Exercise for Women

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

This subject comprises 4 modules.

Exercise for the childbearing year comprises the study of the physiology of pregnancy, the impact of vigorous activity on maternal and foetal physiology, post-natal recovery including pelvic floor rehabilitation, exercise prescription, delivery and the evaluation of pre- and post-natal exercise programs.

Exercise for adolescence comprises the physiology of the maturing woman, effect of activity on maturing tissues, exercise prescription delivery and evaluation of exercise programs for adolescents and exercise programming for children.

Exercise for the older woman comprises the study of physiology of ageing tissues including the effects of menopause, the effect of activity on ageing tissues, exercise prescription delivery and evaluation of exercise programs for the elderly. This module also includes the study of bone physiology, the impact of and interaction between hormonal environment and lifestyle factors on bone health, assessment and treatment by exercise of osteopenia and osteoporosis and evaluation of exercise programs for bone health.

Exercise class programming involves study of the practical aspects of group management, leadership, motivation, use of equipment, specialist exercise regimes, use of music and marketing, legal and safety issues.

On completion of the subject, students will be expected to be able to demonstrate the following specific skills:

• The ability to plan, deliver and evaluate appropriate exercise programs for specific women's groups and individuals within the community

• Understanding of the impact of exercise on the altered physiology, pathophysiology and psychology of adolescence, pregnancy, the post-partum, menopause, ageing and osteopenia/osteoporosis.

• Knowledge of the legal and safety issues associated with leading exercise classes for women with specific physical needs.

• Understanding of the motivational and marketing aspects of leading community and hospital-based exercise classes.

Two written assignments of 2,000 words (50%), practical assessment (40%), clinical practice journal 1,000 words (10%)

• Mantle J, Haslam J and Barton S (2004): Physiotherapy in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. (2nd ed.) London: Butterworth-Heinemann.
• Sapsford R, Bullock-Saxton J, Markwell S (1998) Women's Health. A textbook for Physiotherapists. London, WB Saunders

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of the subject, students are expected to be able to demonstrate the following generic skills:

• An understanding of professional responsibility and ethical principles in relation to individuals and the community, both locally and internationally
• An ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in this area
• An understanding of the significance and value of their knowledge to the wider community
• An appreciation of a team approach to learning

On completion of the subject, students are expected to be able to demonstrate the following specific skills:

• The ability to plan, deliver and evaluate appropriate exercise programs for specific women's groups and individuals within the community
• Understanding of the impact of exercise on the altered physiology, pathophysiology and psychology of adolescence, pregnancy, the post-partum, menopause, ageing and osteopenia/osteoporosis.
• Knowledge of the legal and safety issues associated with leading exercise classes for women with specific physical needs.
• Understanding of the motivational and marketing aspects of leading community and hospital-based exercise classes.