Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine

This subject introduces sports medicine theory and practice, and explores the multi-faceted approach to managing the Modern Athlete. Relevant professional and sports medicine governance frameworks are consulted in a student-led evaluation of their own professional role and responsibilities in their current and potential practice contexts. There is opportunity to appraise self-knowledge and construct an individual learning plan to extend theory and practice in the context of managing the modern athlete. (This includes revising, applying or extending scientific knowledge and practice experience). Health advocacy in Sport and Exercise Medicine settings are appraised.

The subject utilises a case-based approach to Modern Athlete-Centred Management. Case scenarios facilitate exploration of athletes’ needs management options in different contexts. This includes consideration of special / defined populations, and challenges typical to the sports medicine environment that shape the clinical management plan. Embedded in the approach to managing the modern athlete is self-awareness of cognitive processes such as reasoning, decision-making, problem solving, goal setting; and the influence of evidence, innovation and ethics.

Finally, experts’ insights and students’ shared examples of managing the modern athletes in specific scenarios will be integrated into understanding of the needs of the modern athlete. This provides context for comparing, contrasting, reflecting upon and extending both Modern Athlete-centred interdisciplinary management, and one’s own development as a professional working in a sporting context.

This wholly online subject explores core theory and frameworks that underpin Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation in specific and diverse practice contexts. The subject will provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop skills that enable them to implement musculoskeletal assessment and management models in their practice context. Biomedicaland biopsychosocial paradigms are examined; alongside an emphasis on contemporary structure and function and developing movement and task analysis skills. With consideration of relevant services, systems & policies, these are applied to the clinical reasoning, decisions and evaluation of patient-centred musculoskeletal rehabilitation plans. There is an opportunity to select modules to allow flexibility for students to choose areas of musculoskeletal rehabilitation practice that best match their disciplinary interests or work context. These include hospital, community and sports & exercise contexts. Similarly, students will be given options to tailor case-examinations and assessment tasks according to their specific area of practice.

Following an introduction to musculoskeletal rehabilitation, movement analysis and exercise therapy, students can choose two from three modules that best meets their learning needs. In the relevant area of practice, each of these modules explores service models, strategic policies and practice standards that inform therapeutic interventions and features of comprehensive care in priority areas. These modules are:

1. Hospital based musculoskeletal rehabilitation
2. Musculoskeletal rehabilitation in the community
3. Musculoskeletal rehabilitation for Sports & Exercise

Students will develop the skills to identify literature and clinical guidelines related to case management. It is envisaged that study within these modules will underpin case selection for the integration and application of evidence informed musculoskeletal rehabilitation practice, culminating in a case-presentation assessment task. On completion of this subject, students will demonstrate skills in developing and justifying an evidence-informed rehabilitation program for an individual with a neuro-musculoskeletal condition. There is structured opportunity for peer review of the rehabilitation program design, critical review of the context and reflection on practice.

All students complete a foundation sports medicine theory & practice module Clinical Reasoning for Differential Diagnosis . Theory and practice of sports injury differential diagnosis is explored, including clinical reasoning strategies, hypothesis formulation & testing, clinical pattern recognition, and specific diagnostic and evaluative qualities of assessment tools. Students will scrutinise best practice within the different entities of sports medicine assessment: client history, physical examination, medical imaging and the relevant underpinning biomedical science. The role and influence of communication parallels the process of scientific evaluation, particularly in the attainment and conveyance of relevant assessment and diagnostic information.

Students will then select 2 from 3 Stream Modules within which to integrate and apply this knowledge to inform an evidence-based, prioritised approach to sports medicine assessment and diagnosis.
1.Assessment and Diagnosis of Function
2.Evidence-based Assessment of the Spine and Peripheral Joints
3.Athlete Illness

The final Integration, Contribution & Reflection Module entails communicating pertinent assessment, differential diagnoses and the clinical reasoning explored in the Streaming Modules to hypothetical patients, and student-peers who represent the interdisciplinary team. Potential referral and management plans are formulated, focussing on justification and clinical reasoning. There is opportunity for interdisciplinary scrutiny, contribution and reflection.

