Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of disease

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. account for central adaptations in organs and tissues that result from regular physical activity, as well as for known connections between physical activity and health for a specific group

2. independently construct a question, conduct a structured literature search, critically review scientific literature and report and defend this in writing and orally

3. carry out simpler data collection of physical activity level and physical performance and be able to account for, compare and critically discuss the applicability of different methods in research and clinic as well as their validity and reliability

4. based on scientific evidence, account for how physical activity can be designed as a means for prevention and treatment of disease and/or disability and based on desired biopsychosocial adaptations

5. reflect on the role that physiotherapy and physical activity can have in achieving national and global goals in public health and sustainable development

6. with the support of relevant theoretical knowledge, identify obstacles and facilitating factors for the implementation of new working methods in clinical practice and present and motivate applicable models for implementation in an intended project.

The course contains four modules: The first involves independent in-depth study of the physical, social and psychological effects of physical activity on health for a specific and self-selected patient group. The in-depth study integrates studies in searching, evaluating and reporting on scientific literature in a structured manner in an individual in-depth study assignment. Another module contains studies to implement, instruct, evaluate, present and discuss measurement methods for physical activity, energy expenditure and physical performance as well as the implementation of these methods in the clinic and research with an emphasis on the validity and reliability of the methods. The third module involves studies in scientific theories, models and frameworks for the implementation of new working methods, with a particular focus on physical activity. The fourth and final module included in the course is studies in factors important for physical activity behavior, healthy lifestyle habits and physiotherapy’s connection to social, economic and environmentally sustainable development.

• Oral examination 
• Written examination task

The grading scale used for the final course grade is U–G.

Grades are reported as follows:

• Individual immersion - 7.5 Credits | U–G
• Methods for measuring physical activity - 2 Credits | U–G
• Physical activity behavior, healthy lifestyle habits and environment - 3 Credits | U–G
• Project plan for implementation - 2.5 Credits | U–G