Advise on injury prevention and management

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Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide information to fitness clients about exercise related injuries, their prevention and management.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to those working in a sport, fitness and recreation environment. It applies to specialised exercise trainers who are responsible for providing fitness training programs for general populations, including older adults, with the ability to customise fitness training programs to meet the specific individualised needs of different client groups.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential: researches cause and prevalence of commonly occurring injuries to develop injury prevention strategies for fitness clients implements injury prevention strategies and monitors and adjusts the effect of interventions within the parameters of own accepted roles and responsibilities applies effective contingency management techniques according to own level of responsibility to respond to problems impacting on effective injury prevention and management evaluates and reflects on own performance in implementing and evaluating injury prevention strategies.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure development and implementation of effective injury prevention strategies that are of sufficient breadth to allow the candidate to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to: a fitness centre with appropriate equipment and facilities in which the candidate operates or intends to operate fitness clients participating in the specific fitness environment in which the candidate operates or intends to operate.
Method of assessment A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: observation of interaction with fitness clients and other personnel in conveying information about injury prevention strategies oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of common injuries and preventative methods related to fitness activities
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portfolio containing evidence of analysis of injury patterns in relation to fitness activities and self evaluation of own performance third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance portfolio containing evidence of injury prevention and management strategies developed for specific clients.
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INSTRUCTION TO CANDIDATE
Introduction:
This assessment has been developed to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your skills knowledge and ability to provide information to fitness clients about exercise related injuries, their prevention and management.
To be deemed competent you will be required to: researches cause and prevalence of commonly occurring injuries to develop injury prevention strategies for fitness clients implements injury prevention strategies and monitors and adjusts the effect of interventions within the parameters of own accepted roles and responsibilities applies effective contingency management techniques according to own level of responsibility to respond to problems impacting on effective injury prevention and management evaluates and reflects on own performance in implementing and evaluating injury prevention strategies.
Assessment is used:
to measure students’ preparedness for further study or professional accreditation;
to provide feedback on student learning for both students and staff;
to define and protect academic standards;
to direct students’ learning.
Effective assessment for a unit or program of study will typically include a mix of assessment types, selected and designed to meet these multiple and various demands.
An explanation of some terms commonly used in describing assessment;
Formative Assessment – Assessment tasks are described as formative if they provide students with feedback intended to enable improved performance on current or subsequent tasks. Formative assessment typically has the development of students’ understanding or skills as an objective.
Summative Assessment – Assessment tasks are described as summative if they are awarded a grade (or score), and if that grade contributes to the overall grade for the unit. Many assessment tasks serve both summative and formative purposes.
Assessment Process:
Assessment decisions will be based on your ability to demonstrate competency against all performance criteria (included in this booklet) and required skills and knowledge as outlined in the competency standard. Competency will be determined after reviewing all of the evidence you have submitted.
Each piece of assessment will be graded S (Satisfactory) or R (Resubmit). When all evidence has been gathered, your assessor will make a final judgment and sign off with C (Competent) or NYC (Not Yet Competent). If you are given an R (Resubmit) or deemed NYC (Not Yet Competent), you will be advised what further action you need to take to achieve competency in this unit.
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Appeals Process:
If you believe that the grade you were awarded was not fair or reflective of the quality of the work you submitted, you have the right to appeal the decision. Information about this process can be found in the ASA Student Handbook – Appeal an assessment decision.
Feedback:
ASA believes in the benefits of two-way feedback and we invite you to provide your comments on the assessment process for this group of units on the Assessment Cover Sheet. We thank you for taking this opportunity seriously, as your contribution is greatly appreciated in our attempt to continuously improve our assessment system and processes. We also welcome feedback from your Host Employer (if relevant) as industry consultation is also an important aspect to our continuous improvement.
Reasonable Adjustment:
Reasonable adjustment refers to measures or actions taken to provide students with the same educational opportunities as everyone else. Ask your trainer to discuss this with you if you feel that adjustments should be made within your training program.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL is a process of assessment of your skills, knowledge and competencies that relate to a course you are taking in any education or training sector, for the purposes of gaining entry to a formal program of education and training leading to a national qualification under the National VET Regulator (NVR), or having that knowledge or skills assessed so it counts towards completion of your course. If you believe that you already have the skills and experience to demonstrate that you are competent in this unit, or part thereof, please apply to your trainer/assessor to begin the RPL process. You will be required to submit various forms of evidence.
What is Evidence?
Evidence is any information that you gather and provide to an assessor to show that you have the skills required to gain recognition. Evidence may include:
certificates
reports
references from your paid or unpaid work experience
samples of your work
qualifications
a practical assessment or skill demonstration
All evidence that you provide:
will be checked by the assessor to ensure its validity
should be compiled into a portfolio and clearly referenced
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Student Name: ………………………………………………………. Signature: ………………………………………………
Assessor’s Name: …………………………………………………. Signature: ………………………………………………
ASSESSMENT GUIDE
There are Seven (7) assessments required for completion of this unit; Assessment Component Assessment Event Name
Assessment Task One (AT1)
Assessment Task Two (AT2)
Assessment Task Three (AT3)
Assessment Task Four (AT4)
Assessment Task Five (AT5)
Assessment Task Six (AT6)
Assessment Task Seven (AT7)
Workbook questions and activities
Undertake injury surveillance
Develop injury prevention strategies
Implement injury prevention strategies
Monitor injury management
Conduct postural appraisals tests to evaluate the clients mobility, stability, muscle strength and endurance
Observe and evaluate a client’s dynamic posture through observation of gait
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Assessment Task One (1) Workbook Questions and activities
Q1 If you require any information about legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the conduct of a safe training session where can you find this information?
Fitness Australia Standards, Guidelines & Policies
https://fitness.org.au/guidelines.html
Q2 Describe the phases of healing and repair of a soft tissue injury
Three Phases of Healing- These must occur after any soft tissue injury.
The body has a predictable response that happens when there is tissue injury. The reason for the order of response is to promote the best recovery and healing to the injured area. The phases of healing have been broken down into 3 categories, though there is some overlap.
1) Acute inflammatory phase – This is what happen immediately after the injury to about 72 hours after the injury. It is an inflammatory response that is causes pain, swelling, redness and warmth around the injured area. This is your body’s way of protecting itself. The swelling causes stabilization in the area, just like when you can’t move your neck after a car accident. The area gets warmer because blood is being pooled in the area that actually causes the swelling. There are also chemical signals to have “search and debris from the injured tissue or bacteria that may have made its way into the area that might cause an infection. This reaction does not take place in a chronic type might cause an infection. This reaction does not take place in a chronic type injury, like the pain in a person’s wrist after typing too much.
2) Repair Phase – this is when the inflammation has gone down and your body begins to repair the injured area. Your body will begin to lay down collagen to replace the damaged tissue structure. Oxygen and vitamin C are necessary to aide in the collagen formation. This process last from 72 hours to six weeks after the injury. The structure of the collagen is unorganized at this point.
3) Remodeling Phase – once the collagen has been regenerated in the second phase of healing, it is not is an alignment that will be very capable of withstanding any stresses placed on it. The collagen is similar to sticky glue at first. It needs to be molded in certain alignments in order to be able to perform the functional capabilities of the tissue it is replacing. This phase is largely one of an improvement in the quality,orientation and tensile strength of the collagen. This phase last from 3 weeks to 12 months (some research is showing up to 2 years).
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Q3 How can the principles of biomechanics be used to minimise injuries for activities?
Preventing and Treating Injury
Movement safety, or injury prevention/ treatment, is another primary area where biomechanics can be applied. Sports medicine professionals have traditionally studied injury data to try to determine the potential causes of disease or injury (epidemiology). Biomechanical research is a powerful tool in the sports medicine quest to prevent and treat injury. Biomechanical studies help prevent injuries by providing information on the mechanical properties of tissues, mechanical loadings during movement, and preventative or rehabilitative therapies. Biomechanical studies provide important data to confirm potential injury mechanisms hypothesized by sports medicine physicians and epidemiological studies.
Q4 Describe the function of the musculoskeletal system
The function of the musculoskeletal system is to: protect and support the internal structures and organs of the body allow movement give shape to the body produce blood cells store calcium and phosphorus produce heat.
Q5 As a specialised exercise trainer what are your limitations when implementing injury prevention and management strategies to clients?
According to The Registered Exercise Professional Scope of Practice the specialised exercise trainer cannot conduct Independent exercise prescription for high risk clients Diagnostic tests or procedures
Q6 How can exercise help prevent,
Injuries
By increasing flexibility, strength of the tendons and ligaments improve agility and coordination.
Falls
Exercising can help prevent falls because it can: Make your muscles stronger and more flexible Improve your balance Increase how long you can be active
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How can exercise help the management and rehabilitation of common injuries?
Strengthen the tendons and ligaments the benefits of resistance training in both competitive and recreational athletes have been well documented over the past 20 years. Improvements in muscle strength and power, increase in muscle size, and improvement in sports performance are common benefits resulting from resistance training programs. In addition, resistance training has also been
Suggested to reduce the risk for musculoskeletal injuries, or perhaps reduce the severity of such injury. Although studies reporting the direct effect of resistance training on injury rate reduction are limited, the physiological adaptations seen consequent to resistance training on bone, connective tissue and muscle does imply enhanced protection against injury for individuals who participate in such a training program.
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Assessment Task Two (2) Undertake injury surveillance
Your task is to source and analyse data on common injuries for specific fitness / exercise activities. You are required to create a comprehensive report that includes references of the source(s) of information. Injuries may include, primary or secondary, direct or indirect, acute or overuse or musculoskeletal. The report on the injuries must include the incidence, severity, prevalence, cause and the types of injuries. Further the report must cover,
• Occurrence of injury and analyse injury patterns for specific fitness activities.
• Risk factors that may lead to injury for specific fitness activities (personal and internal factors, extrinsic factors, equipment used, gender, age weight and fitness level.
• Identify preventative measures recommended by medical or allied health professionals.