All students complete a foundation sports medicine theory & practice module Clinical Athlete Management,  underpinned by the human tissue response to exercise and injury. Theory and practice of acute injury management and rehabilitation for sport are explored, including medical interventions, internal medicine as it relates to physical activity, therapies, exercise intervention and load management. The clinical decision-making process is emphasised across the intervention spectrum from injury, recovery, return to sport and enhancing athletic performance.

Students then select 2 from 3 Clinical Practice in Context Modules within which to integrate and apply this knowledge to inform an evidence-based, prioritised approach to injury and illness management for sports and exercise.

 
1.Evidence, Athletes and Decisions. This module explores the evidence relating to management of specific neuro-musculoskeletal conditions and its application in specific case scenarios.
2.Measurement & Management of the Kinematic Chain. In the context of case scenarios, this module evaluates the kinematic chain contribution to injury; and management of pathomechanics.
3.Illness and Exercise Medicine. In the context of case scenarios, this module explores illness and exercise capacity, exercise intervention in chronic illness, and medical management of athletic scenarios including “the tired athlete”.

The final Integration, Contribution & Reflection Module entails communicating management plans and clinical reasoning explored in the Streaming Modules to student-peers who represent the interdisciplinary team. Interdisciplinary Case Conferences are simulated, including contribution and feedback from Experts in relevant fields. This provides opportunity for interdisciplinary scrutiny, contribution and reflection on best practice in sports and exercise case-management.

All students complete a foundation sports medicine theory & practice module Biomechanics and Sports Injury Prevention. Professional guidelines & regulations for safe participation in sports and exercise in various contexts are sourced and explored. Biomechanics and pathomechanics are analysed in a range of sports and exercise contexts, including walking & running, jumping & landing, throwing, and integrated sports-skill scenarios. There is emphasis on assessing load patterns and mechanics in athletic movements; and interpreting and predicting potential implications of pathomechanics on injury and performance. This entails both video and ‘real time’ analysis of athletes. The supporting evidence and practicalities of innovative and established approaches to measurement, reporting and clinical application in injury prevention strategies are considered. These include injury and illness surveillance, musculoskeletal profiling, load monitoring / management, environment assessment; and specific tools such as return to sport and concussion testing in minimising re-injury.

Students then select 2 from 3 Clinical Practice in Context Modules within which to integrate and apply this knowledge to inform an evidence-based, prioritised approach to biomechanics and sports injury & illness prevention in sports medicine.

Athlete Health Screening and Musculoskeletal Profiling: Comprehensive and best practice approaches to medical screening for safe participation in sport & exercise and musculoskeletal profiling are explored. The processes, practicalities, application and potential adaptations for case-context scenarios are evaluated.
Exercise and Load – In specific case scenarios, measurement and evaluation of load and approaches to load management are explored at the level of the athlete, the sporting context, and training cycles. This includes systemic responses to training and overtraining.
Injury Risk Management – Policy and Practice: In case-context scenarios, issues of injury risk minimisation and management are appraised from a policy and practice perspective. This includes risk assessment and management tools, venue design, procedures and participation at the population level.

The final Integration, Contribution & Reflection Module provides opportunity to collaborate with other professionals to promote safe participation in sports and exercise for individuals of all ages and abilities in different sporting contexts. Based on the Context Modules, Experts and students share an element of evidence-based advice regarding the optimal activity or intervention for specific individuals and ways in which they can minimise risk of injury and promote health. This could include discussion of pertinent biomechanics or education to a population group or individual athlete.

All students will complete a foundation module Sport Psychology Unpacked. This subject is introduced and underpinned by considering the complementary roles, responsibilities and expertise of professionals within the interdisciplinary team to address sport psychology issues in sports medicine. Students evaluate their own skills and behaviours, and recognise the influence of their approach on athletes/clients, supporting personnel and outcomes. Areas of knowledge addressed include theory of communication and learning; biopsychosocial aspects of sports & exercise medicine; sport psychology for performance; sociology of sport, FairPlay and health behaviour change.

