SX4051 - Fundamentals of Sports Injuries (2026/27)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2026/27, but may be subject to modification | ||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Fundamentals of Sports Injuries | ||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Certificate (04) | ||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||||||
| School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Running in 2026/27(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module is intended to serve as both a theoretical and practical introduction to clinical examination and assessment of musculoskeletal injuries.
You will cover core theoretical knowledge regarding common injuries sustained to soft tissues. You will apply pre-existing anatomical, physiological and biomechanical knowledge to recognise the typical presentations of frequently sustained musculoskeletal disorders using understanding of the mechanism of injury, aetiology and signs and symptoms. General treatment approaches will also be referred to. This is in addition to knowledge on the function and usefulness of commonly performed components of a clinical examination and assessment. Understanding of this will provide a basis for being able to provide patients with your clinical impression with regards to the working hypothesis of their injury.
You will also learn the practical competencies a Sports Therapist performs in a clinical setting with regards to a clinical examination and assessment of both peripheral and spinal joints. Their relevance will be alluded to so to develop clinical reasoning.
Prior learning requirements
N/A
Available for Study Abroad? No
Syllabus
Theoretical topics that will be covered will include:
o An introduction to the principles of a clinical examination and assessment
o An introduction to the generic principles and typical presentations of injuries to soft tissues including muscle, bone, ligament, tendon and cartilage
o The role of the Sports Therapist in a clinical environment and as part of a multi-disciplinary team (LO1)
Practically, commonly used clinical assessment tests are taught including; active joint movements, passive joint movements, manual muscle tests and accurate palpation of specific anatomical landmarks. This is in addition to effective patient handling and communication (LO2).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The students will be taught using a variety of teaching methods including; lectures, practical sessions, online videos, role playing and on-line quizzes.
The lectures will cover the theoretical underpinning of concepts. This underpinning will then be applied and discussed in the practical sessions.
The practical sessions will consist of demonstration, followed by role play practice of the communication and hands-on skills. Reflective practice will be consistently done within the practical elements of the module via the teaching staff, as well as via the patient and their responses to the tests. This will refine clinical reasoning skills and build the confidence needed to be autonomous, evidence-based clinicians.
The University’s virtual learning platform will be used extensively to provide the students with appropriate learning materials, as well as learning checks and video resources to enhance students learning and engagement.
Learning outcomes
LO1: Demonstrate theoretical understanding on the purpose of commonly performed components of a clinical examination and assessment, as well as comprehension of musculoskeletal disorders which are sustained commonly in sport and exercise
LO2: Demonstrate safe and effective patient handling of an objective clinical examination and assessment