1. Lower back pain – an high percent of adults suffer from lower back pain at some stage in their lives. Most often it’s caused by weak lower back muscles as well as weak abdominals. Regular strength training in these areas can eliminate most of these problems. If you are besieged by chronic back pain, your fitness program may be the cause. If you regularly engage in high impact aerobics, use improper form during your workouts, or overstress the muscles by engaging in the same activity repetitively (i.e., running), you may experience pain in your lower back. Failure to bend your knees when lifting heavy weights is also a common cause. This doesn’t have to occur simply during fitness activities – think about lifting a bag of compost. Bending your knees and using your lower body to help lift heavy objects is a great idea. Generally speaking, the worst thing you can do is lie around in bed. Most often, time heals all lower back injuries. With muscular pain, exercise helps strengthen the muscles to avoid pain in the future. In the meantime, ice and gentle stretching (and I do mean gentle!) can help.
2. Strains and sprains –
Definitions first. Strain: overstretched or torn tendon (attaches muscle to bone); sprain: torn or overstretched ligament (connects two bones together, i.e., a joint such as a sprained ankle). Apply ice to the injured area for the first 24-48 hours (15-20 minutes at a time three to four times a day). Stretching can help to avoid these injuries. Be sure you have supportive footwear. If your sneakers are more than six months old, replace them. Purchase shoes later in the day and buy what fits well and feels good – not what’s trendy.
3. Achilles tendonitis –
The Achilles tendon attaches the heel to the calf muscle. This is a common injury for runners, tennis players, cyclists, rollerbladers and high heel wearers, among others. Stretching the foot, calf and hamstrings can help alleviate this injury. In some cases, you may need to stop exercising for a few days. Ice is a good remedy but avoid stretching or strengthening exercises that put pressure on the heel.
4. Knee pain –
The knee is probably one of the most complicated (and most important) joints in the human body. There are so many ways to injure it, we could write an entire article on this joint alone. Most knee injuries are caused by repetitive activities such as stair climbing, cycling, jogging or jumping, which
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stress the joint and surrounding ligaments and tendons. To avoid these injuries, cross train. Whether minor or serious, many knee injuries start with the same symptoms that may begin gradually. RICE is the ideal treatment for minor injuries. More serious injuries may require physical therapy or surgery. If pain persists, sees your doctor.
5. Rotator cuff –
The rotator cuff consists of a group of muscles and tendons that control movement in the shoulder joint. Throwing, catching, serving in tennis, swimming and lifting too much weight can stress or tear the rotator cuff muscles and/or tendons. Ice and compression can help alleviate the pain. In some cases, surgery or physical therapy is necessary. Take time off from heavy lifting. Be sure your form is correct whether weight training, throwing, serving, etc. If pain persists, sees your doctor.
6. Tennis or golf elbow – You don’t have to be a tennis or golf player to get these injuries. Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendon on the outside (or lateral side) of your elbow. Golf elbow is an inflammation of the tendon on the inside (or medial) side of your elbow. They are generally caused by an overuse of the arm and forearm muscles.
These injuries can be caused by the games themselves or simply by carrying your briefcase or gym bag. Never lock your elbows (or any other joint for that matter) during your workouts – whether a strength training workout or cardio. Ice and compression are good treatments. Having experienced tennis elbow, I can tell you that a slip-on elbow compression wrap can work wonders. But mostly – and I hate to say this – depending on the severity of the injury, you may have to stop the activity that caused the injury (in my case, my beloved tennis). Strengthen your wrists and triceps to avoid future episodes. This can also help alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, associated with too much time in front of the computer.
7. Stress fractures –
Common among long distance runners, backpackers, rollerbladers and hikers, stress fractures are really a micro fracture (hairline) break that runs along a bone in the foot.
Symptoms include sudden radiating pain down the top of one or two of your toes, redness or swelling on the top of the foot and a pinpoint pain if you touch this spot.
This is definitely a trip-to-the-doctor kind of injury. X-rays may be involved, anti-inflammatory medications, ice, elevation and rest. Don’t be a hero. If you’re experiencing agonising pain in your foot, STOP and get medical treatment!
8. Neck pain –
How often have you awakened to find that you can’t move your head to the right or the left? Or been on the phone so long that you’re left without full range of motion in your neck? Often, however, incorrect technique during strength training or cardio can also lead to neck pain.
Traumatic injuries should be assessed by your physician. If you experience tightness in your neck, gently stretch the muscles. Never roll your head around in a 360-degree circle! Stretch to front, then to
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the back, then to the right and the left slowly and gently. Massage is really good to relieve knots in the neck (and shoulders).
Rather than ice, moist heat is your best treatment here. Shower massage, whirlpool and a warm wash cloth will be quite helpful.
9. Chafing –
Chafing is one injury that’s easy to avoid. It’s a painful skin irritation caused by friction, usually where your clothing touches your body between the legs, bra line, underarms, sock line or your shirt rubbing against your skin. Cyclists can suffer chafing on their bums – kind of like nappy rash. To prevent chafing, try different clothing in different cuts or fibres. Avoid cotton because it stays wet. The new synthetics are a much better choice. For chafed thighs, try short Lycra tights, which may minimise friction. Women should look for sports bras with flat or covered seams. Before your workout, apply petroleum jelly or talcum powder. Or, cover the chafed spot with a bandage to prevent further irritation. Special lubricating products are available that are formulated not to stain clothes.
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Assessment Task Three (3) Develop injury prevention strategies
Your task is to analyse and create a presentation about injury prevention strategies on one exercise from each of the 3 categories to a group of your health and fitness peers.
Cardio Training
• Spin Class
• Running on a treadmill
• Pump Class
• Circuits Training
• Pilates
Resistance Training
• Squats
• Deadlifts
• Bench press
• Clean and Jerk
• Wide Grip Chin ups
Training / Sport
• Speed training
• A sport of your choice
• Agility training
• Running (any distance)
• Plyometrics
This presentation must be in a power point and written speech format. You are to develop a presentation / lecture to present the following information about your exercise selections you must include;
• A description of the exercise
• What are the benefits of performing this activity
• You must develop effective injury prevention strategies for each of these activities according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures that medical or allied health professionals may recommend.
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The Pros and Cons of Treadmill Training
For fitness, health and weight loss purposes, there are really no disadvantages to treadmill training. A calorie burned on a treadmill is the same as a calorie burned during any other activity. Cardiovascular fitness is improved at a similar rate whether you run on a treadmill or outside on the road or track. The treadmill provides many added benefits for this type of user, including injury prevention, safety, convenience and improved exercise adherence.
The treadmill also provides these same benefits to competitive runners. Fitness gained from running on the treadmill has been shown to be very similar to training effects from free range running. In some cases, treadmill training provides even greater training benefits. An example of this is the consistent pace of the treadmill. Many training programs require workouts that are performed at a precise pace and distance. The treadmill makes maintaining an exact pace and judging the precise distance much easier.
There are some disadvantages for competitive runners. These disadvantages are related to the lack of specificity when training for road or track racing. There is a rule of training called the “rule of specificity” that says training should closely mimic the activity you are training for. There are very definite differences between treadmill running and free range running that violate this rule. Here is a summary of the pros and cons associated with treadmill running.
Pros
Adverse Weather
A treadmill takes the weather factor out of the equation. You can always hop on your treadmill and do nearly any workout that you could have done outdoors. If ice or snow is present, running on the treadmill will certainly provide a better workout than running outside in those conditions.
Speed Work/Interval Training
Successful interval training depends upon running the repeats at a fairly precise speed and at a precise distance. It is hard for most runners to accurately judge pace while training at the track and becomes even more difficult when training on the open road. proven to be fairly accurate, but are still not as precise as treadmill running.
Easy Runs
Running easy is hard. In fact, running easy is one of the hardest things to do for many runners. Easy runs are necessary to allow your muscles to recover from hard, intense or long running sessions, but it can be very difficult to run at a pace easy enough to allow for muscle recovery. It can feel very slow and therefore many runners have a tendency to perform their easy runs at too fast a pace. The treadmill fixes this problem. Once you determine your easy pace, it is a simple matter to set the treadmill at that pace and jump on. As long as you don’t give into temptation and increase the speed of the machine, you will stay at your easy pace for the duration of the session. Maintaining an easy pace on your rest days will allow your muscles to stay fresh and will improve the quality of your harder training runs and avoid overtraining problems.
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Hill Training
Hill running is one of the best and most efficient workouts for building running strength, running economy and improving race performance. The problem is that many runners live in areas that have few hills, if any. So, what do you do if you live in a hill challenged area? Simple – get on your treadmill. Most treadmills will elevate from 1 percent to 12 percent. Some elevate as high as 15%. The treadmill not only supplies hills to those without hills, it also removes hills for those that don’t want them. Many runners that live in mountain communities have problems finding a route that does not have hills. There are many times, especially during easy runs and periods of rest and recovery, that you do not want to run on hills. The treadmill will flatten the hilliest terrain!
Long Runs
The term long run brings up visions of running long distances in parks, on roads or urban trails. There are many great benefits of doing long runs on that type of terrain. However, more and more runners are doing at least some of their long runs on the treadmill. Many do all of their winter long runs on the treadmill to avoid weather related problems. Running on a treadmill for two or three hours sounds boring. But for that matter, so is running outside for long periods of time. When doing long runs on the treadmill you can watch television or listen to music to help alleviate boredom. I like to tape marathons or other running events and watch them while I run. I also enjoy watching running movies. Any movie will entertain you while you run, but I find that running movies keep me motivated.
Injury Prevention/Rehabilitation
Running on concrete and asphalt day in and day out places a lot of stress on the connective tissues in your legs. This can lead to potential overuse injuries. High quality treadmills that are produced today give you a stable, but more forgiving surface. Treadmills are available in a fairly wide range of surface softness. The firmness of the treadmill is determined by a combination of the running deck and the suspension system. Some are designed to more closely mimic the firm asphalt or concrete surface of the road and others are designed with a lot of “give” in order to provide a very soft ride for heavy runners or those with injury problems. There are even some machines available that are adjustable to different levels of shock absorption.
Mental Toughness
The sport of running is a solitary activity that requires self- motivation, discipline and commitment along with both physical and mental toughness. These are all attributes that must be learned and practiced. Running on a treadmill is comfortable, efficient and safe. But, it is not psychologically easy. It is really quite difficult to run and maintain pace on a treadmill. This is due, in part, to the perception that you are not going anywhere. You do not have the psychological cues that you are making progress, such as the wind in your face and the objects and scenery moving by. You also do not have other runners around you to keep you motivated.
