2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SPSC1225 Physical Activity Across the Lifespan

10 creditsClass Size: 200

Module manager: Dr Camilla Nykjaer
Email: c.nykjaer@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Have you ever wondered if your physical activity patterns are in line with government recommendations? How should we measure physical activity? Or how much physical activity as a nation we do, or should do for optimum health? This module provides you with opportunity explore answers to these questions through the introduction to the key issues and challenges of undertaking and measuring physical activity in the UK. The module examines the current recommendations for physical activity, and explores associated physical activity prevalence data. There will be discussion about some of the challenges for measuring, and increasing physical activity in specific populations across the lifespan. The module will also provide both a global and cultural insight into physical activity patterns and determinants.

Objectives

- To provide an introduction into the importance of physical activity and how to measure it
- To help understand an interpret the government guidelines associated with physical activity for specific populations
- To provide an overview of some of the challenges associated with measuring physical activity patterns and evaluate the reliability and validity of current approaches.
- To explore physical activity recommendations for older adults and younger children and the challenges associated with meeting these.
- To encourage reflection on the students own physical activity patterns and how these might be modulated
- To stimulate discussion about the global and cultural determinants of physical activity.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
- Describe the essential concepts of sport, exercise, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour
- Explain the UK physical activity and sedentary guidelines
- Identify socio-cultural reasons for population differences in activity and sedentary behaviour
- Describe and appraise prevalence and trends in physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children and older adults
- Compare and contrast different methods/tools to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour
- Identify global and cultural physical activity patterns and determinants.

The module provides an opportunity for personal reflection, in addition to critical analysis of data and theory.
This module will also allow you to explore global and ethical considerations of research and knowledge.

Syllabus

The syllabus will open with an overview the importance of studying physical activity, its measurement and promotion in addition to key definitions. The module will then identify significant events and social-cultural shifts that are pertinent to the development of physical activity and health and its measurement. A critical review of self-report and objective methods of measuring physical activity and sedentary behaviours will be delivered and aspects applied to specific populations. Finally, this module will explore global and culture specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
Introduction: Context and Importance of Physical activity, key definitions
Historical Context and Epidemiology 1
Historical Context and Epidemiology 2
Measuring Physical Activity 1: Indirect Measures
Measuring Physical Activity 2: Direct Measures
Sedentary Behaviour
Physical activity patterns, measurement and prevalence in school aged children
Physical activity patterns, measurement and prevalence in older adults
Physical Activity: A Global and Cultural Insight
Reflections and Future Directions

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			90.00
Total Contact hours			10.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Students' progress will be formatively during lectures and via an on line reflective blog.
- Additional tutorials will be available to those students wanting extra assistance.

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

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: 18/08/2017

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

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