Scientific Basis of Rehabilitation and Conditioning of Athletics

CLASS MEETING:
One fifty minute period daily

PREREQUISITES:  NONE

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Introduction to the scientific background necessary for understanding,
planning and
conducting conditioning and rehabilitation for athletes with disabilities,
and
individuals with and without disabilities involved in physical activity.
Procedures,
methods and factors for developing such programs are emphasized in this
course.

The primary focus will deal with the application of biomechanics to the
rehabilitation process and the contribution of research studies to the
rehabilitation
process.

ORGANIZATION:
This course will consist of approximately 42 class sessions; some laboratory
work,
demonstrations and various types of reading assignments.  The latter
activity is
very important, for the unique nature of this course precludes the use of a
textbook.

CLASS PARTICIPATION:
Students are encouraged  to participate in all discussions as questions
arise.
Students may be responsible for presenting some phase of the research topic
to
the class.

GOALS FOR CLASS MEMBERS:
Students will demonstrate the following competencies by the conclusion of
the
course:

1. The ability to study and interpret movement/rehabilitation from a
biomechanical
perspective.

2. A knowledge of recent research concerning the prevention and
rehabilitation of
activity related injuries for persons with and without disabilities.

3. The ability to prescribe therapeutic exercises based upon current
research.

4.  An understanding of new techniques for enhancing movement at an affected
joint.

COURSE OUTLINE:

I.   Review of Basic Concepts
II.  Biomechanical Aspects of Conditioning and
Rehabilitation
III. Rehabilitation and Conditioning of Major Joint Areas

NO TEXTBOOK REQUIRED

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING:
1. Two major tests will be given to determine your success in acquiring the
knowledge and concepts of this course.  The first test will cover Units I
and II.
The second test will be given during final week and will be exclusively on
Unit III
(Travel plans should be made AFTER this test is scheduled) (68%).

2. Five abstracts on topics related to major anatomical areas (7%).

3. Class participation (5%).

4.   a. (non-APE graduate student)  A research paper on some types of
rehabilitation problem for persons without disability and sustaining an
activity
injury.  This paper should cover the following topics and these topics
should serve
as the table of contents of the paper.

1. Research related to precipitations of the specific injury.
2. Sports or activities in which this type of injury is prevalent.
3. Rehabilitation exercises - per op/post op, use of special exercises.
4. Functional test for evaluating injured athlete's readiness for
participation.
5. Research related to prevention (e.g. conditioning) of the injury
(20%).

b.  (APE graduate student) For persons in adapted physical education you
should select an orthopedic or neurological condition.  These topics should
serve as
your table of contents.

1. Etiology of condition.
2. Medical treatment of condition.
3. Role of exercise in the rehabilitation and conditioning process.
4. Functional evaluation of persons with this condition.
5. Modification that need to be made in the APE setting so this person
can
benefit from a physical education program.