Since running on the treadmill is usually a solitary activity, it helps build self-motivation and commitment. Running and maintaining your pace on the treadmill builds a mental “toughness” that will help you in your races and outside training runs.
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Great For Beginners
The treadmill is ideal for beginning runners. Many new runners feel a bit intimidated by the sport and by more experienced runners. There is no reason for them to feel this way, but many do none the less. The treadmill gives these beginners a great place to start and to gain confidence in themselves so that feeling of intimidation melts away. Most new runners start with walking. The treadmill is a great tool for incorporating those first running steps into a training program. It is very easy to add in very short surges of running. The treadmill provides them with a stable, level and dry surface in which to practice those first running steps.
Cons
The treadmill provides many benefits. But, as with everything, it is not perfect. Along with its many advantages, the treadmill does have some disadvantages.
Lack of Specificity
One of the “laws” of training is the law of specificity. This simply means that your training should be as specific as possible to your training goal. In other words, your training should match your goal as closely as possible. You are training to run outside on the road, trail or track and run races, not to run on a treadmill. Treadmill training has been proven, in scientific studies, to have very similar physiological effects, to outside or free- range running. In simpler terms, treadmill training gives you very similar training benefits when compared to free-range running. However, even though the physiological effects are very similar, it is not specifically the same as running outside. There are physical differences, which include lack of wind resistance, lack of changing terrain, running on a moving belt, bio-mechanical differences and psychological differences.
Lack of Wind Resistance
When running on the treadmill, you are obviously running in place. You are not running through the air. When you run outside you are running through the molecules of the air, which create resistance. The faster you run, the more of an effect the air resistance has on you. Studies have estimated that air resistance creates an increase in your running workload of between 2% and 10%, depending upon your running speed. The faster you run, the more of an effect the wind resistance has. You can compensate for the wind resistance by elevating the treadmill, one or two percent.
Running Bio-Mechanics
In addition to the wind resistance problem, there is some evidence that running bio-mechanics are different when running on the treadmill. There have been very few conclusive studies done on the running form differences between treadmill and free range running. The studies that have been done have presented some rather conflicting data. Here is a brief summary of the reported running mechanics problems that have been associated with treadmill running.
Stride Length – There have been reports of stride length being both longer and shorter than outside running. One study on the effects of treadmill running came up with some very interesting data. The study used one group of subjects that were very experienced runners and compared them to a group of
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new runners. The results showed that the more experienced group had longer strides when running on the treadmill, compared to their same pace when running outside. The interesting part is that the inexperienced group had the exact opposite result. They had shorter stride lengths on the treadmill than they did when running outside. More research is needed to determine why this happens and if it happens consistently to a large group of runners.
Longer Support Time – Support time is the amount of time that your support leg spends on the ground. Some runners tend to spend more time on their support leg when running on the treadmill. In order to maximize your running efficiency your support time should be kept at a minimum. If your support leg is on the ground longer, you are probably not running as efficiently as you could be. This increase in support time is probably caused by an unconscious desire to provide a more stable running base on the moving and somewhat unstable treadmill.
Less Forward Lean – Some studies have determined that some athletes run with less of a forward lean when running on the treadmill. This can cause more energy being wasted on up and down motion and less energy focused on forward momentum.
Running Surface
The even and soft surface of the treadmill is an advantage in many ways, but it does present one major disadvantage. When running outside you encounter uneven surfaces, stones, soft areas, hard areas, dry areas, wet areas and various combinations of these surfaces. The challenge of running over these surfaces improves your propreoception or the ability of your neuromuscular system to correct for the effect these types of surfaces have on your muscles and the position of your body parts and joints. This is critical to runners because it affects balance, power and running economy. Running on the treadmill removes this very important part of training Not Warming Up This a mistake many people make when exercising. While may be tempting to just hop on the treadmill and start running at your desired speed, your body needs to tune itself for your run. Think about it the way you would if you were playing a sport. You don’t just start playing football, you dynamic stretch first and do some light jogging. The same is true of a treadmill. If you just start running, you aren’t burning calories in the most efficient way. You also run the risk of cramping up, which can lead to injuries. 2. Not Cooling Down Cooling down is just as important as warming up. When using a treadmill, it is good practice to reduce your speed gradually toward the end of your run instead of just jumping off of the machine. Most treadmills will automatically cool you down by taking about 30 seconds to reduce speed after you turn it off. This is to avoid cramping as well as feeling dizzy when i is you are done working out. If you run at max speed and immediately stop, your heart rate has a sudden drop. This results in dizziness, which can lead to injury. Cooling down will reduce your heart rate in an efficient manner.
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3. Holding the Bars Holding on to the handlebars may provide you with a certain measure of security, but it is not a good idea. Primarily, holding the bars is reducing the efficiency of your run. Holding the bars makes it easier to run, so you aren’t getting the most out of your routine. More importantly, it is altering your running form. You are increasing your risk of neck and back injuries because you are leaning over. Odds are you will be very sore when you step off the treadmill after you are done running. 4. Stepping Off the Treadmill while it’s Still Moving This should fall under the category of common sense. You should never step off of the treadmill while it is still moving. You may think it is no issue, but you are taking a risk you don’t need to take. Many people decide to get off the treadmill while it is moving for a number of reasons. However when you do so, you are, firstly, cutting out your cooling down period. Secondly, you run the risk of slipping off or losing your balance. If you do that, you could wind up with a serious injury. 5. Improper Incline Use Most treadmills allow you to adjust the incline. This can increase the efficiency of your run by making you move uphill. However, some people use too big of an incline when exercising. There are several potential problems involved with using a large incline. First, you run the risk of falling off the treadmill if the speed is too high. Second, you are putting more pressure on your back each time you increase the incline, which is not the goal of your run. You are better off using a modest incline and a slightly faster speed to get the most out of your run. 6. Exceeding Optimal Heart Rate Most treadmills come with tools to measure your heart rate. This is something you should take advantage of when running. To figure out your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220. Depending on the style of training you are doing, there are certain heart rate levels you should maintain while running. Even for the most intense training, you should keep your heart rate below 85 percent of the maximum. If you are exceeding that number, you are putting strain on your heart. Pushing the maximum heart rate won’t help you burn any more calories, so it is not worth the risk. 7. Bad Strides Running on a treadmill has a different feel than running on the street or sidewalk. The belt makes many people nervous, and they compensate by taking shorter strides. This is not a good way to run. It increases your chances of stumbling, which could lead to major injuries. When you first start using a treadmill, you should figure out a comfortable stride that is efficient. Then, do your best to maintain that
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stride every time you run. Using strides that are too big are equally dangerous. The key is to find the right balance. 8. Ignoring Arms As part of finding your stride, remember to sway your arms while you run. Many people use a treadmill and only move their legs. Using your arms is important to help you get the most out of your workout. They also help you keep your balance while running, which reduces the risk of injury. 9. Not Being Prepared Before you get on the treadmill, have everything you need with you. This includes water. You want to stay hydrated, and the last thing you want to do is cut your run off in the middle so that you can get water. Most treadmills have pockets where you can put things you might need. Consider bringing a towel in case you sweat as well. 10. Know Your Limits You want to push yourself while you run, but not to the point where you lose control. It is important to find a workout that serves you best. If you feel strained, you should stop running or transition to jogging. Not knowing your limits can lead to a series of aches, pains and injuries. Everything from tendonitis to sore feet can occur if you push yourself too hard.
How to Prevent Injury in Spinning Classes
1 Fit the seat or saddle of the bike to your body. A spinning bike’s saddle can be moved up or down, as well as forward and backward, to suit the height of the rider. In terms of seat height, you should be able to have a full leg extension at the bottom of the pedal stroke without locking out your knee. Adjust your seat height so you have a very slight bend in your knee when you are at the bottom of the stroke. In terms of fore and aft saddle position, position the pedals so your arms are parallel to the floor. Your forward knee should be precisely over the pedal clip. In essence, if you dropped a plumb line down from your kneecap, it would hit about the center of your foot.
2 Adjust the bike’s handlebars to fit your body. You should be able to comfortably reach the handlebars when you are in the saddle. Your elbows should never be locked out and always possess a slight bend. Improper handlebar height can lead to arm, neck, shoulder and back discomfort.
Keep your shoulders down while you ride. Oftentimes, riders tend to tense their shoulders during classes and this results in shoulder pain after class, in addition to putting you at risk for long-term injuries. Relax your shoulders and drop them down away from your ears.
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Maintain a neutral spine during class. You shouldn’t be hunching your back at all. Keeping your shoulders down will help to avoid hunching. In addition, keep your head neutral, thus to avoid strain on the neck. Never hang your head down and always ensure there is space between your chin and your chest. When class participants hang their heads, it puts serious strain on the back of the neck.
Check your leg form. Your knees should be right in line with your ankles when you pedal. If your knees are facing outward from or inward to the bike, you will likely experience knee issues. Check your legs every few minutes to ensure proper alignment.
Invest in a good pair of cycle shoes. While most spinning classes feature shoe cages so you can ride the bikes wearing running shoes, you will feel much more comfortable if you wear cycle shoes. Standard fitness shoes are soft-soled to allow for walking and running foot movements and they provide too give too much for cycling. If you experience tingling, numbness or pain in your feet, it will likely alleviate if you switch to hard-soled cycle shoes.
Wear cycle shorts or tights in spinning class. Cycle shorts are padded and free of seams. This helps to prevent soreness caused by the seat as well as chafing. You are not supposed to wear underwear with cycle shorts because the underwear’s seams can cause chafing and pressure spots.
Maintain some resistance on the spinning bike at all times. The resistance not only challenges your body but also keeps you safe. If you don’t have any resistance on the bike, you put your joints and tendons at risk for injury. Protect your body by keeping light resistance on the bike at all times.
