EXSC9002A Exercise and Metabolic Cardiopulmonary Conditions (Practicum) (4.5/9 units)

This topic is taught and assessed as a continuum.

1. Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required, such as in field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate that they have a current National Police Clearance and a current National Criminal History Record Check (Child-Related Clearance) from the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI), which is valid for the duration of the placement
2. Students must have a 'Provide First Aid Certificate', and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR) prior to the commencement of any field placement

This topic provides students with knowledge about the pathophysiology, medical and exercise management of common and prevalent neuromusculoskeletal conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, dementia, traumatic brain injury. Students will be given the opportunity to develop and apply the following clinical exercise physiology skills essential in the management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal conditions in the primary, secondary, and tertiary health care settings: i) clinical assessment of movement and exercise capacity; ii) planning and delivery of individualised exercise prescription.

In addition students will source, and apply contemporary exercise research to support other medical and allied medical interventions for neuromusculoskeletal conditions. This topic requires students to complete a clinical placement.

This topic aims to:

• Link student's knowledge of the principles of clinical exercise assessment and prescription to the application of exercise in people with cardiometabolic, kidney, and respiratory disease
• Support students to understand and describe the underlying pathophysiological processes and medical management of patients with cardiometabolic, kidney, and respiratory disease relevant to exercise management
• Link student's understanding and application of the management and overall rehabilitation of patients with cardiometabolic, kidney, and respiratory disease in a health care setting

1. Critically evaluate the professional roles and scope of practice of an accredited exercise physiologist (AEP) and demonstrate an understanding of the clinical, scientific, ethical, and legislative parameters, related to the work of an AEP in the Australian healthcare network
2. Analyse and evaluate the broad roles of other medical and allied medical practitioners in the context of primary and secondary disease prevention/injury management for all target conditions included in the cardiovascular, kidney, metabolic, and pulmonary domains
3. Assess, interpret, and reflect on the physiological and psychological responses, including applying relevant behavioural change strategies, to exercise in people with common cardiovascular, metabolic, kidney, and pulmonary conditions
4. Design, apply, and interpret evidence-based assessments of physiological and functional capacity in patients with cardiometabolic, kidney, and pulmonary conditions
5. Interpret information pertaining to common medical assessments including identification of contraindications to exercise, and apply appropriate modifications and strategies in the initiation and progression of exercise for patients with cardiovascular, metabolic, kidney, and pulmonary conditions
6. Design, implement, assess, monitor, and modify evidence-based exercise programs by identifying risk factors, contributing towards a safe and hygienic environment, establishing safe but effective exercise intensity, recognising and avoiding adverse signs and symptoms, administering appropriate first aid if required, and accommodating for the effect of common medications for people with cardiac, metabolic, kidney or pulmonary conditions
7. Implement and reflect on clinical leadership skill including creation and communication of reports in both verbal and written formats on initial clinical status, changes in clinical status, and progress in response to the exercise intervention for key stakeholders (i.e. client, peers, placement providers, and referrer), according to legislative and compensable scheme requirements for people with cardiovascular, metabolic, kidney, or pulmonary conditions