Master of Science in Exercise and Sports Physiotherapy

Purpose

The objectives of this programme are to provide a thorough understanding of the effects of physical activity, exercise and sports on the human body and mind; to emphasise how this knowledge can be applied to the evidence-based management of common problems of physically active people and sportspersons of all ages and abilities; to develop knowledge and competence in the evidence-based assessment, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation injuries arising from physical activity, exercise and sports; to develop skills to promote physical health and wellness of inactive and active people; and to provide a thorough understanding of the role of the sports physiotherapist in the multidisciplinary sports team to contribute to the

enhancement of exercise and sports performance.

Rationale

The programme provides a specialised focus for physiotherapists wishing to deepen their clinical practice and research ability in exercise and sports-related physiotherapy practice. The need for specialised research in the field of clinical sport-related injuries, interventions, exercise and rehabilitation has grown over the past two decades, and the programme will allow successful candidates to do a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sports Physiotherapy on completion of the Master of Philosophy (MPhil).

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall not be admitted to the programme, unless he/she

• Is a graduate in physiotherapy of the University or of any other university recognised by the Senate for the purpose.
• Is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a physiotherapist or as a physiotherapy student (or provides evidence of appropriate registration with an equivalent registering body outside of South Africa).
• Has provided satisfactory evidence of an interest exercise and sports. [Note: Preference will be given to eligible applicants with at least two years of post-qualification clinical experience. Successful completion of either the Sports Physiotherapy (SPT1) certificate or the Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT1) certificate is an advantage].

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Exercise Physiology, 48 Credits.
• Research Methodology 1, 12 Credits.
• Research Methodology 2, 12 Credits.
• Sports Medicine, 12 Credits.
• Sports Physiotherapy, 36 Credits.
• Research Project, 60 Credits.

1. Promote health and wellness of inactive and active individuals
2. Prescribe exercise and training interventions for athletes of all ages and abilities
3. Critically evaluate current research regarding the effects of exercise on health, and physical activity and exercise strategies.
4. Advise inactive individuals about developing a safe and healthy active lifestyle and about sports-related activities.
5. Educate other professionals regarding health promotion and physical activity, exercise and sports.
6. Understand the management of common medical conditions associated with physical activity, exercise and sports and recognise the implications for training and competition.7.
7. Effectively assess and manage athletes in an emergency/acute injury setting.
8. Advise athletes of all ages and abilities regarding the safe and legal use of pharmacological interventions during physical activity, exercise and sports.
9. Assess injury risk by integrating the evaluation of factors such as biomechanics and pathophysiology, requirements of the specific exercise or sport, potential impact of environments and equipment, and the athlete's physical performance capacity.
10. Develop training regimens10. Develop training regimens to reduce the risk of injury, to develop greater efficiency in movement, and to improve the performance capacity of athletes of all ages and abilities.
11. Advise and educate athletes of all ages and abilities and other professionals regarding injury risk.
12. Select and implement appropriate assessment of injuries associated with physical activity, exercise and sports, using an International Classification of Functioning (ICF), Disability and Health

13.Apply evidence-based treatment techniques for injuries associated with physical activity, exercise and sports.

1. Critically evaluate evidence regarding exercise and sports medicine and physiotherapy and make appropriate adaptations to clinical practice.
2. Design and implement individual rehabilitation programmes that incorporate evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for athletes of all ages and abilities.
3. Understand the principles of reflective practice, develop the ability to apply these principles and recognise the importance of these principles in exercise and sports physiotherapy.
4. Prioritise ethical practice and professionalism in exercise and sports physiotherapy.
5. Deliver safe and professional services that operate within all national and professional rules and regulations and recognise the client's rights.
6. Uphold ethical principles in clinical practice and research.
7. Demonstrate interpersonal skills that provide positive interactions with clients and co-workers.
8. Demonstrate sensitivity and respect for diversity and individuality.
9. Work effectively with other members of the multidisciplinary team with full awareness of their roles and responsibilities.
10. Understand the principles of human rights and social justice.
11. Advocate for health, with particular emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention relating to physical activity, exercise and sports.
12. Identify legal issues, national and international professional standards relevant to exercise and sports physiotherapy and service delivery.
13. Demonstrate professional leadership in the working environment by encouraging others to strive for excellence, and by providing and supporting opportunities for their learning.
14. Promote excellence in exercise and sports physiotherapy.
15. Maintain and improve clinical standards through a critical, reflective and evidence-based approach to practice.
16. Shape their own development as autonomous professionals.
17. Participate in the provision of opportunities for continuing professional development in a multidisciplinary context.
18. Provide mentorship in structured and non-structured environments Innovator.
19. Critically evaluate their practice in relation to new information.
20. Identify questions for further study, and be involved in research that addresses these questions at different levels.
21. Discuss principles of quantitative and qualitative research design, including the characteristics of a rigorous and relevant research study.
22. Identify different methods for the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data and appropriate contexts for their use.
23. Identify opportunities for communicating potential study questions and new findings, including conferences, special interest groups, and research networks.
24. Disseminate relevant information to professionals within sports physiotherapy, to others in the multidisciplinary team, and to decision-makers at individual, service delivery, and policy development levels.
25. Promote the appropriate application of new knowledge and innovations in multidisciplinary practice and decision-making processes.
26. Influence the directions of further research and innovation.

Integrated Assessment

The minimum pass mark is 50%. A student who does not satisfactorily complete one of the courses may, with permission of the programme convener, be allowed to register for that course concurrently with the courses for the following year of study.