Squats
The ‘squat’ is one of the most popular strengthening exercises carried out by individuals in the athletic and injury-rehabilitation communities – and for good reason. When they squat, athletes and people recovering from injuries flex their hips, knees, and ankles simultaneously, thus activating all the key muscles in the legs, including the hamstrings, glutes, quads, and calf muscles, as well as low-back muscles which stabilize the upper body. Because squatting can both strengthen and enhance the coordination of all these muscle groups, it is an exercise which appears to offer – to use American slang – a ‘lot of bang for your buck’, i.e., lots of benefits for such a simple movement. Indeed, research has linked squat training with improvements in sprint velocity, vertical jumping height, and horizontal jumping distance, attributes which are important over a wide range of athletic endeavours. Squatting is basically a safe activity (when carried out in the proper fashion) which can have a tremendously positive impact on leg-muscle strength. The following tips should help you reduce your risk of injury when you carry out squat training:
1. Initially, squat only to the point at which the tops of your thighs are parallel with the floor. Over time, as your strength and coordination improve and you remain injury-free, you can increase the depth of your squats. As squatting depth increases, quadriceps-muscle activation also increases, and thus expanding the depth of squatting should be associated with augmented gains in quad strength. To be fair, though, we should mention that few sports (except for weightlifting) actually require you to perform from a deep-squat position. Since gains in strength are partially a neural phenomenon, utilization of very deep squats may have a smaller than expected effect on your leg strength during your sporting activity (i.e., your nervous system may improve its ability to organize muscular force production during
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deep squatting, but this organizing will never come into play during competition, where deep squats are rare).
2. Don’t squat when you are fatigued, and try to avoid training to failure when you are squatting. If you are exhausted, you may lose control of the squat, and – if you are utilizing a loaded barbell – you may end up twisting a knee, increasing your risk of knee-cartilage damage.
3. For two-legged squats, use a shoulder-width foot stance.
4. Always descend and ascend in a controlled and coordinated manner; don’t jerk or rock back and forth. Avoid twisting movements in the bottom position.
5. Back pain and knee pain are indicators that you are progressing too fast with your squat training. If either type of pain occurs, you should rest until the pain disappears and then decrease your resistance and the number of squat repetitions you are completing.
Deadlifts
A deadlift is an advanced weightlifting exercise that works many muscles in the body and targets the muscles in the back. While practicing poor technique when doing a deadlift can result in back injuries, deadlifts can also reduce back pain by strengthening your back muscles — as long you perform the lifts properly and use appropriate weights. People with acute back injuries, however, should engage in only gentle exercise during recovery before resuming deadlift training.
Preventing Back Injuries from Deadlifts
If properly performed, deadlifts are good for your back. To avoid back injuries from deadlifts, it’s important to always use proper technique. To do perform a proper deadlift, prepare by putting a weighted barbell on the floor. With shoulder-width feet flat on the ground and underneath the bar, squat down with a straight back and grab the barbell with hands shoulder-width apart. Holding the bar, lift to standing by extending hips and knees to full extension, keeping your back straight. Repeat. Some common technique mistakes that can cause back injuries during deadlifts include rounding or hyperextending the lower back, not keeping the bar close to your body and not engaging the hips and glutes when lifting to a standing position.
Deadlifts for Back Pain
Deadlifts are an excellent exercise for preventing back pain and injuries, as this exercise strengthens the erector spinae muscles — the large group of muscles that support your back. Deadlifts also teach you how to properly pick up heavy objects in everyday life in a way that won’t cause back injuries. While you shouldn’t try to do deadlifts when you’re in the early stages of recovering from a back injury, deadlifts and other resistance exercise for the back may help chronic back pain sufferers. According to a study published in “Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research” in 2009, people with chronic backache who did a 16-week resistance training program using barbells and other weights experienced a 60 percent improvement in pain and functioning, whereas a group of back-achers who did just aerobic exercise for the 16 weeks reported only a 12 percent recovery.
Erector Spinae Exercises
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In addition to deadlifts, other exercises that target the erector spinae muscles are also beneficial for strengthening the back to decrease pain and prevent injuries. Some of these exercises may also be easier to perform than a deadlift for novice weight lifters. Some erector spinae exercises include bent-over barbell rows, lateral pulldown, seated row, good mornings, machine back extensions, back hyperextensions and clean and jerk. Whether you’re doing one of these exercises or a deadlift for the first time, it’s important to first learn proper technique from a coach or trainer.
Considerations
Exercise is important even when recovering from a recent back injury, although vigorous exercises such as deadlifts should be avoided while back pain is acute. Rather, you should focus during this time on gentle exercises such as stretches, swimming, walking, yoga and movement therapy, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. When you’re ready to do a deadlift, make sure you’re using the right weight.
Speed training
1. Establish a good running base.
If you’re a beginner runner or you’ve taken an extended break from running, you should be running consistently (3-4 times a week) for at least three months before starting speedwork.
2. Pick the right course and surface.
During speed sessions, you’re less likely to pay attention to potential hazards because you may be a little more uncomfortable than you are during an easy run, and you’re really focused on your workout. So try to pick a course that’s relatively traffic-free and look for a smooth, obstacle-free route. For example, you may be running so fast that you don’t see sidewalk cracks, potholes on the road, or tree roots on a dirt path. If you have access to a rubberized track (check your local high school), that’s a great option.
3. Always warm up.
Always begin with 5-10 minutes of easy running before picking up the pace. A pre-run warm-up gets your blood flowing, slowly elevates your heartrate and temperature, and gets your muscles warmed up and ready to go. Jumping into speedwork without a warm-up increases your chances of injury. Even if you don’t get injured, the quality of your workout will suffer because you’ll feel uncomfortable when you start.
4. Don’t start too fast.
Runners who are new to speedwork sometimes make the mistake of running way too hard and fast for every interval. You should put in a good effort, but don’t run so fast that your breathing and heart rate are totally out of control. Try to run your intervals consistently so that your last one is the same effort as your first. If you feel like you have nothing left for your last interval or the last few minutes of a tempo run, you did it too fast.
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5. Focus on proper running form.
Speed training helps to improve your biomechanics and running form, so don’t let your form fall apart when you’re running fast. Follow tips for proper running form during your speed workouts.
6. Rest the day after.
Don’t be tempted to run hard two days in a row. You may feel fine the next time, but your body is still recovering — and some people feel more muscle soreness two days later. Give yourself some down time by either taking a complete rest day or doing easy cross training the day after doing speedwork.
7. Do one session a week to start.
Don’t get too enthusiastic and do two sessions of speedwork a week. A little speed training goes a long way — even just adding one session of speedwork can make a big difference in your running. Once you improve your fitness and confidence, you can add another session (but, again, never two days in a row).
8. Don’t skip your cooldown.
A 5-10 minute cooldown at the end of your workout is just as important as your warm-up. Easy running or walking after you finish your speedwork will prevent blood from pooling in your legs and help flush out the lactic acid and other waste products from your muscles
Plyometrics
Benefits of Plyometrics
In addition, regular participation in a plyometric training program may help participants control their body weight.
When plyometric training is combined with active warm-ups, stretching exercises, and other weight training, evidence suggests that it can significantly improve an athlete’s explosive power.
Because plyometric training strengthens muscles and decreases impact forces on the joints, it may reduce the risk of injury in some people, especially in younger female basketball and soccer players who have a risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that’s two to eight times higher than that of their male counterparts. ACL injury-prevention programs — such as plyometrics — are designed to enhance the proper nerve/muscle control of the knee, according to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Risks of Plyometrics
If you’re in poor physical condition or have bone or joint problems, you’re probably not a good candidate for plyometrics.
But even if you’re a seasoned athlete, it’s important to remember that any training routine that builds strength through explosive movement is inherently associated with an increased risk of injury. In the sports science community, reported injuries associated with plyometrics programs of depth jumping have stirred considerable debate over the technique’s safety. Some experts have even compared
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plyometrics to the now-discredited technique of high-impact aerobics, which increases the risk of injury to lower-body joints such as the knee and ankle.
But plyometric training is usually safe and effective if you’ve received adequate screening from a sports medicine doctor or therapist and enrolled in a program led by a qualified instructor who matches the exercises to your age and fitness level and teaches proper landing techniques before gradually advancing you to more difficult exercises.
Proper Plyometric Technique Is Essential
Beginners should only train under proper supervision, and start with easy and safe ground-level jump-offs onto padded surfaces such as grass or a gym mat over a wood gym floor.
The most effective plyometric programs emphasize the quality instead of the quantity of jumps, and teach safe landing techniques such as landing from toe to heel from a vertical jump, using the entire foot as a rocker to distribute the impact over a greater surface area, and avoiding excessive side-to-side motion at the knee. To promote low-impact landings, some instructors encourage participants to visualize themselves landing “as light as a feather.”
More complicated exercises such as depth jumping should only be gradually introduced over time, and instructors need to assess participants’ physical condition and injury status before advancing them to the next level. If necessary, a program can be modified over time to optimize gains and prevent overtraining.
Other important safety considerations include the use of foam or other soft barriers and boxes and jumping surfaces that can’t twist on impact. Between training sessions, participants should rest for at least 48 hours
Tulloh (1995)[1] and Anderson (1995)[2] identified the following tips to help an athlete avoid injury:
1.Avoid training when you are tired
2.Increase your consumption of carbohydrate during periods of heavy training
3.Increase in training should be matched with increases in resting
4.Any increase in training load should be preceded by an increase in strengthening
5.Treat even seemingly minor injuries very carefully to prevent them becoming a big problem
6.If you experience pain when training STOP your training session immediately
7.Never train hard if you are stiff from the previous effort
8.Pay attention to hydration and nutrition
9.Use appropriate training surfaces
10.Check training and competition areas are clear of hazards
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11.Check equipment is appropriate and safe to use
12.Introduce new activities very gradually
13.Allow lots of time for warming up and cooling off
14.Check over training and competition courses beforehand
15.Train on different surfaces, using the right footwear
16.Shower and change immediately after the cool down
17.Aim for maximum comfort when travelling
18.Stay away from infectious areas when training or competing very hard
19.Be extremely fussy about hygiene in hot weather
20.Monitor daily for signs of fatigue, if in doubt ease off.
21.Have regular sports massage
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Assessment Task four (4) Implement injury prevention strategies Observation Practical
Trainers Instructions to Candidates
For this task you are required to educate a participant about the safe use of equipment. You are required to create a written report and conduct an instructional session for 2 pieces of equipment from the following list.
