Study units
There are nine study units in SPM B217 Sport and Conditioning Science into Practice. The study units outline the key concepts of each section, summarize key issues, explain the relevant theories and practices, and comment on related readings. Each unit contains activities to reinforce your assimilation of the issues under discussion.
The course is divided into two main parts, which are described as follows:
Part I: Sport and conditioning science
Unit 1 Introducing science into practice
This opening unit discusses the subjects that are included in the study of sport and exercise science, and the topics this course addresses. You will also start to use some of the main resources of the course that supplement this study unit, including HKMU's Online Learning Environment (OLE), and the E-Library. You will also begin to appreciate how the parts of this course are organized and fit together.
Unit 2 The body in sports and exercise: A systems approach
In this unit you will investigate how human performance is controlled by the interaction of a number of body systems. Each of these systems will be addressed in turn; you will look at their structure and function, and at how each system responds to training. In particular, you will examine the roles of the skeletal and muscular systems in creating movement, and the interaction between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to supply the body with oxygen. Finally, you will investigate the coordinating role of the nervous system. You will also read about the body systems in relation to subjects as diverse as stress fractures, spinal curves, nature versus nurture, blood doping, altitude training, and cerebral palsy.
Unit 3 Making sense of movement
This unit will consider the analysis of movement in sport and exercise, and how biomechanical principles can help you to understand movement and inform training practice. You will be introduced to terms for describing human movement accurately, and to a systematic model that identifies the main muscle groups that act to initiate and control movements in your sport or activity. You will explore biomechanics and its role in coaching and instructing, and be introduced to the analysis of forces. You will also read about movement in relation to muscle action, the role of gravity, levers, and gait analysis.
Unit 4 Exploring core stability
In this unit you will achieve two objectives. The first of these is to explore the principles that underpin the debate surrounding the recent development of core stability training, which has seen the sometimes-unchallenged promotion of specific exercises and equipment. The second objective is to allow you to make sense of the conflicting information about this topic, and for you to develop your own evaluation of the use of core stability training in practice and the benefits of this. You will observe core stability training in action, and hear a range of professional opinions on the subject.
Unit 5 Strength and conditioning
This unit will consider the science that informs the design of effective training programmes to meet complex individual needs. You will begin by examining the fitness demands of sport and exercise activities, and how these influence the choice of fitness tests and the interpretation of test results. You will consider a variety of fitness training methods, including those used to develop specific aerobic endurance and muscular fitness, and you will examine two specific examples of specialized methods: plyometric, and speed and agility training.
Finally, you will look at how the concepts discussed can be brought together for effective exercise programming practice.
Part II: Working with special populations
The second part of SPM B217 comprises four units, each relating to different population groups that you may work with.
Unit 6 Working with cardiorespiratory conditions
This unit examines cardiovascular conditions and respiratory conditions. It begins by considering two cardiovascular conditions that are particularly prevalent amongst the UK population — coronary heart disease and hypertension (high blood pressure) — and considers the potential role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of these conditions. The unit also considers the special considerations for prescribing exercise for people with these conditions. The second main part of the unit looks at two of the most common respiratory conditions — asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) — and considers the impact of these conditions on sport and exercise participation and performance.
Unit 7 Working with diabetics
This unit focuses on a medical condition that is becoming increasingly widespread in Britain, diabetes mellitus. The first part of Unit 7 looks at the two main diabetic conditions — type 1 diabetes, which usually starts at a young age (under 16), and type 2 diabetes, which is much more prevalent and affects older, usually obese people. You will examine the pathology, causes and symptoms of each condition and the factors that can increase the individual's susceptibility to developing diabetes. You will then look at the damage poorly controlled diabetes can have on the systems of the body, and at how the individual can manage their condition. The second part of the unit examines the role that physical activity and exercise can play in managing the physiological and psychological impact of diabetes. Finally, you will look at the risks of the diabetic person taking exercise and the precautions that need to be taken to minimize these risks.
Unit 8 Working with older adults
Unit 8 examines the issues involved in working with older adults — an increasingly large group owing to increased life expectancies. Not only are people living longer, but they are also becoming increasingly interested in exercise and are involved in sports for longer. This unit begins by looking at the concept of age and what is meant by the term 'older adult'. The factors that cause us to age and how anatomy and physiology change with age are also considered along with the psychological dimensions of ageing. The second part of the unit explores the physical and psychological benefits of sports and physical activities for older adults. However, these activities are only beneficial if they are performed safely and within limits of physical fitness and capabilities, so you will look at the screening process for older adults and the training guidelines for aerobic and resistance training.
Unit 9 Working with young people
Children are not miniature adults — their physiological, motor, mental and emotional development are different from those of adults and therefore sport and exercise provision for children requires a specialist approach. In this unit we examine the factors that should be taken into consideration when working with children in a sport or fitness setting. The unit will begin with a look at the physiological differences between children and adults before examining physical activity guidelines for children. Models of athlete development and controversial topics such as strength training for children will also be considered within the unit.