Students then select 2 from 3 Practice in Context Modules within which to integrate and apply this knowledge in clinical case scenarios focussing on Sport Psychology elements. There is emphasis on using appropriate methods of ethical reasoning to arrive at balanced judgements and actions where complex and/or conflicting issues are involved.

1. Sport Psychology in Performance Sport: This module explores psychological aspects of motivation, arousal, performance and lifestyle management of high performance athletes; juxtaposed with psychological aspects of injury, failure and retirement in sport.
2. Exercise, Health & Behaviour Change – This module explores the psychological and social factors than may influence an individual’s ability to exercise or impact on athletic performance. Approaches and interventions to facilitate behaviour change are developed in case-context scenarios.
3. Mental Health Conditions in Sports Medicine: This module explores prevalent population mental health issues and conditions in the context of sports medicine. Examples include: eating disorders; depression and anxiety; fear avoidance.The final Integration, Contribution & Reflection Module provides opportunity to collaborate and critically discuss balanced judgements in management of psychological elements in different case contexts. Experts and students will engage in self-reflection on their role, behaviour and communication skills within their professional context, and also the biopsychosocial elements of Sports Medicine practice. This module also provides the forum for the assessment task “Evidence & Innovation Presentation – Sociology of Sport & Behaviour Change” in the form of an online presentation.

This wholly online subject is a foundation subject to introduce students to selected core theory and frameworks that underpin the development and delivery of best practice evidence informed rehabilitation services across a range of disciplines and clinical practice contexts, across the lifespan. The subject will provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop skills related to the selection and delivery of appropriate and best practice rehabilitation services that are tailored to meet the needs of individuals, groups, or services. Students will gain skills, demonstrate understanding, and critically review the applicability of a range of models to deliver rehabilitation services including interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, community and home-based.

The subject is divided into modules to allow flexibility for students to choose areas of rehabilitation practice that best match their disciplinary interests or work context. Similarly, students will be given options for assessment that include the development of multidisciplinary or single discipline rehabilitation that can be used in a clinical context. All students will complete four modules within this subject.

A Foundational Module will be completed by all students and introduces the theory underpinning and defining key features of best practice in rehabilitation. A theoretical framework, based on the International Classification of Functioning (WHO), will be introduced as a method of classification and consideration of the rehabilitation needs of an individual. Students will acquire skills in mapping the impact of health conditions into multiple domains and considering the associated personal and environmental factors though a series of diverse case studies. The constructs of habilitation and rehabilitation will be explored in the context of lifelong disabilities. A range of models of rehabilitation services will be introduced.

Students will then choose two from four modules that best meets their learning interests and/or practice or discipline interests. These modules are:

1. Evidence based rehabilitation: Students selecting this module will develop the skills to identify literature related to a rehabilitation method or approach used in their own setting. Students will develop a concise summary of the existing evidence, critically evaluate the quality of evidence to support the chosen intervention, and interpret the clinical application of this technique.

2. Rehabilitation services: This module will extend students’ exploration of rehabilitation services in a range of settings in the context of two acquired health conditions of their choice. Students will identify and justify the core elements of rehabilitation services provided across a patient journey from acute care, into subacute, community outpatient and home based services, including explicit consideration of the environmental, social and cultural factors that may influence choice of services.

3. Habilitation and lifespan disability: This module will focus on extending students’ understanding of rehabilitation service interventions across the lifespan of an individual with a complex congenital or developmental disorder.

4. Rehabilitation policy and regulation: Students will identify and analyse the relevant government and local health policy that influences equitable access to rehabilitation services. This will be explored within their own context and contrasted with policy from other global regions. The potential influence of service access on patient outcomes will be considered in depth.

The final Integration module will be completed by all students and addresses the integration and application of evidence informed rehabilitation practice. This module provides students with an opportunity to extend and demonstrate skills in developing and justifying an evidence-informed rehabilitation program for an individual with a complex condition, with consideration of the individual’s personal, cultural and environmental factors.

This wholly online subject will introduce students to the key theories underlying contemporary approaches to health promotion and health behaviour change in individuals across the health-illness spectrum and at the population level. The subject will enable students to develop skills in the design and evaluation of health behaviour change interventions that are evidence informed and tailored to clinical practice contexts across the lifespan.

The subject is divided into modules to allow flexibility for students to choose areas of health promotion or health behaviour change that best match their disciplinary interests or work context. Similarly, students will be given options for assessment that include the development of multidisciplinary or single discipline rehabilitation that can be used in a clinical context.
All students will complete four modules within this subject.

A Foundational Module will be completed by all students and introduces the key theoretical models underpinning health behaviour change interventions focussed on the promotion of individual or population health. Students will develop an understanding of the integration of these theories into commonly used health behaviour change interventions at a population level and within defined rehabilitation contexts.

Students will then choose two from four modules that best meets their learning interests and/or practice or discipline interests. These modules are:

1. Evidence Based Practice
Students selecting this module will develop the skills to critically review and synthesise the literature supporting health behaviour change interventions in a health condition of their choice. Students will develop a concise summary of the existing evidence, critically evaluate the quality of evidence to support the chosen intervention, and interpret the clinical application of this technique.

2. Integration of Health Behaviour Change in Rehabilitation settings: This module will extend students’ exploration of the application of health behaviour change programs or principles within subacute and community based rehabilitation contexts. Students will explore and consider how interdisciplinary teams can integrate and apply these principles to support client health and adherence to evidence-based treatment recommendations.

3. Motivational Interviewing Skills: This module will develop an understanding of best practice in motivational interviewing. It will allow students to develop and practice skills in the application of motivational interviewing as a method of supporting health behaviour change in clients with health conditions relevant to the students’ interests.

4. Public Health Promotion Interventions
This module will more deeply examine foundational theory focussing on the frameworks, policy and process that influence public health behaviour. Students will identify and analyse a public health promotion program or activity of their choice, relevant to their discipline and employment context.

The final Integration module will be completed by all students and addresses the integration and application of evidence informed rehabilitation practice to specific practice contexts. This module provides students with an opportunity to extend and demonstrate application of skills in developing and justifying an evidence-informed health behaviour change intervention for an individual or group.

This wholly online subject introduces students to the rapidly evolving field of evaluation in rehabilitation practice. The subject will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills related to the selection, application and interpretation of evaluations of rehabilitation for individuals, groups and rehabilitation services. The subject is divided into modules to allow flexibility for students to choose areas of evaluation of rehabilitation practice that best match their interests or work context. Similarly, students will be given options for assessment that include the development of evaluation resources that can be used in a clinical context, implementation and evaluation strategies for introduction of a new evaluation tool or analysis and interpretation of an existing evaluation within their work context.

All students will complete four modules within this subject.

A Foundational Module will be completed by all students and introduces the theoretical basis of evaluation in a rehabilitation context from the perspectives of the consumer and disability groups, the rehabilitation clinician, program providers, compensatory bodies and legislators. A theoretical framework, based on the International Classification of Functioning (WHO), will be introduced as an evidenced based methodology for the selection and classification of evaluations used in rehabilitation settings. Students will have an opportunity to practice mapping the constructs of the ICF to evaluation tools that are relevant to their work context. The pros and cons of catergorising evaluation tools using the framework of the ICF and the challenges associated with evaluating personal and environmental factors will be examined. Students will also develop an understanding of barriers and enabler to evaluation in a general rehabilitation context and their own clinical context. The foundational module is capped by an introduction to the legal and ethical considerations of evaluation including informed consent, professional competence, third party observers and ecological validity of the evaluation. Concepts related to culture, diversity and fairness in rehabilitation evaluation will also be identified and considered within the students own work context.