Equipment
• Spin bike
• Running on a treadmill
• Pump Class
• Circuits Training
• Squat rack
• Bench press
• Cable machine
Your assessment must cover,
• Safe participation and advice relevant personnel of problems according to organisational policies and procedures
• Who would you report problems that can contribute to injury to?
• Develop injury prevention strategies in consultation with medical or allied health professionals.
• Promote preventative strategies to clients to minimise the likelihood of injury according to best practice guidelines (such as manufactures recommendations and or Fitness Australia)
Identify as many as possible safety issues when setting up a fitness facility.
Location of equipment (adequate room) Purchasing commercial grade equipment Maintaining equipment (testing and tagging) Implement risk management procedures Competent trained staff Correct storage of hazardous chemicals Fire alarms/sprinklers in working order Correct signage on all equipment and OHS devices Correct flooring for the required room (slip resistance)
a) C962i Commercial treadmill: The only “must” for assembly is to make sure the treadmill is set up on a flat surface and at least 4 feet away from walls to ensure easy access for clients to use and staff to check belts. Use a damp cloth and clean daily around the staging platform, running bed and between the belt ad running bed. Weekly vacuum underneath and around the treadmill. Any repairs must be through the provider and not external source. Lifetime warranty on parts, 5 year warranty on motor.
b) Cybex Free Weight 16010 Olympic Bench Press: Assembly requires you to carefully take off “Foot Glides” when machine is ready to be set up and must be replaced with rubber feet (supplied with bench). Daily maintenance required is cleaning of upholstery, frames (using warm water and car wash
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soap) and the chrome tubes. Tubes must be cleaned with chrome polish and NOT and acid cleaner. Nuts and bolts must be checked and tightened if needed. Manual comes with customer service steps to order replacement parts or to deal with faults in the product. Repairs are not specific to the brand, however Cybex parts must be used to maintain warranty and must be installed by a “trained service personal only”.
c) Hammer Strength Linear Leg Press: Assembly is not specified in the manual as to who needs to put it together. Daily maintenance requires cleaning of upholstery. Monthly cleaning of guide rods and hardware. Frame must be checked bi-annually and everything else “as needed”.10 year minimum warranty on frames, 5 years on internal bearings. guide rods, pulleys and weight plates. 1 year on cables and grips and 90 days on upholstery. Any repairs or replacements parts must only be received through the supplier to maintain the warranty.
d) Nautilus E916: Assembly is at the responsibility of the buyer. Must be on a flat surface and have adequate room. There is no specific maintenance guides set by the manufacturer as this machine has a self maintenance function for its internal parts (self cleaning). A wipe down of the exterior to avoid dust and grit and a simple vacuum to keep clean. This item has a 15 year frame warranty, 3 year electrical and mechanical, 1 year labor and 1 year wear items.
(4) List the actions and inspections you must perform on equipment to ensure the safety of clients. – Inspect that the pulley’s, cables, karabiners and pins are all in working order – Make sure all nuts and bolts are screwed in and tight – All weights are put away – Clean machine of dust and disinfect upholstery – Check for excessive wear of any handles or parts – Listen for strange sounds – Feel for resistance or vibration that shouldn’t be present
(5) What should you do if you report any problems or break down of fitness equipment? Machine should first be labeled as “out of order” till the problem has been resolved. Logs should be checked to see when that item was last repaired/replaced/purchased. A new log should be made marking the item as “defective” and needs replacing. Based on the previous log the appropriate person should be called to fix/replace item (supplier or private contractor). Then make a log entry as to when the item was fixed and machine was back in use.
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Practical Observation Assessment Criteria
(ASA Assessor use only)
Diploma of Fitness
Demonstration Practical
Student Name:
Date:
Assessors Instructions
Observation Overview
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide information to fitness clients about exercise related injuries, their prevention and management.
This assessment provides evidence for assessment in the following Units of Competency: SISFFIT525A – Deliver prescribed exercise to clients with metabolic conditions
Observation Assessment must also ensure access to:
a real or simulated work environment a fitness venue with the appropriate facilities and equipment for the context of delivery such as a weights gym exercise room
Design and Deliver a training session for a Client
AIMS / OBJECTIVES To conduct Diploma of Fitness Assessment Assessment to be conducted in accordance with Fitness Australia or Americas College of Sport Medicine guidelines.
REQUIRED RESOURCES Fitness Facility and areas conducive to health and fitness consultations Assessment Final Assessment
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PREPARATION Print enough copies of the Assessment to distribute to students for the assessment. Print enough copies of the corresponding case studies to distribute to students for the assessment Lecturers to pre-select student pairs at their own discretion
INTRODUCTION (10 mins) Give an overview of all Practicals.
Trainers Instructions
ASSESSMENT DELIVERY (15 – 20 min per student) Clearly outline all assessment tasks to be completed as stated in the assessment Confirm understanding of assessment criteria and prompt for questions Students are then asked to submit the assessment criteria checklist found at the end of the Students are then informed of their pairs and they then decide who will be the ‘instructor’ and who will be the ‘client’ (this role will reverse after the first round of assessment enabling all students to be assessed) ‘Instructors’ will, at the same time, gather the necessary equipment for their assessment and set up an area of the classroom to conduct their consultation When all parties are ready, the assessment will commence. Once the first round of assessments are complete, those students that where just assessed will be debriefed by the assessor Once the debrief is complete students roles are reversed and the second round of assessing will begin At the conclusion of the assessment, collect all assessment paperwork from students and record results. Promptly post completed assessments to the ASA Education Manager.
STUDENT OUTCOMES Upon completion of the session students should be able to demonstrate evidence of the aims and objectives previously outlined.
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Australian Sports Academy Assessment Criteria Criteria Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Did the candidate conduct communication with clients in a polite, professional and friendly manner
Did the candidate use language and tone appropriate to a given situation in both written and spoken communication
Did the candidate use appropriate non-verbal communication in to build rapport with the client such as but not limited to body language dress and accessories gestures and mannerisms use of space culturally specific communication, customs and practices. eye contact
Did the candidate use active listening and questioning to facilitate effective two-way communication
Did the candidate follow protocols and organisation procedures such as but not limited to addressing the person by name required timeframe for addressing and serving clients required timeframe for response to an enquiry
Did the candidate identify risk factors that may lead to injury for specific fitness activities such as; Incorrect use of equipment Potential areas of danger with the equipment
Did the candidate analyse the various exercises, techniques and activities to present injury prevention strategies according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures such as; Fitness Australia ACSM standards
Did the candidate explain the injury prevention strategies in a clear concise manner
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Assessors Feedback
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Result: S / NYS
Assessors Name; ______________________________
Assessor Signature:______________________________ Date:_____________________________
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Assessment Task Five (5) Details Monitor injury management
Trainers Instructions to Candidates
You are to conduct an injury management observation practical with a client who is (young, aged, experienced or inexperienced) with any of the following injuries,
• primary or secondary
• direct or indirect
• acute or overuse
• musculoskeletal.
Your task is to:
1. Document the clients history and injury
2. Describe the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system of the area of injury
3. Describe the type of assessments (postural appraisals) you are conducting and what are the results
4. Identify the bony landmarks used as identification points when conducting postural screening tests
5. Comment on the clients range of movement
6. How you will monitor client progress and encourage reassessment of injury by a medical or allied health professional as required.
7. Implement strategies and rehabilitation exercises for the management of the injury
8. Adjust preventative measures and interventions in response to ongoing injury surveillance
9. Conduct ongoing monitoring of injury trends in consultation with medical or allied health professionals as required
10. Document your contingency management techniques according to own level of responsibility to respond to problems impacting on effective injury prevention and management
11. Evaluate own performance and identify potential improvements for future implementation of injury prevention strategies.
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What is a musculoskeletal disorder?
It is a condition that effects muscle, bone, tendons and nerves. A person suffering from a muscoskeletal disorder (MSD) could experience pain, restricted movement and bad posture.
What are the risk factors for a musculoskeletal conditions?
The major risk is putting too much pressure on the affected area. Repetitive movement and load baring exercises will have to start at a very low intensity and increase while avoiding discomfort. Training partners for people suffering from a MSD need to spot the weight during strength training, any sudden pain could cause the client to drop the weight causing further injury.
What signs and symptoms would a client with a musculoskeletal condition present
during a training session that would require you to intervene?
– Joint pain – Redness of affected area – Loss of function – Tingling – Numbness – Stiffness – Pain/tenderness – Muscle weakness – Fatigue – Decreased grip strength
How does ageing and inactivity affect musculoskeletal tissue?
Muscles fibers decrease in number and size causing an overall loss in mass. Over time muscles become more dense and lose elasticity, reducing agility and overall response time. Living a sedentary lifestyle will accelerate this process.
As we age physical exercise becomes less of a priority for most people. This causes the bones to become brittle and bring on conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis . Bones may not grow in length as we age, but they do however becomes stronger when subjected to regular exercise and good nutrition.
Posture is a major problem with the aging population. When muscle and bone go through these changes when aging the most affected areas are the ones we use the least. Uneven muscle mass can cause protagonist and antagonist muscles to have a dominant opposite. Having one side stronger or tighter than the other leads to posture abnormalities and joint conditions.
.
What are 5 structural adaptations of musculoskeletal tissue in response to exercise?
– Increased bone density – Increased muscle strength and size – Increased muscle response time – Increased flexibility – Better posture
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For this case study I have gone with Michelle Katter, a women in her 50’s who suffers from kyphosis as a result of severe trauma. Michelle was hit on a pedestrian crossing in her early 40’s and suffered injuries to her upper back and shoulders that left her movement restricted. After the accident rehabilitation was not undertaken resulting in muscular atrophy of her shoulders and upper back. Over the years the unused muscles have shrunk and lost all strength to hold Michelle’s posture leaving her with rounded shoulders and a developed hump. Michelle’s job requires her to stand on her feet for long periods of time and can result in back pain.
I have decided to go with 3 x 30 minute sessions with Michelle focusing primarily on shoulder and back exercises. Since the muscles have been inactive for such a prolonged period of time I have gone for a high rep range to focus on good form while adjusting to the exercises. There is two days of shoulder and back training to bring the muscles back to a state where they can take medium to high levels of
Day
Exercise 1 &2
Set x Reps
Time
Exercise 3&4
Sets x Reps
Time
Day 1
Warm-up
Rowing machine
-Low resistance (Bringing grip back to armpit height).
