DPT 7103 - Therapeutic Exercise Lab

Credits: 1 hr

This course gives an overview of the principles of therapeutic exercise for patients including, but not limited to principles of exercise prescription, resistance exercise, aerobic exercise, aquatic exercise, exercises for medically complex patients, exercises for patients with neurologic involvement, and exercises for special populations. The objective of this course is to allow students to apply the sound clinical rationale for use of therapeutic exercise and the progression of exercise programs in the management of patient conditions to provide better patient care. This course is meant to apply the principles learned in DPT 7203 Therapeutic Exercise Lecture. Overall emphasis will be learning safe, effective, autonomous practice utilizing the principles of exercise prescription for differing patient diagnoses and patient conditions. Students are expected to integrate their knowledge of kinesiology, biomechanics, safe patient handling, and anatomy and physiology from previous courses to safely prescribe exercise to patients based on patient acuity and other influencing factors. Emphasis will be on care of the patient with orthopedic, neuromuscular dysfunction, and multisystem involvement who require exercise to attain better functional status. All course work will be directed towards building sound clinical judgment for evidence-based practice as outlined in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Demonstrations, case studies, required readings, and laboratory activities will reinforce clinical logic and help students learn to apply exercise principles primarily to adult patients with various conditions.