Exercise Prescription for the Prevention and Treatment of Disease

Discover why exercise is important in treating and preventing diseases

Over recent years, the full health benefits of exercise have become well established. Perceptions within the healthcare sector of exercise and its prescription as a treatment have also changed dramatically.

On this course from Trinity College Dublin, you’ll explore the evolution of exercise prescription. You’ll learn about the role of exercise in the treatment of a variety of clinical populations including those with cardiovascular disease, paediatric conditions and cancer.

You’ll also consider the connection between exercise and mental health improvements.

This course is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to broaden their understanding of exercise prescription and physical activity as a tool to prevent and treat disease.

No previous experience or qualifications are required.

This course is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to broaden their understanding of exercise prescription and physical activity as a tool to prevent and treat disease.

No previous experience or qualifications are required.

• Identify basic physical activity measurement tools e.g. Heart rate monitors, accelerometers, pedometers and questionnaires.
• Reflect on experiences of exercise prescription, physical activity guidelines, and exercise prescription safety.
• Summarise the history of exercise prescription guidelines.
• Describe cardiovascular and respiratory responses to acute and chronic exercise.
• Identify the benefits of exercise for brain health, the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and COPD.
• Critically appraise current physical activity guidelines.
• Appreciate the complex interaction between exercise, physical activity and the immune system, specifically the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise.
• Describe how to objectively measure fitness and strength e.g. the six minute walk test, and hand grip dynamometer use.
• Describe how exercise prescription guidelines can be adapted for clinical pediatric populations.
• Describe how exercise prescription guidelines can be adapted for older populations.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the evidence to support exercise as a treatment tool for various clinical populations including those with osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases.