Key facts
UNE unit code: EXSC383
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
This unit covers the theory and practical aspects of exercise prescription for people with neuromuscular and mental health conditions within the scope of practice of an accredited exercise physiologist.
Using evidence-based learning, you will learn how to perform and interpret clinically relevant tests for neuromuscular function including tests of activity limitations and impairments.
You will also examine the principles of rehabilitation and functional/activity capacity evaluations for neurological and mental health conditions.
Case-based learning is used to develop your expertise in the design and implementation of safe, effective, evidence-based exercise interventions for the multidisciplinary management of neuromuscular and mental health conditions. Throughout, current healthcare policies and procedures are acknowledged.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The intensive school is mandatory for all students. Students must attend the Mandatory Intensive School which is held in Armidale. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Science and Technology considers all practical / laboratory activities as essential to student learning.
Attendance and participation in all practical / laboratory classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the principles of rehabilitation and a proficiency to undertake functional/activity capacity evaluations for the purpose of compiling a physical activity/exercise program;
- demonstrate an understanding and proficiency to undertake clinical screening including condition specific testing, test of impairment, activity limitation and environmental factors relevant for individuals with neurological/neuromuscular conditions;
- demonstrate an awareness of the precautions, contraindications and signs and symptoms when prescribing activity/exercise for individuals with neurological/neuromuscular conditions;
- understand the contextual complexities of exercise-based interventions in the management of individuals with neurological/neuromuscular conditions at different stages of the condition including an ability to appropriately respond to change in clinical status;
- demonstrate an awareness of the precautions, contraindications and signs and symptoms when prescribing activity/exercise for individuals with mental health conditions;
- understand and demonstrate proficiency in assessing individuals with mental health conditions for the specific purpose of prescribing exercise-based interventions in the management of individuals with mental health conditions;
- design and implement evidence-based physical activity/exercise programs to manage neurological/neuromuscular conditions in agreement with the Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) scope of practice and within a clinically relevant time period; and
- design and implement evidence-based physical activity/exercise programs to manage mental health conditions in agreement with the Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) scope of practice and within a clinically relevant time period.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Physical Client Assessment (15-30 min video) It is mandatory to pass this component to pass the unit. |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Mental Health case defence assessment (viva voce) It is mandatory to pass this component to pass the unit. |
| Objective structured clinical examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) assessment of 60 minutes duration (30 minutes preparation and 30 minutes with client). It is mandatory to pass this component to pass the unit.
|
| Practicals | Yes | All offerings | The School of Science and Technology considers all practical / laboratory activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical / laboratory classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Clinical Exercise Physiology
ISBN: 9781718200449
Ehrman, J.K. and others, Human Kinetics 5th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
ACSM's Resources for Clinical Exercise Physiology: Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular, Neoplastic, Immunologic and Hematologic Conditions
ISBN: 9780781768702
American College of Sports Medicine, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2nd ed. 2009
Text refers to: All offerings
Exercise-Based Interventions for Mental Illness
ISBN: 9780128126059
Stubbs, B. and Rosenbaum, S., Academic Press 1st ed. 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
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