Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SPSC1223 The Physiology of Exercise Testing and Performance

10 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Carrie Ferguson
Email: C.Ferguson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Pre-requisite qualifications

Suitable background in Biology (A level or equivalent) and /or physical education (A level or equivalent)

Module replaces

SPSC1221: Cardio-respiratory Physiology and Exercise

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will explore what is considered ‘normal’ physiology in healthy humans at rest and in response to exercise. - You will study key elements defining the response to exercise: pulmonary responses; cardiovascular responses; and muscular performance. - You will learn about how each of these plays a role in determining the integrated response to exercise performance. The module is focussed on the practical assessment of these variables and uses several laboratory-based sessions to develop your practical skills and understanding of how to assess.- Additionally, we will consider alternative field-based tests that may be used when lab-based testing is not possible. - Finally, we will consider issues related to validity and reproducibility of testing methods.

Objectives

This module builds foundational knowledge regarding what is considered ‘normal’ resting human physiology as well as the response to acute exercise. The module addresses the assessment and interpretation pulmonary, cardiovascular and muscular function.

On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Provide an understanding of ‘normal’ pulmonary, cardiovascular and muscular function in healthy humans;
- Provide an understanding of how the pulmonary, cardiovascular and muscular systems respond to the challenge of exercise;
- Discuss the relationship between the function of the pulmonary, cardiovascular and muscular systems and different types of sporting performance;
- Detail, demonstrate and practice the laboratory techniques that can be used to assess key measures of physiological function;
- Consider appropriate approaches to screen participants to assess risk prior to performing any exercise test;
- Provide guidance on how to interpret laboratory-generated data to evaluate ‘normal’ physiological response to exercise;
- Consider the importance of validity, reliability and reproducibility in relation to assessing physiological function;
- Give experience in producing materials to educate others how to perform a suitable test of physiological function.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of ‘normal’ pulmonary, cardiovascular and muscular function in healthy humans;
- Understand the key features of a normal physiological response of the pulmonary, cardiovascular and muscular systems respond to the challenge of exercise;
- Identify, describe, how to conduct laboratory techniques that can be used to assess key measures of physiological function;
- Detail the procedures and understand what risks need to be considered when screening participants prior to performing any exercise test;
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret laboratory-generated data, identifying ‘normal’ values as they relate to physiological function;
- Explain the importance of validity, reliability and reproducibility in relation to assessing physiological function and exercise testing;
- Develop experience in the safe and ethical treatment of clients/subjects assessing suitability and guiding them through key testing procedures.

Skills outcomes
- Analysis and practical skills;
- Client/subject handling and professional skills.


Syllabus

Lectures
1. The why, how and who of testing
2. Assessing pulmonary function;
3. The cardiovascular system at rest and during exercise;
4. Assessment cardiovascular function;
5. The muscular system and its response to exercise;
6. Considerations for the assessment of muscle strength & power;
7. Integrated exercise responses during explosive performances;
8. How to assess an anaerobic performance;
9. Integrated exercise responses for longer exercise durations;
10. Assessing endurance performance;
11. Approaches and considerations for field-based testing of exercise performance.

Laboratory practical sessions (4 x 2 hr sessions)
- Assessment of resting pulmonary function;
- Assessment of cardiovascular function;
- Assessment of strength & power;
- Assessment of the integrated responses to submaximal and maximal exercise.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture121.0012.00
Practical42.008.00
Independent online learning hours10.00
Private study hours70.00
Total Contact hours20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

A series of case-study videos reviewing operation and use of exercise tests in different patient and athlete groups will be made available for students to review and discuss online via the VLE.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Associated with each practical class a worksheet and data sheet will be completed. These will include questions and exercises in plotting the data and explaining it for discussion in class and in the lectures. The KuraCloud platform will be used to allow pre, during and post-practical quizzes on the data captured with completion allowing progression to the next part of the material.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Group ProjectGroup work project25.00
PortfolioWorksheet portfolio25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)50.00

To redeem this and still meet the learning objectives where practical sessions are missed or this element is failed, students must complete a short critical review of the exercise test missed along with analysis of some example data that might arise from the practical session. Template data can be provided for the resit of portfolio data.


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S2)2 hr 00 mins50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/01/2021 15:30:18

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019