10 mins
Upright row close grip easy bar.
Low resistance.
3×15
Shoulder front raises
(Holding at the top for a 2 count) low resistance.
3×15
Lat pull down
-Low resistance.
3×15
Day 2
Warm-up
Elliptical machine
5
mins
Medicine ball pick-ups
10 mins
Dumbbell lunges
-Low resistance
10 mins
Treadmill power walk
10 mins
Day 3
Seated lateral raises
-Low resistance
3×15
Seated cable row
-Dual grip
-Low resistance
Archers
3×15
(each arm)
PNF shoulder stretching
10 mins
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resistance and one day of cardio/leg training. This was at the request and goals of the client to lose some excess body fat coupled with some exercises that will assist posture and strengthen leg muscles. An overall loss in mass will reduce the pressure on Michelle’s spine making it easier for her to adjust to the exercises. In Michelle’s line of work there is a lot of kneeling and bending over to assist customers. I have added some practical exercises that will help not only build posture but aid in functional and practical tasks related to her job.
Since Michelle’s accident she has developed some bad habits by not using proper form when undertaking tasks. There are days where her job requires data entry and Michelle needs to sit at a computer. When doing this task she needs to avoid slouching. I have advised her to purchasing an ergonomic chair with proper lumbar support that will help keep the torso upright. Alternatively, she could purchase a small lumbar pillow (you can get these at most office or home ware supply stores), these are portable and can be placed in a car to provide support whilst travelling. The next most important issue I addressed is avoiding the temptation to bend over and pick something up. I explained the importance of bending at the knees and squatting down to pick something up. This action takes stress off the upper back, and could also be considered an additional opportunity for exercise.
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Practical Observation Assessment Criteria
(ASA Assessor use only)
Diploma of Fitness
Demonstration Practical
Student Name:
Date:
Assessors Instructions
Observation Overview
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide information to fitness clients about exercise related injuries, their prevention and management.
This assessment provides evidence for assessment in the following Units of Competency: SISFFIT525A – Deliver prescribed exercise to clients with metabolic conditions
Observation Assessment must also ensure access to:
a real or simulated work environment a fitness venue with the appropriate facilities and equipment for the context of delivery such as a weights gym exercise room
Design and Deliver a training session for a Client
AIMS / OBJECTIVES To conduct Diploma of Fitness Assessment Assessment to be conducted in accordance with Fitness Australia or Americas College of Sport Medicine guidelines.
REQUIRED RESOURCES Fitness Facility and areas conducive to health and fitness consultations Assessment Final Assessment
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PREPARATION Print enough copies of the Assessment to distribute to students for the assessment. Print enough copies of the corresponding case studies to distribute to students for the assessment Lecturers to pre-select student pairs at their own discretion
INTRODUCTION (10 mins) Give an overview of all Practicals.
Trainers Instructions
ASSESSMENT DELIVERY (15 – 20 min per student) Clearly outline all assessment tasks to be completed as stated in the assessment Confirm understanding of assessment criteria and prompt for questions Students are then asked to submit the assessment criteria checklist found at the end of the Students are then informed of their pairs and they then decide who will be the ‘instructor’ and who will be the ‘client’ (this role will reverse after the first round of assessment enabling all students to be assessed) ‘Instructors’ will, at the same time, gather the necessary equipment for their assessment and set up an area of the classroom to conduct their consultation When all parties are ready, the assessment will commence. Once the first round of assessments are complete, those students that where just assessed will be debriefed by the assessor Once the debrief is complete students roles are reversed and the second round of assessing will begin At the conclusion of the assessment, collect all assessment paperwork from students and record results. Promptly post completed assessments to the ASA Education Manager.
STUDENT OUTCOMES Upon completion of the session students should be able to demonstrate evidence of the aims and objectives previously outlined.
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Australian Sports Academy Assessment Criteria Criteria Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Did the candidate conduct communication with clients in a polite, professional and friendly manner
Did the candidate use language and tone appropriate to a given situation in both written and spoken communication
Did the candidate use appropriate non-verbal communication in to build rapport with the client such as but not limited to body language dress and accessories gestures and mannerisms use of space culturally specific communication, customs and practices. eye contact
Did the candidate use active listening and questioning to facilitate effective two-way communication
Did the candidate follow protocols and organisation procedures such as but not limited to addressing the person by name required timeframe for addressing and serving clients required timeframe for response to an enquiry
Did the candidate identify risk factors that may lead to injury for specific fitness activities such as; Incorrect use of equipment Potential areas of danger with the equipment
Did the candidate analyse the various exercises, techniques and activities to present injury prevention strategies according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures such as; Fitness Australia ACSM standards
Did the candidate explain the injury prevention strategies in a clear concise manner
Did the candidate safe implement strategies for the management of the selected musculoskeletal injuries, such as pre-exercise, warm-up and stretching recovery strategies and physical conditioning correction of technique
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Did the candidate conduct postural appraisal to identify potential causes of injury such as; FMS Range of movement Stability Strength
Did the candidate assess the need for referral and reassessment of client injuries to allied health professionals such as; Massage therapist Physiotherapist Chiropractor
Assessors Feedback
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Result: S / NYS
Assessors Name; ______________________________
Assessor Signature:______________________________ Date:_____________________________
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Assessment Task Six (6) Conduct postural appraisals tests to evaluate the clients mobility, stability, muscle strength and endurance
Your task is to conduct postural appraisals tests to two separate clients to evaluate mobility, stability, muscle strength and endurance. Your appraisals must include:
• a client’s static posture using a valid and reliable postural screening method to identify common postural variances and observe the degree of deviation
• Conduct standardised tests to evaluate joint mobility and observe joint specific functional range of movement of the major joints to identify restrictions and right and or left differences in range
• Conduct standardised postural appraisal tests to evaluate muscle strength and muscular endurance in order to identify functional ability
• Apply knowledge of the functional anatomy of the joints and the location of relevant bony landmarks when conducting postural appraisals.
• Use a standardised method of recording the results of tests accurately and systematically using a process that allows for subsequent re-evaluation
• numeracy skills to calculate client range of movement at major joints
• Refer clients with significant injury and postural variances or concerns to appropriate medical or allied health professional before recommending any corrective exercises.
You are required to complete a written report on a summary of the appraisal tools you utilised, your findings and recommendations and develop an exercise management plan. You can use the methods conducted in the unit SISFFIT418A Undertake appraisals of functional movement.
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Client One CONDITION YES / NO COMMENTS and RECOMMENDATIONS
1
HALLUX VALGUS
Does the big toe point towards the other toes?
Is there a lateral prominence at the base of the big toe?
2
HAMMER TOES
Are the toes bunched up in a flexed position?
3
FLAT FEET
Are the inner borders of the feet close to or touching the floor?
4
PRONATED FOOT
Using the plumb line as a guide from the patella to the foot, does the plumb line fall medially from the patella to the crotch of the first and second toe
Using the plumb line as a guide from the back of the knee, does the plumb line fall medially from the back of the knee to the Achilles tendon?
5
KNOCKED KNEES
Does the subject when standing with the medial surfaces of their knees touching have difficulties placing the inner borders of their feet together?
6
BOW LEGS
Does the subject have difficulties touching the medial surfaces of their knees together when standing with straight legs and the inner borders of their feet together?
7
HYPEREXTENDED KNEES
When viewed from the side, do the subject’s knees appear to be projected in a posterior direction?
8
PELVIC TILT
Locate the subject’s anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and symphysis pubis. Is the ASIS forward of the symphysis pubis? Is the ASIS backward of the symphysis pubis?
Locate the subject’s anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). Is the PSIS
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higher than the ASIS? Is the PSIS lower than the ASIS?
9
LORDOSIS / FLAT BACK
Stand the subject against a wall with their heels, buttocks, upper back and head touching the wall. Does the tester’s hand move freely between the subject’s lumbar spine and the wall?
Can the subject contract their abdominal muscles and squash the tester’s hand against the wall?
10
KYPHOSIS
With the subject assuming a normal standing position, the tester moves their hand up and down the subject’s spine in the thoracic region. Does the natural convex curve appear exaggerated?
11
ABDUCTED SCAPULAE
With the tester assuming a lateral position, do the shoulders appear to be forward with respect to the upper back and chest?
Place a 45 – 50 cm ruler across the upper chest of the subject. Are the anterior surfaces of the shoulders close to or in contact with the ruler?
12
WINGED SCAPULAE
In the normal standing position, do either or both of the scapulae vertebral borders and / or inferior angles noticeably protrude?
13
SCOLIOSIS
With the subject in the normal standing position, mark the tips of their spinous processes in the thoracic and lumbar regions with a marker. While standing about 3 meters behind the subject do the spinous process appear to form: A left or right C curve in the thoracic region A left or right C curve in the lumbar region A total left or right C curve through the whole spine An S curve through the whole spine
Have the subject flex the knees slightly and bend forward to touch their toes. Stand about 3 meters behind the subject and ask the subject to rise slowly until the thoracic region of the spine is horizontal.
Does the right or left side of the thorax appear to be higher than the other?
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Practical Observation Assessment Criteria
(ASA Assessor use only) Criteria Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Did the candidate undertake any of the following exercise screening of clients using recognised screening tool according to organisational policies and procedures.
Exercise screening includes but is not limited to: questionnaire interview Visual observation.
Is the candidate able to explain the aims of postural appraisal and the procedure for the appraisal to clients.
Aims of postural appraisal include but are not limited to: identify abnormality determine degree and origin of deviation determine effect on proposed or current exercise plan and goals identify contraindications and postural risk factors associated with exercise Prevent injury.
Is the candidate able to discuss the importance of identifying postural variances and explain the relationship between posture and injury prevention to clients.
Postural Variances include but are not limited to: structural functional kyphosis rounded shoulders winging of scapula scoliosis increased or decreased lordosis excessive posterior or anterior pelvic tilt genu varum or genu valgum increased pronation of foot or ankle complex increased supination of foot or ankle complex hyperextension of knees lateral tilt of pelvis or head forward head posture rotated patella
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Is the candidate able to inform clients of the legal and ethical limitations of the role of an exercise trainer according to legislation and regulatory requirements such as but not limited to Occupational Health and Safety duty of care privacy child protection
Is the candidate able to organise and prepare appraisal equipment as required.