Students will then choose two from four modules that best meets their learning interests and/or practice needs. These modules are:

1. Evaluation tools: This module will examine different types of evaluation tools and emerging developments in the methods of evaluation. This includes the comparison of the generic evaluation tools with impairment or disease specific measures and the interpretation of evaluations for the individual in comparison to a group. The foundations of adaptive testing will be examined and the rationale for the use of standardized patient specific outcome measurements and virtual reality testing will be explored.

2. Quality in evaluation: This module will focus upon the evaluation of consumer satisfaction and health care quality in the rehabilitation setting. Methodologies for the evaluation of satisfaction will be introduced including qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. Evaluation of consumer satisfaction within the framework of the ICF will also be examined. Concepts related to the importance of assessment of health care quality in rehabilitation contexts and for specific disability groups will be addressed. Students will be introduced to different assessment methods for the evaluation of health care quality and will reflect on issues related to evaluation in their own clinical context.

3. Evidence base on evaluation: Students selecting this module will develop the skills required to use an evidenced-based methodology to identify literature related to evaluation tools used in the rehabilitation setting. Students will the select a measurement tool that is of clinical interest and will complete an in depth analysis of the evaluation tool including the rationale behind its development, descriptions of its domains in relation to the ICF, and administration of the tool.

4. Psychometric properties of evaluative tools: This module will introduce students to a methodology to evaluate the psychometric properties of a measurement tool that is of clinical interest or relevance to their work context. Students will learn the skills required to complete an analysis of a tool to identify if it is psychometrically sound. Concepts of validity, reliability, responsiveness, feasibility, clinical utility and interpretability will be examined.

The final Integration module will be completed by all students and addresses the integration and application of evaluation back into the rehabilitation context. This module provides students with an opportunity to examine examples of how clinical evaluation has been successful implemented in different rehabilitation contexts and successfully used for bench-marking and the improvement of the effectiveness or cost-efficiency of a rehabilitation service.

This online subject provides students with the opportunity to build a deep understanding of the safe and effective application of rehabilitation principles to meet the health needs of women. Attention is focused primarily on musculoskeletal disorders with attention to conditions affecting women from young adulthood through to their reproductive and older years. Students will develop an extended knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology that typically affect women’s experience of health and will use an evidence-informed, holistic practice framework for their analysis and synthesis of recent literature and contextual factors that influence practice. Students will design and evaluate a rehabilitation program in their own context and will contribute to the learning of other students via discussion board and an online presentation.

All students will complete four modules within this subject

All students will complete a Foundational module that will explore the structure and function of the female body highlighting the changes experienced from young adulthood through to the reproductive and older years. Students will develop their understanding of the typical body changes that influence women’s experience of health and identify the major features of muscle and exercise physiology that influence exercise prescription for women.

Students will then choose two from four modules that best meets their learning interests and/or practice needs. These modules are:

1. The Pregnancy & Post-partum module comprises the study of the physiology of pregnancy, the impact of 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.

2. The Pelvic pain module focuses on the aetiology of pelvic pain and its contemporary management. Conditions covered include pelvic girdle pain, coccydinia, abdominal and pelvic floor muscle weakness and gynaecological sources of pelvic pain.

3. The Continence module addresses epidemiology and health issues related to incontinence, applied anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to incontinence. Prevention and intervention strategies including exercise, biofeedback and continence devices will be addressed. Course content will include specific issues related to adult female continence, incontinence in the older population.

4. The Older woman module will focus on the physiology of the maturing woman including the effects of menopause, the effect of activity on the ageing musculoskeletal system, appropriate exercise prescription and evaluation of exercise programs for the elderly.

The final Integration module will be completed by all students and will focus on the application of rehabilitation theory to practice with an understanding of the needs of the individual and her engagement with a group program. Students will integrate and apply their learning from the previous three modules into context specific applications. They will select appropriate outcomes measures and critically review literature to solve contextually relevant rehabilitation challenges.

