Course syllabus for Physical Activity from a Physiotherapeutic and Physiological Perspective

Specific entry requirements

For admission to the course Physical Activity from a Physiotherapeutic and Physiological Perspective, the following courses in semester 1 must have been passed:

Health, Science and the Physiotherapy Profession (8.5 credits), Anatomy (6 credits), Physiology (9 credits), and Movement Science (6.5 credits).

Outcomes

Physiology and Physical Activity, 4.5 credits

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• account for national recommendations for physical activity and their significance for health and disease prevention across different age groups
• describe the body's energy metabolism at rest and during physical activity, and calculate energy expenditure associated with physical activity
• explain physiological factors affecting physical performance and describe common methods for assessing physical capacity
• account for the acute and long-term physiological effects of endurance and strength training, as well as basic training principles
• account for national dietary recommendations and relate the role of diet to physical activity, exercise, and physical performance

Physiotherapy and Physical Activity, 7.5 credits

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• perform and interpret assessments of aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility, and muscular stability from an evidence-based and physiotherapeutic perspective
• apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design individualized exercise programs for individuals of different ages
• assess, prescribe and adapt physical activity and exercise according to an individual's needs, capacities, and goals from a physiotherapeutic perspective
• lead and instruct physical activity and exercise and reflect on their own pedagogical role and leadership from a physiotherapeutic perspective
• account for and, at a basic level, apply principles of acute and subacute management from a physiotherapeutic perspective

Content

Physiology and Physical Activity, 4.5 credits

• physiological effects of physical activity on the body's various functions and organ systems
• physical activity for children, adolescents, older adults, women and men
• energy metabolism during physical work of varying intensity and duration
• different methods for measuring energy expenditure and physical activity;
  limiting factors, testing procedures, and standardization of work capacity
• endurance training: physiological basis, training principles, and fitness testing
• strength training: physiological basis, muscular and neural adaptations
• basic nutrition and its importance in relation to physical activity

Physiotherapy and Physical Activity, 7.5 credits

• basic exercises for strength, flexibility, muscular stability, coordination, and aerobic fitness training at both individual and group levels
• prescription and planning of physical activity and exercise
• acute and subacute management of musculoskeletal pain conditions
• fundamental clinical reasoning based on patient cases

Teaching methods

The teaching is based on a student-centered approach and an active learning process, where the working methods provide the conditions for the student to take responsibility for knowledge development in a psychologically safe learning environment.

The teaching and learning activities include practical skills training, laboratory sessions, lectures, seminars, patient cases, individual assignments, and group work. Part of the teaching is conducted interactively through the learning platform.

Examination

The course is examined through:

Physiology and Physical Activity, 4.5 credits

• individual written examination.

Mandatory course elements:

• attendance at seminars and laboratory sessions

One make-up opportunity is offered for the regular laboratory session.

Physiotherapy and Physical Activity, 7.5 credits

• practical examination

to be eligible to participate in the examination, students must attend at least nine practical skills training sessions; the examiner determines whether, and if so how, absence from skills-training sessions may be compensated for.

Mandatory course elements:

• active participation in seminars

The examiner assesses whether, and if so how, absence from mandatory course components can be made up. The student’s study results cannot be fully reported until the student has participated in the mandatory course components or made up the absence in accordance with the examiner’s instructions. Absence from a mandatory course component may mean that the student cannot make up the missed element until the next time the course is offered.

A student who does not pass the regular examination is entitled to participate in an additional five examination occasions. This does not apply if the course has been discontinued or undergone major revisions. Each occasion on which the student has participated in the same examination/test is counted as an examination opportunity. Submission of a blank exam is regarded as an examination opportunity. A digital examination that has been opened counts as an examination opportunity, even if the examination is not submitted. An examination for which the student has registered but not attended is not counted as an examination opportunity.

Late submitted examination assignments will not be considered. Students who do not submit on time are referred to the re‑examination session. The examiner assesses whether a student has special reasons for the delay. The examiner may decide on supplementary examination material in order for the student to achieve a passing result. A student who does not achieve a passing grade after three completed examination sessions may be offered the chance to retake the module or course once more. This is subject to availability.

If there are special reasons, or if adaptations are needed for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the course syllabus regulations regarding the form of examination, number of examination opportunities, possibility for supplementary work, or exemptions from mandatory course components, etc. The content and intended learning outcomes, as well as the required level of skills, knowledge, and competencies, may not be altered, removed, or lowered.

Transitional provisions

Examinations will be provided for one year following a potential discontinuation of the course or the implementation of a new course syllabus.

Other directives

Course evaluation is conducted in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education.

The course may not be included in the degree together with a completed course whose content fully or partly overlaps with the content of this course.

Literature and other teaching aids

Recommended literature

American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription,12:ed, 2025, ISBN/ISSN: 9781975219208

Augustsson J, Ryman Augustsson S, Thomeé R, Karlsson J. Styrketräning: för idrott, motion och rehabilitering. 2 uppl. Stockholm: SISU Idrottsböcker; 2019. ISBN: 9789177270454

Kenney WL, Wilmore JH, Costill DL. Physiology of sport and exercise. 9th ed. Champaign (IL): Human Kinetics; 2024. ISBN: 9781718228429

Ryder D, Barnard K, Petty NJ. Petty's musculoskeletal examination and assessment: a handbook for therapists. 6th ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 2024. ISBN: 9780323874717

Swain DP. ACSM's resource manual for guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2014. ISBN: 9781609139568

Thomeé R. Styrketräning för idrott, motion och rehabilitering. Johanneshov: MTM; 2015.

Thomeé R, Swärd L, Karlsson J. Nya motions- och idrottsskador och deras rehabilitering. 1 uppl. Stockholm: SISU Idrottsböcker; 2011. ISBN: 9789186323097

Yrkesföreningar för fysisk aktivitet. FYSS 2021: fysisk aktivitet i sjukdomsprevention och sjukdomsbehandling. Dohrn IM, Jansson E, Börjesson M, Hagströmer M, red. 4 reviderade uppl. Stockholm: Läkartidningen Förlag AB; 2021. ISBN: 9789198509823