HSCS 3321 Fitness Assessment and Prescription

This course explores the basic theories and application of physical activity testing and measurement. Students will practice fitness evaluation, exercise prescription for healthy and special populations, and elementary statistical analysis procedures.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

HSCS 2202 and HSCS 2221 or Instructor permission.

Typically Offered

Demorest Campus: fall.

Student Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes:

Administer testing procedures to obtain baseline data regarding a client’s/patient’s level of general health (including nutritional habits, physical activity status, and body composition). Use this data to design, implement, evaluate, and modify a program specific to the performance and health goals of the patient. This will include instructing the patient in the proper performance of the activities, recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of potential injuries and illnesses that may occur, and explaining the role of exercise in maintaining overall health and the prevention of diseases.

Incorporate contemporary behavioral change theory when educating clients/patients and associated individuals to effect health-related change. Refer to other medical and health professionals when appropriate.

Students will compare and contrast the various types of flexibility, strength training, and cardiovascular conditioning programs to include expected outcomes, safety precautions, hazards, and contraindications and design a fitness program to meet an individual patient's needs.

Students will describe contemporary weight management methods and strategies needed to support activities of daily life and physical activity.

Students will describe the role of physical fitness in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing chronic disease and administer standard tests, testing equipment, and testing protocols (body composition, posture, flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, speed, agility, and cardiorespiratory endurance) to assess their physical status and readiness for activity.

Students will explain how changes in the type and intensity of physical activity influence the energy and nutritional demands placed on the body, describe the principles and validated methods to measure body composition, and assess a patient's body composition in relation to their health status or to monitor changes related to weight management, strength training, injury, disordered eating, menstrual status, and/or bone density.

Students will instruct a client/patient regarding fitness exercises and the use of muscle strengthening equipment to include correction or modification of inappropriate, unsafe, or dangerous lifting and/or spotting techniques.