Exercise Referral

The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to the SEEC level descriptors for level 5 study.

• To provide students with the knowledge and skills required to work within exercise referral schemes;
• To provide students an understanding of appropriate physical activity for a range of medical conditions and restrictions upon exercise programming imposed by specific medical conditions;
• To learn how to perform appropriate exercise testing and apply motivational strategies to increase adherence to a physically active lifestyle

In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for level 5 study, by the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Describe and apply the guidelines outlined in the NQAF to the running, monitoring and evaluation of exercise referral schemes;
2. Competently perform appropriate sub-maximal aerobic assessment and measure and interpret physiological variables;
3. Discuss the benefits of exercise for specific medical conditions including appropriate exercise prescription and explain restrictions upon exercise programming imposed by specific medical conditions;
4. Describe key behaviour change theories and apply them to the context of exercise referral and identify strategies for increasing adherence in exercise referral schemes;
5. Design an exercise referral scheme based on best practice and research evidence.

Context of the module against the NQAF and growth of exercise referral schemes; principles and practice of sub-maximal aerobic assessment; principles and practice of lung function and blood pressure measurement; examples of exercise prescription for common medical conditions (CHD, diabetes, osteoporosis); mental health referrals; behaviour change strategies; motivational techniques to increase adherence.

Contact time:

Lectures

Small discussion groups

Practical workshops

Non-contact time:

Guided reading

Preparation for practical workshops

Compilation of portfolio

Gym visit

Books:

Buckley, J., Holmes, J., & Mapp. G. (1999). Exercise on prescription, cardiovascular activity for health. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Department of Health (2001). National quality assurance framework for exercise referral systems.

Hardman, A.E. (2003). Physical activity and health. London: Routledge.

McKenna, J. & Riddoch, C. (2003). Perspectives on health and exercise. Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Sallis, J.F. & Owen, M. (1999). Physical activity and behavioural medicine. London: Sage.

Electronic sources:

www.bases.org.uk. (The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences) Accessed August 2008

www.acsm.org (The American College of Sports Medicine) Accessed August 2008

www.basem.co.uk (British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine) Accessed August 2008

www.dh.gov.uk (The Department of Health) Accessed August 2008

www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=528527 (physical activity and exercise referral review, May 2006) Accessed August 2008