Exercise for Health is a 15‑credit, Year 1 module and forms the first of three exercise‑focused modules within the physiotherapy programme. The module introduces students to the fundamental role of exercise and physical activity in promoting health, functional capacity, and disease prevention across the lifespan. It develops core knowledge of exercise physiology, including cardiovascular fitness, strength and conditioning, flexibility, joint health and ergonomics.
Through a blended, scenario‑based approach, students explore how physical activity contributes to health promotion, non‑communicable disease management, and the reduction of health inequalities. Practical learning is integrated with theoretical content, enabling students to apply principles of safe and effective exercise prescription using the FITT framework across diverse patient groups, supported by graded exposure and applied scenarios. Key concepts of pain theory, including neuroanatomy, pain modulation, and the relationship between pain and activity,are also introduced to address common barriers to exercise and underpin future physiotherapy practice. Teaching involves asynchronous, pre-recorded e‑learning, tutorials, case‑based learning, and practical sessions., with an assessment that involves an Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) which evaluates theoretical understanding as well as practical application of exercise prescription. using patient-focussed scenarios.