This online subject provides students with the opportunity to build an understanding of the safe and effective application of intervention and rehabilitation principles to meet the health needs of infants, children and adolescents and their families. The subject will focus on understanding typical development across the motor, cognitive, language and social-emotional domains throughout childhood. Students will develop an extended knowledge of evidence-based assessments, interventions and rehabilitation for childhood-onset disabilities in order to improve their daily life and participation in the society. Students will design and evaluate a rehabilitation program in their own context and will contribute to the learning of other students via discussion board and an online presentation.

All students will complete four modules within this subject

All students will complete a Foundational module that will use the ICF (international classification of function, disability and health) to explore the development of structures and function of infant, child and adolescent development across motor, cognitive, language and socio-emotional domains. Students will develop their understanding of the typical development and factors that may alter this development pathway.

Students will then choose two from four modules that best meets their learning interests and/or practice needs. These modules are:

1. The Early detection of neurodevelopmental impairments module describes evidence-based diagnostic, assessment and prognostic options for infants at high risk of neurodevelopmental impairments. Students will learn about clinical pathways and
decision-making trees that include assessment and expected outcomes based on best available evidence.

2. The Motor learning interventions in paediatrics module focuses on application of motor learning principles for effective rehabilitation interventions for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental, neuromusculoskeletal or acquired neurological
impairments.

3. The Gait development module will cover typical and atypical gait development from infants to adolescence, including assessment of common gait impairments and disorders secondary to neurodevelopment, neuromusculoskeletal or acquired impairments. Assessment will focus on the temporo-spatial, kinematics and kinetics determinants of gait.

4. The Transition from childhood to adulthood module will cover the biological and social role transitions from child to adolescence and adolescence to adulthood. Students will investigate how environmental factors (such as health policy and health service
provision) and personal factors (such as socioemotional responses) characterise these transitions and the subsequent health and wellness experiences of the individual.

The final Integration module will be completed by all students and will focus on the application of rehabilitation theory to practice with an understanding of the needs of the individual and her engagement with a group program. Students will integrate and apply their learning from the previous three modules into context specific applications. They will select appropriate outcomes measures and critically review literature to solve contextually relevant rehabilitation challenges.

This subject will enable students to integrate and extend prior knowledge and skills to prescribe exercises that effectively and safely meet the needs of individuals, groups and specific populations across the lifespan and along the health and impairment continuum. Students will draw critically on evidence for the requirements for physical activity and exercise and the health risks due to sedentary behaviour and deliver and evaluate appropriate programs to manage these risks. Students will build on their clinical reasoning skills to theorise the mechanism of an individuals’ functional limitations and design and prescribe exercises to meet the goals of optimal health outcomes. Students will be expected to be critical in their analysis and evaluations of new and emerging forms of exercises, assessment tools and technologies that are not as yet supported by an evidence base.

All students will complete four modules within this subject.

All students will complete a Foundational module that will explore the pathophysiological and psychosocial theory of rehabilitation and evidence–based health outcomes of sedentary behaviour and exercise. A biopsychosocial framework will emphasise the biological, mechanical, social, psychological and cultural elements that influence exercise and physical activity. Further, students will build knowledge of the different types of exercise activity (cardio-vascular, fitness, strength, flexibility) and how these might be used to achieve different outcomes.

Students will then choose two from four modules that best meets their learning interests and/or practice needs. These modules are:

1. Habilitation The Fitness & Physical Activity module will cover the body systems and functions that contribute to fitness and the environmental and personal factors that influence individuals’ engagement with fitness and physical activity. The primary focus will be on measurement of fitness and physical function and exercise tolerance along the lifespan and the health and impairment continuum, including the role of new emerging innovations and technology tools that support current exercise and physical activity guidelines and priorities.

2. The Evidence for Exercise module will focus on the evidence base on the efficacy of exercise programs and physical activity in rehabilitation programs. Students will appraise both qualitative and quantitative evidence on outcomes of rehabilitation programs in select populations, including the role of new emerging innovations and technology tools that support current exercise and physical activity guidelines and priorities.

