Skip to main content
Unit outline_

EXSS4016: Exercise Physiology in Clinical Cases 3

Semester 1b, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This blended unit will develop students clinical problem-solving and clinical reasoning skills using a case based approach to learning. The unit will include online learning modules attached to a series of in-class case study presentations and discussions where students will apply their integrated knowledge of pathophysiology and evidence for exercise in designing individualised assessment and intervention plans for a range of patient populations across the aging related and neurological health domains. Students will also learn how to facilitate and monitor exercise through case study tutorials and interacting with clientele who have specific health conditions in practical classes

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Movement Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
EXSS3075
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Glen Davis, glen.davis@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 26 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Oral exam
? 
Oral Case Study Exam, including 2 Exercise Management Plans
20-min Oral Examination, including 2 hand-in Exercise Management Plans
40% Formal exam period 20 minutes (oral)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Small continuous assessment Online Test 1
Online test covering the topics of neurological conditions
10% Week 08
Due date: 16 Apr 2024 at 16:00

Closing date: 16 Apr 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO2
Assignment Exercise Management Plan 1
Three-page Exercise Management Plan submitted based on a Case Study
30% Week 08
Due date: 21 Apr 2024 at 23:58

Closing date: 21 Apr 2024
Three pages + references
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5
Small continuous assessment Online Test 2
Online test covering the topics of neurological and cognitive conditions
10% Week 10
Due date: 30 Apr 2024 at 16:00

Closing date: 30 Apr 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO2
Small continuous assessment Online Test 3
Online test covering the topics of Aging-related conditions
10% Week 12
Due date: 14 May 2024 at 16:00

Closing date: 14 May 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO2

Assessment summary

All assessment tasks are compulsory and must be completed to be able to pass this unit of study.  Detailed information about each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Online quizzes - Three individual online quizzes designed to assess online learning materials, assumed knowledge derived from pre-reading material and pre-recorded lectures, and in-class content. There are three 30-min quizzes, each worth 10%.

Exercise Management Plan 1 - One Exercise Management Plan (EMP) worth 30% comprising 2 pages covering SMART goals, a detailed exercise program, reassessments and other details, plus 1 page of an updated synthesis of relevant scientific evidence and your clinical reasoning for the submitted EMP for this client, as well as client goals and individual considerations, medical history/clinical status that has been taken into consideration. Additional details will be provided in a student handout.

One page will be permitted for no more than 10 references supporting this EMP.

Oral Examination - Comprises a 20-minute oral case defence of one of two written EMPs.  Both written EMPs must be submitted by 11:59 pm, 24/05/2024.  Both written EMPs will be marked and will contribute to one-quarter of the marks available for this assessment task.  Only one EMP will be defended, contributing to three-quarters of the marks available for this assessment.  Both components of this assessment task are compulsory.

Assessment criteria

 

High Distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

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:

Exercise Management Plan 1 (EMP): There will be a 10% penalty if an EMP is not submitted after the deadline within 3 days. There will be a 25% penalty if EMP is submitted more than 3 days after the due date. Oral Exam Exercise Management Plans (EMP): There will be a 10% penalty if the 2 written EMPs are not submitted after the deadline due date (24/05/24 23:59) within 3 days. There will be a 25% penalty if the 2 EMPs are submitted more than 3 days after the deadline.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 2023 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 2023. 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 06 Introduction to the Unit of Study Block teaching (1 hr)  
Clinical Reasoning for Exercise Physiology Interventions Block teaching (1 hr) LO2 LO5 LO6
Spinal Cord Injury Block teaching (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Multiple Sclerosis Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Cerebral Palsy (Adult and Paediatric) Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Neurological Conditions Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6
Week 09 Intellectual and Developmental Disability Block teaching (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Intellectual and Cognitive Disability Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Frailty and Disability 1 Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Frailty and Disability 2 Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Frailty and Disability 3 (including falls risk) Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Neurological Disease and Disability Practical (Group A, B) Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO5
Week 12 Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia Block teaching (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Ageing and Lifespan Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Neurological Disease and Disability Practical (Group C, D) Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO5
Final Unit of Study Review and Oral Case Study Assessment Review Block teaching (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance to in-class sessions is an expectation of this Unit of Study

