Unit rationale, description and aim
Within their scope of practice, accredited exercise physiologists must be able to integrate and apply knowledge of anatomy and pathology to select and interpret clinical assessments that inform the prescription and delivery of safe, effective, person-centred, and evidence-based exercise interventions for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.
In this unit, students will advance their knowledge of anatomy, pathology and develop practical skills in clinical assessment and exercise selection, prescription, implementation, based on current scientific knowledge, relevant to musculoskeletal conditions of the trunk and upper limb.
This unit complements the lower limb unit to ensure students develop a comprehensive clinical skill set, applying critical thinking and clinical reasoning to deliver culturally responsive, person-centred care that addresses the diverse needs and goals of individuals.
The aim of this unit is to prepare students for clinical placement and professional practice as accredited exercise physiologists.
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.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of anatomy, patholo...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply clinical assessments using critical thinking...
Learning Outcome 02
Design safe exercise interventions based on eviden...
Learning Outcome 03
Implement exercise interventions using safe, effec...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Advanced anatomy and pathology relevant to musculoskeletal conditions of the pelvis, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, cervical spine, shoulder, and elbow/forearm.
- Evidence-based clinical assessments relevant to musculoskeletal conditions of the trunk and upper limb, including subjective assessments, range of motion and flexibility tests, strength tests, orthopaedic testing, and functional outcome measures.
- Evidence-based exercise interventions and key principles of exercise selection, prescription, delivery, monitoring and adaptation, relevant to musculoskeletal conditions of the trunk and upper limb.
- Special considerations for diverse populations including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessment tasks in this unit are designed to replicate authentic clinical practice, using an assessment for learning approach to provide evidence of learning and support its application. Tasks are scaffolded from foundational knowledge to clinical application, aligning with the unit's multi-mode delivery and experiential learning strategy.
Assessment Task 1 is an exam which assesses foundational knowledge of anatomy, pathology, clinical assessments and exercise interventions. Assessment Task 2 is an exam which assesses integrated knowledge, clinical reasoning, intervention design and implementation planning. Assessment Task 3 is a practical exam which assesses the ability to perform clinical assessments, design and implement exercise interventions for a case study with a musculoskeletal condition of the trunk and upper limb, demonstrating culturally responsive, person-centred practice.
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 a minimum overall mark of 50%.
Overview of assessments
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and obtain a minimum overall mark of 50%.
Assessment Task 1 Mid-Semester Examination Comp...
Assessment Task 1 Mid-Semester Examination
Comprises MCQs, short answer questions, and critical appraisal of exercise programs assessing knowledge, clinical reasoning, intervention design and implementation planning.
20%
Assessment Task 2 Final Examination Comprises ...
Assessment Task 2 Final Examination
Comprises MCQs, short answer questions, and critical appraisal of exercise programs assessing knowledge, clinical reasoning, intervention design and implementation planning.
30%
Assessment Task 3 Practical Examination Enables ...
Assessment Task 3 Practical Examination
Enables students to perform clinical assessments, design and implement exercise interventions for a case study with a musculoskeletal condition of the trunk and upper limb, demonstrating culturally responsive, person-centred practice.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is delivered in a multimode format and supports learner centred, inquiry based activities. Teaching and learning strategies draw on constructivist, social constructivist, and experiential approaches, emphasising active participation and the development of a community of inquiry.
Content and learning activities have been designed to encourage critical thinking, clinical decision-making, application of knowledge and skills, evidence for practice, collaborative peer learning, and critical self-reflection
Students participate in individual and small group activities based on analysis of current practice, to assimilate application of acquired knowledge and facilitate translation of learning into practice. Engagement in extended dialogue is encouraged to guide change to a more interprofessional, person-centred practice.
Unit activities include guided readings, synchronous online tutorials, web-based activities and practical workshops, which include skill development, case-study simulations, work-based activities with reflection to enhance practice.