Unit rationale, description and aim
Injury to the nervous system is often devastating; however, extensive recovery of function within this system is possible with appropriate diagnosis and rehabilitation. Within their scope of practice, accredited exercise physiologists design and prescribe safe, evidence-based exercise interventions for individuals suffering a range of neurological disorders, while also recognising and accounting for each client’s cultural, religious, societal, gender-based and personal context.
This unit builds on foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology and motor control acquired during undergraduate study. Students will explore the use of exercise in the rehabilitation of individuals with neurological disorders (including but not limited to stroke, spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury, Parkinson's Disease and multiple sclerosis). Key areas of focus include the pathophysiology of neural injury or disease, common neurological impairments, and principles of safe and effective clinical assessment and evidence-based rehabilitation.
The aim of this unit is for students to become proficient in the knowledge and practical techniques for the clinical assessment and exercise-based rehabilitation of general neurological impairments, as well as specific neurological disorders.
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.
Integrate advanced, coherent knowledge of anatomy,...
Learning Outcome 01
Critically analyse and synthesise complex consumer...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply evidence-based clinical assessments for indi...
Learning Outcome 03
Demonstrate the ability to design, deliver, monito...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Anatomy and physiology of the neurological system with particular relation to its role in motor control, and responses to pathology.
- The aetiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology of key disorders and diseases of the neurological system.
- Common signs and symptoms.
- Clinical assessments of function (e.g. posture, balance, gait) and their interpretation, and other relevant investigations.
- Exercise interventions for managing neurological conditions.
- Special considerations and contraindications in the physical assessment and exercise prescription of an individual with a neurological condition.
- Monitoring a client’s signs and symptoms prior to, during and after exercise.
- Effective communication with clients and other health professionals including clients with communication difficulties.
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessment tasks in this unit are purposefully designed to reflect authentic clinical practice and adopt an assessment for learning approach. This ensures students develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and professional judgement required before workplace application.
The first assessment task, a written examination, evaluates students’ advanced understanding of neuropathophysiology and clinical presentation, and their ability to apply this knowledge to neurological cases.
The second task, a presentation, develops clinical judgement by requiring students to prescribe and adapt safe, person-centred, culturally responsive and evidence-based exercise interventions tailored to the individual goals and needs of diverse neurological cases.
The final assessment, a practical examination, assesses students’ ability to apply critical thinking and clinical reasoning in selecting, justifying and performing appropriate clinical assessments and exercise prescriptions for a simulated client with a neurological condition.
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 achieve a minimum overall mark of 50%.
Overview of assessments
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and achieve a minimum overall mark of 50%.
Assessment Task 1 – Written examination En...
Assessment Task 1 – Written examination
Enables students to apply their advanced knowledge of pathophysiology and common neurological signs and symptoms.
20%
Assessment Task 2 – Case comparison Enable...
Assessment Task 2 – Case comparison
Enables students to apply knowledge and skills of clinical decision making to interpret complex consumer information and prescribe and adapt culturally responsive exercise prescription for individuals with neurological pathologies.
30%
Assessment Task 3 – Practical examination Enable...
Assessment Task 3 – Practical examination
Enables students to demonstrate their clinical decision making and practical skills of safe clinical assessment and prescription and appropriate adaption to changes in presentation for a simulated neurological case study.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit adopts a multimodal, learner-centred approach designed to combine foundational neuroscience with applied clinical practice. The inclusion of an intensive onboarding phase consolidates students’ undergraduate knowledge of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and motor control to ensure students establish a strong conceptual framework and are on equal standing before progressing to advanced content. Weekly content provides in-depth exploration of neurological conditions, integrating pathophysiology with functional impact and evidence-based management. These sessions incorporate interactive discussion and case-based problem solving to promote critical thinking and clinical decision-making. Experiential learning is central to the curriculum. Weekly practical workshops develop students’ skills within clinical assessment, movement analysis, and exercise prescription through structured simulations and peer-based practice. These activities allow students to apply theory in authentic contexts, fostering professional reasoning and confidence. Through constructive alignment of learning outcomes, teaching activities, and assessment, the course develops reflective practitioners capable of analytical thinking, evidence-based practice, and safe and effective management of individuals with neurological conditions.