Program Overview

Program Overview

The EXSC639 unit is designed to advance students' knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and clinical assessments for musculoskeletal conditions of the trunk and upper limb. This unit aims to prepare students for clinical placement and professional practice by applying critical thinking and clinical reasoning to implement practical skills based on the needs and goals of individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

The unit focuses on the relationship between anatomy and pathology to select and interpret clinical assessments, informing the prescription and delivery of safe, effective, person-centered, and evidence-based exercise interventions. Students will develop their knowledge of advanced anatomy and pathology relevant to musculoskeletal conditions of the pelvis, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, cervical spine, shoulder, and elbow/forearm.

Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this unit, students will demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate advanced, coherent knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and evidence-based clinical assessments and exercise interventions relevant to musculoskeletal conditions of the upper limb.
2. Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical reasoning to design and justify safe and effective person-centered exercise interventions, informed by advanced and coherent knowledge of holistic clinical management, evidence-based practice, and the needs and goals of individuals with musculoskeletal conditions of the trunk and upper limb.
3. Selectively apply evidence-based clinical assessments for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions of the trunk and upper limb and demonstrate critical thinking and clinical decision-making to interpret findings, which informs subsequent holistic clinical management.
4. Demonstrate the ability to design, deliver, monitor, and adapt safe and effective person-centered exercise interventions for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions of the trunk and upper limb by integrating advanced and coherent knowledge of holistic clinical management and evidence-based practice.

Unit Content

Topics will include:

• Advanced anatomy and pathology relevant to musculoskeletal conditions of the trunk and upper limb
• Evidence-based clinical assessments, including subjective assessments, range of motion and flexibility tests, strength tests, orthopedic testing, and functional outcome measures
• Evidence-based exercise interventions and key principles of exercise selection, prescription, delivery, monitoring, and adaptation

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

Assessment tasks are designed to prepare students for clinical practice and replicate authentic clinical scenarios. The assessments include:

1. Written Examination (30%): Demonstrates advanced, coherent knowledge and interpretation of content.
2. Audiovisual Presentation (30%): Applies knowledge and skills of clinical decision-making to prescribe a three-stage exercise rehabilitation intervention for a musculoskeletal condition of the trunk or upper limb.
3. Practical Examination (40% + Hurdle Component): Develops the ability to perform a clinical assessment and prescribe and instruct an exercise rehabilitation intervention for a case study with a musculoskeletal condition of the trunk or upper limb.

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

This unit is offered through multi-mode delivery, facilitating learner-centered activities and inquiry-based learning. Strategies are based on constructivism, social constructivism, and experiential learning, focusing on active participation and developing a community of inquiry.

Representative Texts and References

• Brukner, P., & Khan, K. (2017). Brukner & Khan's clinical sports medicine. Volume 1, Injuries.
• Coombes, J. S., & Skinner, T. L. (2022). ESSA student manual for health, exercise and sport assessment.
• Neumann, D. A. (2017). Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system: foundations for rehabilitation.

Locations and Credit Points

The unit is available at the following locations:

• Brisbane
• Blacktown
• Melbourne
• Strathfield The unit is worth 10 credit points.