Appraisal equipment may include but is not limited to: flexometer goniometer plumb line grid plurimeter.
Is the candidate able to conduct movement tests to evaluate the client’s joint mobility according to industry standards. Joint mobility includes but is not limited to flexion and extension dorsiflexion /plantar flexion horizontal flexion and extension abduction /adduction circumduction /rotation supination /pronation inversion / eversion protraction / retraction
• elevation / Depression
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Can the candidate identify restrictions in range of movement and recommend client seeks external assistance if abnormal range of movement is observed.
• functional range
• active and passive range
• joint and muscle specific
• Joint and muscle specific tests.
Is the candidate able to conduct a static postural appraisal of the client using an appropriate posture analysis tool according to organisational policies and procedures.
Static Posture appraisal includes but is not limited to: anterior posterior Lateral.
Is the candidate able to compare the client’s posture to the ideal postural alignment in order to identify common postural variances.
Ideal postural alignment includes but is not limited to:
normal spinal curves
straight line running through: ear lobe anterior shoulder joint vertebral bodies of L 1 – 5 posterior hip joint anterior knee joint anterior ankle joint transverses abdominus pelvic floor muscles.
Is the candidate able to analyse the symmetrical development of muscles to identify any muscular deficits. diminished muscle strength and or endurance limited flexibility diminished muscle endurance.
Assessors Feedback
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Result: S / NYS
Assessors Name; ______________________________
Assessor Signature:______________________________ Date:_____________________________
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TEST ISSUES IDENTIFIED WHILE PERFORMING TEST COMMENTS
1. Deep Squat
2. Hurdle Step
3. In-line Lunge
4. Shoulder Mobility
5. Active Straight Leg Raise
6. Trunk Stability Push Up
7. Rotary Stability
Before continuing on, go through the 3 flexibility tests listed in topic 4 with a friend, family member or work colleague. Record the results in the table below. TEST ATTEMPT 1 ATTEMPT 2 RATING
SIT N’ REACH
ARM OVER / UNDER
SHOULDER CIRCUMDUCTION
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Comments and Questions
Please complete the report on your client.
If your client presented postural deviations what would be your follow up action?
Students response
Discuss the results of the appraisal include your recommendations
Students response
If your client presented a condition outside of your scope what will be your process to address this?
Send a referral letter to an allied health professional
What are common causes of poor posture issued that you identified?
Students response refer to workbook for criteria
What are some strategies and exercises to address the deviations and reduce the likelihood of injury?
Students response refer to workbook for criteria
What are some exercises or actions that may exacerbate any postural variance?
Students response refer to workbook for criteria
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Practical Observation Assessment Criteria
(ASA Assessor use only) Criteria Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Did the candidate undertake any of the following exercise screening of clients using recognised screening tool according to organisational policies and procedures.
Exercise screening includes but is not limited to: questionnaire interview Visual observation.
Is the candidate able to explain the aims of postural appraisal and the procedure for the appraisal to clients.
Aims of postural appraisal include but are not limited to: identify abnormality determine degree and origin of deviation determine effect on proposed or current exercise plan and goals identify contraindications and postural risk factors associated with exercise Prevent injury.
Is the candidate able to observe the client’s dynamic posture while performing simple fitness exercises according to legislation and regulatory requirements and organisational policies and procedures.
Fitness exercises include but are not limited to: muscle strength muscle endurance symmetrical development and range Co-ordination of movement.
Is the candidate able to provide information about the common causes of poor posture to clients such as,
• congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system
• poor muscle strength
• poor muscle endurance
• muscle imbalance
• lack of mobility
• damage to bony structures
• damage to connective tissue including ligaments, cartilage
• changes to line of gravity caused by pregnancy, inappropriate footwear, behaviours, work practices, sport or leisure activities.
Assessors Feedback
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Result: S / NYS
Assessor Signature:______________________________ Date:_____________________________
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Client Two CONDITION YES / NO COMMENTS and RECOMMENDATIONS
1
HALLUX VALGUS
Does the big toe point towards the other toes?
Is there a lateral prominence at the base of the big toe?
2
HAMMER TOES
Are the toes bunched up in a flexed position?
3
FLAT FEET
Are the inner borders of the feet close to or touching the floor?
4
PRONATED FOOT
Using the plumb line as a guide from the patella to the foot, does the plumb line fall medially from the patella to the crotch of the first and second toe
Using the plumb line as a guide from the back of the knee, does the plumb line fall medially from the back of the knee to the Achilles tendon?
5
KNOCKED KNEES
Does the subject when standing with the medial surfaces of their knees touching have difficulties placing the inner borders of their feet together?
6
BOW LEGS
Does the subject have difficulties touching the medial surfaces of their knees together when standing with straight legs and the inner borders of their feet together?
7
HYPEREXTENDED KNEES
When viewed from the side, do the subject’s knees appear to be projected in a posterior direction?
8
PELVIC TILT
Locate the subject’s anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and symphysis pubis. Is the ASIS forward of the symphysis pubis? Is the ASIS backward of the symphysis pubis?
Locate the subject’s anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). Is the PSIS
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higher than the ASIS? Is the PSIS lower than the ASIS?
9
LORDOSIS / FLAT BACK
Stand the subject against a wall with their heels, buttocks, upper back and head touching the wall. Does the tester’s hand move freely between the subject’s lumbar spine and the wall?
Can the subject contract their abdominal muscles and squash the tester’s hand against the wall?
10
KYPHOSIS
With the subject assuming a normal standing position, the tester moves their hand up and down the subject’s spine in the thoracic region. Does the natural convex curve appear exaggerated?
11
ABDUCTED SCAPULAE
With the tester assuming a lateral position, do the shoulders appear to be forward with respect to the upper back and chest?
Place a 45 – 50 cm ruler across the upper chest of the subject. Are the anterior surfaces of the shoulders close to or in contact with the ruler?
12
WINGED SCAPULAE
In the normal standing position, do either or both of the scapulae vertebral borders and / or inferior angles noticeably protrude?
13
SCOLIOSIS
With the subject in the normal standing position, mark the tips of their spinous processes in the thoracic and lumbar regions with a marker. While standing about 3 meters behind the subject do the spinous process appear to form: A left or right C curve in the thoracic region A left or right C curve in the lumbar region A total left or right C curve through the whole spine An S curve through the whole spine
Have the subject flex the knees slightly and bend forward to touch their toes. Stand about 3 meters behind the subject and ask the subject to rise slowly until the thoracic region of the spine is horizontal.
Does the right or left side of the thorax appear to be higher than the other?
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Practical Observation Assessment Criteria
(ASA Assessor use only) Criteria Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Did the candidate undertake any of the following exercise screening of clients using recognised screening tool according to organisational policies and procedures.
Exercise screening includes but is not limited to: questionnaire interview Visual observation.
Is the candidate able to explain the aims of postural appraisal and the procedure for the appraisal to clients.
Aims of postural appraisal include but are not limited to: identify abnormality determine degree and origin of deviation determine effect on proposed or current exercise plan and goals identify contraindications and postural risk factors associated with exercise Prevent injury.
Is the candidate able to discuss the importance of identifying postural variances and explain the relationship between posture and injury prevention to clients.
Postural Variances include but are not limited to: structural functional kyphosis rounded shoulders winging of scapula scoliosis increased or decreased lordosis excessive posterior or anterior pelvic tilt genu varum or genu valgum increased pronation of foot or ankle complex increased supination of foot or ankle complex hyperextension of knees lateral tilt of pelvis or head forward head posture rotated patella
Is the candidate able to inform clients of the legal and ethical
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limitations of the role of an exercise trainer according to legislation and regulatory requirements such as but not limited to Occupational Health and Safety duty of care privacy child protection
Is the candidate able to organise and prepare appraisal equipment as required.
Appraisal equipment may include but is not limited to: flexometer goniometer plumb line grid plurimeter.
Is the candidate able to conduct movement tests to evaluate the client’s joint mobility according to industry standards. Joint mobility includes but is not limited to flexion and extension dorsiflexion plantar flexion horizontal flexion and extension abduction adduction circumduction rotation supination pronation inversion eversion protraction retraction
• elevation
• Depression
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Can the candidate identify restrictions in range of movement and recommend client seeks external assistance if abnormal range of movement is observed.
• functional range
• active and passive range
• joint and muscle specific
• Joint and muscle specific tests.
Is the candidate able to conduct a static postural appraisal of the client using an appropriate posture analysis tool according to organisational policies and procedures.
Static Posture appraisal includes but is not limited to: anterior posterior Lateral.
Is the candidate able to compare the client’s posture to the ideal postural alignment in order to identify common postural variances.
Ideal postural alignment includes but is not limited to:
normal spinal curves
straight line running through: ear lobe anterior shoulder joint vertebral bodies of L 1 – 5 posterior hip joint anterior knee joint anterior ankle joint transverses abdominus pelvic floor muscles.
Is the candidate able to analyse the symmetrical development of muscles to identify any muscular deficits. diminished muscle strength and or endurance limited flexibility diminished muscle endurance.
Assessors Feedback
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Result: S / NYS
Assessors Name; ______________________________
Assessor Signature:______________________________ Date:_____________________________
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TEST ISSUES IDENTIFIED WHILE PERFORMING TEST COMMENTS
8. Deep Squat
9. Hurdle Step
10. In-line Lunge
11. Shoulder Mobility
12. Active Straight Leg Raise
13. Trunk Stability Push Up
14. Rotary Stability
Before continuing on, go through the 3 flexibility tests listed in topic 4 with a friend, family member or work colleague. Record the results in the table below. TEST ATTEMPT 1 ATTEMPT 2 RATING
SIT N’ REACH
ARM OVER / UNDER
SHOULDER CIRCUMDUCTION
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Comments and Questions
Please complete the report on your client.
If your client presented postural deviations what would be your follow up action?
Students response
Discuss the results of the appraisal include your recommendations
Students response
If your client presented a condition outside of your scope what will be your process to address this?
Send a referral letter to an allied health professional
What are common causes of poor posture issued that you identified?