3. The Exercise for the Adult Population module will address the assessment and analyses of health related needs for adults in the selection of appropriate exercise interventions. Students will compare and contrast the personal and environmental circumstances that influence functional capabilities and participation preferences of adults within diverse practice contexts.

4. The Exercise for the Older Adult Population module will address the assessment and analyses of health related needs for older adults in the selection of appropriate exercise interventions. Students will compare and contrast the personal and environmental circumstances that influence functional capabilities and participation preferences of older adults within diverse practice contexts.

The final Integration module will be completed by all students and will focus on the design and evaluation of an exercise intervention to meet the needs of groups with common impairments or functional needs. Students will apply a model of rehabilitation best practice and using an ICF informed framework, in the execution of this task.

This subject will introduce students to innovative and contemporary technology that has been recently developed and is currently used in clinical practice and research for the purposes of measurement, diagnosis and prescription. Students will be exposed to theoretical principles and practical applications of selected technologies. Students will critically appraise selected innovation and emerging technologies using a scientific approach in order to consolidate their understanding of the key elements that determine feasibility, safety and utility. This will develop an understanding of the processes involved in integrating innovative and emerging technologies into their clinical practice to provide information that is measurable and meaningful to their patients, healthcare insurers and providers. Students will be required to develop a proposal for implementation of an emerging technology to measure human performance or functional outcome. Moreover, students will explore existing or emerging platforms (e.g. hardware) and infrastructure (e.g. resources) that are required to support such an endeavour.

Stream details:
Students will choose two from three modules that best meets their learning interests and/or practice needs. These modules are:

1. The clinical practice module will cover the role of new and emerging technologies that could be used to support accurate diagnosis, assessment and evaluation of efficacy of interventions.
2. The human performance module will cover the role of new and emerging technologies that could be used to facilitate analysis and measurement of human movement for the purposes of enhancing performance (i.e., sports, leisure and workplace) and screening for factors that may contribute to injury.
3. The research module will cover the underlying principles of critically appraising scientific research that has implemented new and emerging technologies to assess and quantify pathological and healthy human performance.

This subject builds on student's knowledge in radiology,  particularly as it applies to the neuro-musculo-skeletal system and conditions common to athletes of all ages and abilities (inclusive of adolescents, adult and senior athletes) in different sporting contexts. Students will develop advanced knowledge of anatomical structures and functions and use this knowledge to interpret radiological images. They will be able to explore normal and pathological findings as displayed by a variety of imaging modalities including x-ray, CT scans, MRI and US imaging. Students will understand terminology typically used for reporting radiology findings. They will have a better appreciation of when imaging is appropriate and which imaging modality is most appropriate for clinical decision-making in different contexts. They will understand how to communicate ethically and sensitively on the importance of radiological assessment to athletes, their carers, and other relevant persons (such as coaches) as appropriate and understand appropriate onward referral. A person–centred approach will be adopted in this subject, with an expectation that students will be sensitive and informed about the athlete’s experience in undergoing radiological investigations. Further, the students will have the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals, including experts to discuss evidence and innovations in the use of radiology in Sports Medicine and to build their understandings of best practice in the interest of the athlete/s.

Research and evidence informs best practice and innovation in health care. This subject will provide graduates with an opportunity to extend their understanding of evidence based practice and research methodology, including research ethics. It will further develop skills in critical analysis of existing and emerging research that targets measurement, rehabilitation and human performance. There will be a focus on principles of evidence based practice including the techniques for critical evaluation of all aspects of published research. This will include the principles of descriptive and interferential statistics and concepts of measurement as well as critical appraisal of systematic reviews and clinical guidelines for the validity of their conclusions to contemporary health care. Synthesising key components of writing research proposals will provide a method of integrating the research writing, design and measurement aspects of this subject. On completion of this subject students will be able to apply all steps in evidence-based practice, synthesize systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines and write a research proposal relevant to practice. Further they will have developed skills in communicating research findings such as designing posters, oral presentations and written research proposals.