Learning Outcomes for Exercise Science

Foundational Core
Exercise Prescription for Normal and Special Populations
Health Promotion
Administrative Tasks
Human Relations
Professional Development
Internship/Field Experience

Source:

Basic Standards for the Professional Preparation in Exercise Science, (1995), Applied Exercise Science Council of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education

Foundational Core:

A. Scientific Foundation

The student will:

demonstrate a basic knowledge of human anatomy.
demonstrate a basic knowledge of human physiology.
demonstrate a basic knowledge of exercise physiology.
demonstrate a basic knowledge of biomechanics.
demonstrate a basic knowledge of care and prevention of fitness related injuries.
maintain CPR certification.
demonstrate basic first aid procedures for exercise environments.
discuss and implement emergency and safety procedures for exercise settings.

Exercise Prescription for Normal and Special Populations:

A. Physiological Testing

The student will:

use health and fitness field and laboratory instruments, technique, procedures and equipment.
administer appropriate test protocols for evaluating the components of physical fitness (cardiovascular endurance, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility).

B. Exercise Prescription

The student will:

evaluate and interpret exercise testing results.
describe the safety issues, problems and components of an exercise prescription.
develop individualized exercise prescriptions which are based upon exercise test results including modality, intensity, frequency and duration for apparently healthy populations.
develop an exercise prescription plan which encompasses the initial prescription, the maintenance of that prescription and re-evaluation strategies for apparently healthy populations.
describe the special precautions and modifications of exercise programming for participation at altitude, different ambient temperatures, humidities, and environmental pollution.
describe modifications in type, intensity, duration, frequency, progression, level of supervision, and monitoring techniques in exercise programs for patients with diabetes, obesity, hypertension, osteoorosis, musculoskeletal problems, pregnancy/postnatal, and exercise-induced asthma.
describe components incorporated into an exercise session and their proper sequence.
develop an exercise prescription for the individual interested in strength training, based upon specific muscle groups to be exercised, agonist muscle groups affected, knowledge of contraindicated exercises and advantages and disadvantages of specific types of muscle training apparatus.

C. Exercise Leadership

The student will:

implement an exercise prescription.
demonstrate leadership incorporating methods in aerobic exercise, strength conditioning and joint flexibility.

D. Exercise and Aging

The student will:

demonstrate basic knowledge of the aging process
demonstrate knowledge of the importance of exercise and its limitations for senior populations
demonstrate knowledge of the importance of exercise and its limitation for senior populations
demonstrate knowledge of screening procedures

Health Promotion:

A. Nutrition and Weight Control

The student will:

demonstrate a basic knowledge of nutritional needs of normal and special populations.
demonstrate a basic knowledge of concepts of caloric intake and caloric expenditure in weight control.
demonstrate a basic knowledge of eating disorders and basic malfunctions of body systems which affect weight control.
demonstrate a basic knowledge of the difference between body weight and body composition.
demonstrate a basic knowledge of current diets and be able to respond accurately and professionally to questions about them.
demonstrate a basic knowledge of basic behavior modification techniques used in achieving proper nutritional balance.
demonstrate a basic knowledge of community resources and proper referral procedures related to nutrition and weight control.

B. Stress Management

The student will:

define the concept of stress and relate it to individual and organizational effectiveness.
use a variety of stress management techniques
list the common referral agencies used to supplement and extend counseling options, and describe the proper procedures for their utitization.

C. Substance Abuse

The student will:

identify and describe signs and symptoms and psycho-physiological effects of substance abuse.
list appropriate referral services within the community and procedures for their utilization.
describe the detrimental physiological effects of smoking.

Administrative Tasks:

A. Programming

The student will:

demonstrate knowledge of the current research and trends relating to health and fitness programming.

B. Facilities and Equipment

The student will:

implement equipment used to develop or evaluate health and fitness.

C. Marketing

The student will:

demonstrate program promotion strategies.

D. Legal

The student will:

demonstrate knowledge of concepts of legal liability and ethical issues which can impact upon the implementation of a health and fitness program.

Human Relations:

A. Communication

The student will:

write a business letter, technical report and business proposal.
demonstrate the ability to speak clearly and concisely to individuals and groups.

B. Motivation

The student will:

demonstrate a basic knowledge of the basic principles involved in motivation techniques.
demonstrate a basic knowledge of behavior principles which relate to motivation, program adherence, and retention.

Professional Development:

A. Orientation

The student will:

demonstrate a basic knowledge of the cultural environments and organizational structures in which fitness, wellness and cardiac rehabilitation programs are typically conducted.

B. Professional Growth

The student will:

demonstrate a knowledge of professional organizations and relevant publications which will enhance professional growth and development.
articulate a career planning strategy and design a quality professional resume.
demonstrate a professional development strategy.

Internship/Field Experience:

The student will:

have at least one observation experience at a worksite.
develop with the site supervisor and college supervisors, a contractual agreement that provides for specific learning experiences for the internship/field experience.