability sectors, and the requirements for AEPs working in these settings. 3.2.1. Formulate appropriate screening processes to evaluate and stratify risk for participation in assessments and interventions, including consideration of appropriate service modalities for clients. 3.2.2. Formulate safe, effective, and culturally sensitive assessments to collect relevant information, social and cultural determinants of health, client history, and client needs, preferences, barriers, facilitators, and goals. 3.2.3. Formulate appropriate assessments and outcome measures relevant to treatment and client goals, and evaluate health status, function, capacity, and progress, to inform clinical reasoning and to monitor the delivery and outcomes of interventions. 3.2.4. Distinguish, record, report, and appropriately action changing risk factors and adverse signs and symptoms that may arise before, during, and after assessments and interventions. 3.2.7. Distinguish when client needs are outside of scope or competence and take appropriate, timely actions including engaging effectively with other professionals. 4.2.1. Formulate evidence-based exercise prescription, interventions, and recommendations that address health and treatment related client needs, preferences, goals, and abilities, assessment findings, and social and cultural determinants of health. 4.2.2. Design, prescribe, deliver, and monitor safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for clients with complex presentations, including those with acute and chronic health conditions and multiple comorbidities. 4.2.7. Communicate effectively and respectfully with clients and relevant others about progress and outcomes of interventions, including appropriate reporting.

Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.2.1		Practise with integrity within the scope of practice for an AEP, the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, and jurisdictional Codes of Conduct.
1.2.3		Differentiate and select verbal and non-verbal communication strategies that are contextually appropriate, timely, accessible, and respectful to clients, population groups, and relevant others.
2.2.1		Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life.
2.2.2		Examine principles of biopsychosocial care, value-based care, person-centred care and social and cultural determinants of health and apply this to promote health and well-being for individual clients and population groups.
2.2.4		Evaluate the effect of commonly prescribed medications, diagnostic procedures, medical, surgical, and other interventions on both resting and exercise-related physiological responses across the full health spectrum.
2.2.5		Evaluate research findings and apply exercise prescription principles to develop recommendations and interventions, including targeted exercise prescription for the purposes of optimising health status, function, recovery, independence, and participation.
2.2.6		Apply clinical, ethical, and evidence-based decision-making to formulate appropriate interventions and recommendations and communicate the expected outcomes.
2.2.7		Explain national, state, and compensable scheme frameworks across the health care, aged care, and disability sectors, and the requirements for AEPs working in these settings.
3.2.1		Formulate appropriate screening processes to evaluate and stratify risk for participation in assessments and interventions, including consideration of appropriate service modalities for clients.
3.2.2		Formulate safe, effective, and culturally sensitive assessments to collect relevant information, social and cultural determinants of health, client history, and client needs, preferences, barriers, facilitators, and goals.
3.2.3		Formulate appropriate assessments and outcome measures relevant to treatment and client goals, and evaluate health status, function, capacity, and progress, to inform clinical reasoning and to monitor the delivery and outcomes of interventions.
3.2.4		Distinguish, record, report, and appropriately action changing risk factors and adverse signs and symptoms that may arise before, during, and after assessments and interventions.
3.2.7		Distinguish when client needs are outside of scope or competence and take appropriate, timely actions including engaging effectively with other professionals.
3.2.8		Choose and use relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively, and safely.
4.2.1		Formulate evidence-based exercise prescription, interventions, and recommendations that address health and treatment related client needs, preferences, goals, and abilities, assessment findings, and social and cultural determinants of health.
4.2.2		Design, prescribe, deliver, and monitor safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for clients with complex presentations, including those with acute and chronic health conditions and multiple comorbidities.
4.2.7		Communicate effectively and respectfully with clients and relevant others about progress and outcomes of interventions, including appropriate reporting.

Responding to student feedback

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

Students especially enjoyed the interactive practical/tutorial classes in this unit. However, some students felt that the link between a particular textbook that was used, and the lectures and practicals could have been improved - with better consistency across staff and classes and the assessments. In 2025 we will source different reference materials, aim for more consistency between the teaching staff and provide clear assessment information early in the semester.

Additional information

All assessment tasks are compulsory and special consideration is required for non-submission/non-attendance of any task. Failure to complete any assessment task will lead to an absent fail (AF) result.

Work, health and safety

WHS Induction checklist must be completed in the first class

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EXSS5114: Exercise and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation II

Semester 2b, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links