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.

Content

Topics will include:

• Clinical reasoning in the assessment and management of complex sports, orthopaedics and exercise related injuries and conditions, including:
• Models of clinical reasoning
• Person-centred management
• Biopsychosocial considerations
• Patient/Client/Athlete Interview
• A Clinical reasoning form
• Selection of physical examination
• Legal, ethical and cultural frameworks, including:
• Cultural and population specific awareness
• Ethical requirements
• Use of medical imaging and investigations in the management of sports and exercise related injuries and conditions
• The role of pharmacology in the management of sports and exercise related injuries and conditions
• Therapeutic exercise principles for the management of sports and exercise related injuries and conditions; progression of exercise for rehabilitation, performance and return to sport
• Sports, exercise related injuries and neuromusculoskeletal conditions for:
• Scapula and upper limb
• Head, trunk, spine and pelvis
• Lower limb
• Other
• Assessment approach for sports and exercise related injuries and neuromusculoskeletal conditions (region and site specific) including (as appropriate):
• Patient reported outcomes
• Functional and sports movements
• Sports specific outcomes or screening
• Balance and proprioception
• Active and passive movements
• Palpation
• Orthopaedic special tests
• Joint and manual assessment techniques
• Muscle function: motor control, strength (e.g. use of hand-held dynamometer) and flexibility testing
• Tendon function
• Nerve and neurodynamic testing
• Orthopaedic conditions and surgical intervention (e.g. fractures, dislocations, ligament injury)
• Other
• Rehabilitation approach for sports and exercise related injuries and neuromusculoskeletal conditions, including (as appropriate):
• Orthopaedic conditions and surgical intervention (e.g. fractures, dislocations, ligament injury)
• Joint manual therapy techniques
• Muscle rehabilitation – strengthening, motor control, lengthening techniques
• Tendon rehabilitation
• Neurodynamic system treatment
• Therapeutic and sports taping for injury prevention and management
• Soft tissue techniques
• Other
• Post injury return to training, sport and performance guidelines 

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

ACU Online

This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Active learning experiences provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in their work environment. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn, with students encouraged to contribute to asynchronous discussions, and with the option to engage in supplementary synchronous learning opportunities when scheduled. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.

This unit is delivered in "multi-mode", with content and activities delivered via 'online' and 'on campus'. The 'on campus' component will be delivered as intensive block (~ 3-5 days) at a designated ACU campus/location. The overall strategy is a constructive journey from content knowledge to understanding to application.

In practice, the unit combines 'online' delivery focused on content (e.g., readings, recorded lectures, discussion forums) with the intensive, 'on campus' (i.e., face-to-face) delivery focused on developing student understanding and skills of application (e.g., via tutorials and practical sessions), as well as a clinical practice component. Tutorial sessions take an evidence-informed approach to explore and extend knowledge, understanding and skills of incorporating clinical reasoning in the assessment and treatment of complex sports and exercise related injuries and neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Practical sessions will enable students to develop advanced assessment and treatment skills as a sports and exercise physiotherapy practitioner in the management of complex sports and exercise related injuries and neuromusculoskeletal conditions. And the substantial clinical practice component (~70 hours) in this unit allows students to develop and extend their clinical skills. Through incorporating ~70 hours of clinical practice, including supervised practice, mentoring and case reflections, students will implement knowledge and skills gained in this unit in real life scenarios, working as a health advocate and collaborative practitioner.

Throughout, the strategy that supports student learning will reflect respect for each individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and participate actively in all learning activities, including through the online environment.