Home / Student engagement / Early Exposure Activity
Programme Aim
The SPEAR programme aims to provide HKMU Physiotherapy students with early exposure experience to the field of Sports Physiotherapy field. The programme offer two streams: 1) serving HKMU students, including the university's sports teams, and 2) serving participants in disabled-sports activities.
Through pre-season assessments, in-season rehabilitation, and post-season management for the HKMU sports teams, students gain valuable hands-on experience. They have the opportunity to observe and interact with athletes, which helps build a strong foundation for their future learning. Additionally, the programme includes activities involving sports for clients with impairments, such as sailing, boccia, karate, and archery.
Students gain valuable experience by applying the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world situations through voluntary involvement in SPEAR activities. Additionally, they can develop important qualities such as communication, empathy, and compassion while serving others.
Programme Content
The on-field support was extremely fun and I learnt a lot from it! The activity also gave me new insights of how physios work in different settings!
It was such a rewarding experience to try providing on-field physio support and to learn about our professor's experience of being an on-field physio. It'd be much appreciated if similar activities can be held in the future, not only for the HKMU volleyball team but also for the other university sports teams of HKMU. Thank you for letting me be a part of this experience!
Exposures to both the Boccia and Karate exercise classes for people with physical impairments were pragmatic and authentic. They helped widen my horizons and improve my communication skills which are the crux in my professional development.
Paediatric Attachment Activity
Our Physiotherapy Department has established collaboration with various major local paediatric organisations. HKMU Physiotherapy students can physically visit and volunteer in the service settings to experience the working atmosphere in paediatric field, help children with disabilities and serve the community. Students can also benefit from having extra learning opportunities through attaching paediatric physiotherapy sessions led by our academic staff. Learning is further enhanced through observing, volunteering and experiencing in person.
I was impressed by how a physiotherapist utilised a variety of assessments to determine the patient's functional ability, as well as integrating fun play throughout the session to maintain patient's engagement. Apart from accurate assessment, effective communication is also important. Assessment is a complex and ongoing process, and truly begins as soon as the patient walks through the door. I truly appreciate this opportunity, and would highly recommend it!
Volunteering at a local non-governmental organisation serving children with disabilities was a truly eye-opening experience for me. I joined hydrotherapy sessions for kids, and I observed how the physiotherapists made use of buoyancy, various techniques and equipment to help them move in water. I could see the kids enjoy doing the pool exercises, while they were making progress towards their functional goals. This is a valuable volunteering experience which strengthens my wish to pursue my career in paediatric physiotherapy!
My early exposure in pediatrics gave me a fantastic chance to engage with children who had diverse needs. Through observing the pediatric physiotherapy practice, I could learn various hands-on skills and had my knowledge nourished. It also allowed me to enhance my communication skills and thinking. The experience let me think about not just their sufferings or physical limitations, but also their overall well-being. All these helped me develop my future career.
