Unit rationale, description and aim
Chronic and complex conditions, including cancer, represent a substantial proportion of the clinical population seen by accredited exercise physiologists. At this level, students are expected to demonstrate advanced understanding of pathophysiology, symptomatology and comorbidities, critically evaluate interprofessional models of care and treatment options, and apply evidence-based assessment and exercise interventions with autonomy and professional judgement. These capabilities support informed clinical decision-making and effective, person-centred management.
This unit examines advanced medical and scientific knowledge of complex metabolic and endocrine conditions, cancer, and other chronic and complex health conditions for which exercise is an evidence-based intervention. Key areas of focus include the aetiology, incidence, epidemiology and pathophysiology of relevant conditions, along with the adaptive processes that inform interprofessional therapeutic management.
Students will engage with current evidence and guidelines for exercise testing and prescription, including considerations relating to chronic and complex conditions. They will learn methodological approaches to clinical assessment and apply principles of evidence-based exercise prescription alongside conventional management strategies.
The aim of the unit is to develop students’ ability to apply advanced knowledge within clinical reasoning to optimise evidence-based, exercise physiology-specific and collaborative, person-centred care for chronic and complex health conditions.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Apply advanced coherent knowledge of anatomy, phys...
Learning Outcome 01
Integrate critical thinking and advanced clinical ...
Learning Outcome 02
Evaluate clinical assessment and exercise testing ...
Learning Outcome 03
Adapt interprofessional communication and advanced...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
Module 1: Clinical assessment and exercise for chronic and complex conditions:
- Effective communication in chronic disease management.
- Complex endocrine and metabolic conditions.
- Obesity.
- Diabetes.
- Women’s health and pregnancy.
Module 2: Clinical assessment and exercise for cancer:
- Exercise oncology.
- Common cancers, i.e. breast, prostate and colorectal.
- Less common and rare cancers.
- Palliative cancers.
Each module comprises content including:
- Fundamental anatomy, physiology, pathology and clinical features relevant to chronic and complex health conditions.
- Key factors in the development, progression and management of chronic and complex conditions, including diagnostic methods and interpretation of clinical findings.
- Interprofessional roles and collaborative approaches in the care of individuals with chronic and complex conditions.
- Evidence based principles underpinning exercise as a therapeutic intervention, including assessment, prescription, monitoring and adaptation.
- Strategies to deliver safe, effective, person-centred and culturally responsive exercise care, informed by current evidence and emerging research.
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessment tasks in this unit are designed to reflect authentic clinical practice and follow an “assessment for learning” approach that reinforces the application of advanced knowledge, clinical reasoning and professional competencies.
Assessment Task 1 consists of two end of module theory examinations assessing advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, assessment and exercise interventions across both modules.
Assessment Task 2 involves a presentation of a complex case study incorporating chronic and complex conditions. Students explain pathophysiology, appraise evidence and guidelines, evaluate assessment and exercise testing findings for risk stratification and clinical decisions, and design and justify a safe, person-centred intervention.
Assessment Task 3 is a practical examination requiring students to adapt interprofessional communication skills and apply advanced clinical reasoning to support evidence-based, person-centred and holistic clinical management.
Generative AI must not be used in assessments unless explicitly permitted in the assessment instructions.
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and obtain an minimum overall mark of 50%.
Overview of assessments
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and obtain an minimum overall mark of 50%.
Assessment Task 1 Two End of Module Theory exam...
Assessment Task 1 Two End of Module Theory examinations
Enables students to apply advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, assessment, and exercise interventions related to chronic and complex conditions.
20%
(2x 10%)
Assessment Task 2 Case presentation Enabl...
Assessment Task 2 Case presentation
Enables students to integrate and justify the application of course content to a complex, chronic case study, including the development of an exercise program.
30%
Assessment Task 3 Practical examination En...
Assessment Task 3 Practical examination
Enables students to adapt interprofessional communication and apply advanced clinical reasoning to answer common client questions relating to the breadth of course content and conditions.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is delivered in a multi-mode format using learner centred online resources and face-to-face practical workshops. These learning experiences are purposefully designed to support active engagement, synthesis of complex knowledge, and application of contemporary evidence to the management of chronic and complex conditions.
Students engage in synchronous and asynchronous activities that encourage deep exploration of clinical assessment frameworks, interpretation of complex findings, and development of advanced exercise prescription skills. Dialogue, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving are embedded throughout to strengthen interprofessional communication and promote person-centred, holistic practice.
Face-to-face workshops across the semester provide structured opportunities to integrate theoretical knowledge with applied clinical skills. Case-based and problem-based learning activities drive higher order thinking and enable students to evaluate data, appraise evidence, and generate informed clinical decisions.
This learning approach complements concurrent units within the course and supports integration of clinical reasoning, assessment, and intervention planning essential for exercise physiology practice. It is designed to meet course learning outcomes and accreditation expectations for Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). This strategy links consistent online preparation with supervised, feedback rich skill development and clinical decision making in practical sessions, encouraging responsibility for learning aligned with ACU’s mission and values.