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

Refer to reading materials in Canvas website

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 structural, functional, and behavioural aetiology across the aging-related and neurological domains
  • LO2. Design, revise and deliver client-centred exercise plans that consider scientific evidence, client goals and medical histories for persons with aging-related conditions and neurological disorders
  • LO3. Interact effectively with key allied health stakeholders and clients’ families involved in delivering/receiving multi-disciplinary care for individuals across the aging-related and neurological domains.
  • LO4. Appropriately monitor, evaluate, and modify physical activity interventions for clientele with aging-related and neurological conditions.
  • LO5. Use effective and specific tools and techniques to safely assess client clinical status and responses to exercise and be able to adapt/innovate elements of PA-based therapy using evidence-based rationale.
  • LO6. Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct and behaviour, understand the scope of practice of AEPs and comply with the ESSA code of professional conduct and ethical practice.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - ESSA
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.
2.2.3. Evaluate physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise for clients across the full health spectrum.
LO2
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - ESSA
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.
2.2.3. Evaluate physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise for clients across the full health spectrum.
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.
2.2.8. Evaluate and apply contextual learning principles and behaviour change strategies to improve health outcomes, increase engagement, motivation, and adherence, and empower self-management of health conditions.
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.
LO3
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - ESSA
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.
1.2.5. Practise in a culturally safe, inclusive, sensitive, respectful, and responsive way and according to person-centred care principles.
1.2.6. Practise collaboratively and effectively with other professionals, including seeking feedback and input to inform decision-making, delegating tasks, and referring to other professionals and services where appropriate.
1.2.8. Demonstrate leadership and the ability to advocate for client access to AEP services and appropriate health care.
LO4
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - ESSA
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.
4.2.3. Formulate and apply strategies to manage risks, evaluate progress, and adapt recommendations and interventions in partnership with clients based on needs and measured outcomes.
4.2.4. Create and apply inclusive, respectful, and effective communication strategies to educate and engage clients in informed decision-making about purpose, benefits, risks, options, and costs for proposed interventions, expected outcomes, and strategies for future prevention.
4.2.5. Apply and evaluate exercise prescription, health behaviour, and lifestyle change strategies and education, in partnership with clients to increase engagement, motivation and adherence, and improve health and well-being.
4.2.6. Formulate strategies during treatment to empower clients to undertake safe and effective self-management during and following discharge from interventions.
4.2.8. Evaluate effectiveness of interventions and their outcomes including the selection, interpretation, and reporting of outcome measures to inform future practice.
LO5
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - ESSA
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.
2.2.8. Evaluate and apply contextual learning principles and behaviour change strategies to improve health outcomes, increase engagement, motivation, and adherence, and empower self-management of health conditions.
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.
3.2.5. Evaluate and record assessment outcomes in a timely and accurate manner to inform practice and communicate outcomes and relevance to goals effectively to clients and relevant others.
3.2.8. Choose and use relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively, and safely.
LO6
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - ESSA
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.
1.2.6. Practise collaboratively and effectively with other professionals, including seeking feedback and input to inform decision-making, delegating tasks, and referring to other professionals and services where appropriate.
1.2.7. Develop reflective practices through self-reflection, seeking and engaging with feedback from colleagues and clients, critically evaluating service delivery and outcomes, and engaging in ongoing learning.
1.2.8. Demonstrate leadership and the ability to advocate for client access to AEP services and appropriate health care.
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.
3.2.7. Distinguish when client needs are outside of scope or competence and take appropriate, timely actions including engaging effectively with other professionals.
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.2.1 T A 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.
1.2.5 T A Practise in a culturally safe, inclusive, sensitive, respectful, and responsive way and according to person-centred care principles.
1.2.6 T A Practise collaboratively and effectively with other professionals, including seeking feedback and input to inform decision-making, delegating tasks, and referring to other professionals and services where appropriate.
1.2.7 T A Develop reflective practices through self-reflection, seeking and engaging with feedback from colleagues and clients, critically evaluating service delivery and outcomes, and engaging in ongoing learning.
1.2.8 T A Demonstrate leadership and the ability to advocate for client access to AEP services and appropriate health care.
2.2.1 T A 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 T A 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.
2.2.3 T A Evaluate physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise for clients across the full health spectrum.
2.2.4 T A 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 T A 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 T A Apply clinical, ethical, and evidence-based decision-making to formulate appropriate interventions and recommendations and communicate the expected outcomes.
2.2.8 T A Evaluate and apply contextual learning principles and behaviour change strategies to improve health outcomes, increase engagement, motivation, and adherence, and empower self-management of health conditions.
3.2.1 T A 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 T A 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 T A 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 T A 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 T A Distinguish when client needs are outside of scope or competence and take appropriate, timely actions including engaging effectively with other professionals.
3.2.8 T A Choose and use relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively, and safely.
4.2.1 T A 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 T A 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.
4.2.3 T A Formulate and apply strategies to manage risks, evaluate progress, and adapt recommendations and interventions in partnership with clients based on needs and measured outcomes.
4.2.4 T A Create and apply inclusive, respectful, and effective communication strategies to educate and engage clients in informed decision-making about purpose, benefits, risks, options, and costs for proposed interventions, expected outcomes, and strategies for future prevention.
4.2.5 T A Apply and evaluate exercise prescription, health behaviour, and lifestyle change strategies and education, in partnership with clients to increase engagement, motivation and adherence, and improve health and well-being.
4.2.6 T A Formulate strategies during treatment to empower clients to undertake safe and effective self-management during and following discharge from interventions.
4.2.8 T A Evaluate effectiveness of interventions and their outcomes including the selection, interpretation, and reporting of outcome measures to inform future practice.

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

Based on feedback from students in ExSS4016 in 2023, the following changes were initiated in 2024: • Some topics covered in 2023 were deleted in 2024 to “lighten the load” of student learning. • A content delivery session on “Clinical Reasoning for Exercise Physiology Interventions” (2h) was added to assist students in constructing their exercise management plans as assessments. • An assessment of handing in two exercise management plans comprising 25% of the total mark was deleted in 2024. This is now contained within the component of the assessment comprising the Oral Defence • The Oral Defence weighting was increased to 40% of the final mark.

Work, health and safety

A WHS checklist must be completed before the first Practical 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.