Students response refer to workbook for criteria
What are some strategies and exercises to address the deviations and reduce the likelihood of injury?
Students response refer to workbook for criteria
What are some exercises or actions that may exacerbate any postural variance?
Students response refer to workbook for criteria
Page 57 of 67
Practical Observation Assessment Criteria
(ASA Assessor use only) Criteria Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Did the candidate undertake any of the following exercise screening of clients using recognised screening tool according to organisational policies and procedures.
Exercise screening includes but is not limited to: questionnaire interview Visual observation.
Is the candidate able to explain the aims of postural appraisal and the procedure for the appraisal to clients.
Aims of postural appraisal include but are not limited to: identify abnormality determine degree and origin of deviation determine effect on proposed or current exercise plan and goals identify contraindications and postural risk factors associated with exercise Prevent injury.
Is the candidate able to observe the client’s dynamic posture while performing simple fitness exercises according to legislation and regulatory requirements and organisational policies and procedures.
Fitness exercises include but are not limited to: muscle strength muscle endurance symmetrical development and range Co-ordination of movement.
Is the candidate able to provide information about the common causes of poor posture to clients such as,
• congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system
• poor muscle strength
• poor muscle endurance
• muscle imbalance
• lack of mobility
• damage to bony structures
• damage to connective tissue including ligaments, cartilage
• changes to line of gravity caused by pregnancy, inappropriate footwear, behaviours, work practices, sport or leisure activities.
Assessors Feedback
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Result: S / NYS
Assessor Signature:______________________________ Date:_____________________________
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Assessment Task Seven (7) Observe and evaluate a client’s dynamic posture through
observation of gait Practical
Observational gait analysis checklist
Your task is to conduct the following,
• Conduct 3 Gait assessments on different clients
• Conduct functional tests to evaluate range of movement, movement control, muscular
deficits and proprioception.
• Observe the client’s dynamic posture whilst performing suitable movements and record
information about movement coordination and balance
• Relate the effect of common postural variances to the client’s gait by applying an
understanding of the biomechanics of movement
• Record information obtained to allow for further re-evaluation.
• Understand the aim of gait observation by the specialised exercise trainer is not to be
diagnostic or prescriptive
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Client One Observation Yes No Comments Four objectives must be accomplished for normal gait to occur Leg supports body weight without collapsing
Balanced maintained (statically & dynamically) during single support phase
Swing leg advance to take over supporting role
Sufficient power for necessary limb movements and trunk advancement
Head tilt at heel strike Normal: Vertical Position Picture 1
Significance of Deviation Tilts to short or long limb
Tilts towards the raised shoulder
Shoulder position during stance Normal: Equal Picture 1
Significance of Deviation
Shoulder drop due to Scolosis
Occupational
Trauma
Short or long limb
Arm swing during stance Normal: Equal active arm swing Picture 2
Significance of Deviation No arm swing
Need to stabilize the trunk
Tight erect posture
Unilateral arm swing
Greater arm swing on the side of the short leg
Limitation of motion in the opposite hip
Occupational
Pelvic drop of opposite side during Stance Normal: None Picture 3
Significance of Deviation
If present:
• Tight hip adductors
• Weak hip abductors
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Pelvic drop of same side in swing Normal: None Picture 4 Significance of Deviation If present suspect: • Opposite side hip abductor weakness • Loading a short limb • Scolosis
External hip rotation Normal: Terminal stance and into swing
Significance of Deviation
Increased by:
• Muscle problem – gluteus maximus
• Foot fault contact – retroversion
• Compensation • Excessive supination at contact
Internal hip rotation Normal: Contact into midstance
Significance of Deviation
Increased by:
• Tight medial musculature
• Foot contact fault – Anteversion
• Compensation • Excessive pronation into propulsion
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Practical Observation Assessment Criteria
(ASA Assessor use only) Criteria Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Is the candidate able to explain the aims of gait assessment and the procedure for the appraisal to clients.
Aims of postural appraisal include but are not limited to: identify abnormality determine degree and origin of deviation determine effect on proposed or current exercise plan and goals identify contraindications and postural risk factors associated with exercise Prevent injury.
Did the candidate view the gait from the
Anterior, posterior and lateral views
Did the candidate assess the full gait cycle; stance phase swing phase flight phase double stance phase
Did the candidate assess the foot cycle that included; foot strike mid-stance toe off
For the evaluation of: sequence of movement at each joint sequence of muscle actions efficiency of movement
Is the candidate able to provide information about the common causes of poor gait to clients such as,
• congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system
• poor muscle strength
• poor muscle endurance
• muscle imbalance
• lack of mobility
• damage to bony structures
• damage to connective tissue including ligaments, cartilage
• changes to line of gravity caused by pregnancy, inappropriate footwear, behaviours, work practices, sport or leisure activities.
Assessors Feedback
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Result: S / NYS
Assessor Signature:______________________________ Date:_____________________________
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Client Two Observation Yes No Comments Four objectives must be accomplished for normal gait to occur Leg supports body weight without collapsing
Balanced maintained (statically & dynamically) during single support phase
Swing leg advance to take over supporting role
Sufficient power for necessary limb movements and trunk advancement
Head tilt at heel strike Normal: Vertical Position Picture 1
Significance of Deviation Tilts to short or long limb
Tilts towards the raised shoulder
Shoulder position during stance Normal: Equal Picture 1
Significance of Deviation
Shoulder drop due to Scolosis
Occupational
Trauma
Short or long limb
Arm swing during stance Normal: Equal active arm swing Picture 2
Significance of Deviation No arm swing
Need to stabilize the trunk
Tight erect posture
Unilateral arm swing
Greater arm swing on the side of the short leg
Limitation of motion in the opposite hip
Occupational
Pelvic drop of opposite side during Stance Normal: None Picture 3
Significance of Deviation
If present:
• Tight hip adductors
• Weak hip abductors
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Pelvic drop of same side in swing Normal: None Picture 4 Significance of Deviation If present suspect: • Opposite side hip abductor weakness • Loading a short limb • Scolosis
External hip rotation Normal: Terminal stance and into swing
Significance of Deviation
Increased by:
• Muscle problem – gluteus maximus
• Foot fault contact – retroversion
• Compensation • Excessive supination at contact
Internal hip rotation Normal: Contact into midstance
Significance of Deviation
Increased by:
• Tight medial musculature
• Foot contact fault – Anteversion
• Compensation • Excessive pronation into propulsion
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Practical Observation Assessment Criteria
(ASA Assessor use only) Criteria Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Is the candidate able to explain the aims of gait assessment and the procedure for the appraisal to clients.
Aims of postural appraisal include but are not limited to: identify abnormality determine degree and origin of deviation determine effect on proposed or current exercise plan and goals identify contraindications and postural risk factors associated with exercise Prevent injury.
Did the candidate view the gait from the
Anterior, posterior and lateral views
Did the candidate assess the full gait cycle; stance phase swing phase flight phase double stance phase
Did the candidate assess the foot cycle that included; foot strike mid-stance toe off
For the evaluation of: sequence of movement at each joint sequence of muscle actions efficiency of movement
Is the candidate able to provide information about the common causes of poor gait to clients such as,
• congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system
• poor muscle strength
• poor muscle endurance
• muscle imbalance
• lack of mobility
• damage to bony structures
• damage to connective tissue including ligaments, cartilage
• changes to line of gravity caused by pregnancy, inappropriate footwear, behaviours, work practices, sport or leisure activities.
Assessors Feedback
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Result: S / NYS
Assessor Signature:______________________________ Date:_____________________________
Page 65 of 67
Client Three Observation Yes No Comments Four objectives must be accomplished for normal gait to occur Leg supports body weight without collapsing
Balanced maintained (statically & dynamically) during single support phase
Swing leg advance to take over supporting role
Sufficient power for necessary limb movements and trunk advancement
Head tilt at heel strike Normal: Vertical Position Picture 1
Significance of Deviation Tilts to short or long limb
Tilts towards the raised shoulder
Shoulder position during stance Normal: Equal Picture 1
Significance of Deviation
Shoulder drop due to Scolosis
Occupational
Trauma
Short or long limb
Arm swing during stance Normal: Equal active arm swing Picture 2
Significance of Deviation No arm swing
Need to stabilize the trunk
Tight erect posture
Unilateral arm swing
Greater arm swing on the side of the short leg
Limitation of motion in the opposite hip
Occupational
Pelvic drop of opposite side during Stance Normal: None Picture 3
Significance of Deviation
If present:
• Tight hip adductors
• Weak hip abductors
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Pelvic drop of same side in swing Normal: None Picture 4 Significance of Deviation If present suspect: • Opposite side hip abductor weakness • Loading a short limb • Scolosis
External hip rotation Normal: Terminal stance and into swing
Significance of Deviation
Increased by:
• Muscle problem – gluteus maximus
• Foot fault contact – retroversion
• Compensation • Excessive supination at contact
Internal hip rotation Normal: Contact into midstance
Significance of Deviation
Increased by:
• Tight medial musculature
• Foot contact fault – Anteversion
• Compensation • Excessive pronation into propulsion
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Practical Observation Assessment Criteria
(ASA Assessor use only) Criteria Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Is the candidate able to explain the aims of gait assessment and the procedure for the appraisal to clients.
Aims of postural appraisal include but are not limited to: identify abnormality determine degree and origin of deviation determine effect on proposed or current exercise plan and goals identify contraindications and postural risk factors associated with exercise Prevent injury.
Did the candidate view the gait from the
Anterior, posterior and lateral views
Did the candidate assess the full gait cycle; stance phase swing phase flight phase double stance phase
Did the candidate assess the foot cycle that included; foot strike mid-stance toe off
For the evaluation of: sequence of movement at each joint sequence of muscle actions efficiency of movement
Is the candidate able to provide information about the common causes of poor gait to clients such as,
• congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system
• poor muscle strength
• poor muscle endurance
• muscle imbalance
• lack of mobility
• damage to bony structures
• damage to connective tissue including ligaments, cartilage
• changes to line of gravity caused by pregnancy, inappropriate footwear, behaviours, work practices, sport or leisure activities.
Assessors Feedback
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Result: S / NYS
Assessor Signature:______________________________ Date:_____________________________

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