This module provides learning opportunities that will enable students to demonstrate the ability to analyse a variety of special populations (examples include: spinal cord-injury, visual impairment, cerebral palsy, amputee, multiple sclerosis youth and female athlete triad) in relation to their strength and conditioning needs, and critically understand the impact of physical disability, maturation or disorder on performance ability. Subsequent information combined with prior knowledge from level 4 and level 5 deliveries will allow students to be innovative and develop problem solving skills that provide effective solutions to the design of periodised programmes and to the prescription of training to special populations. This module will also inform students about the positive effect strength and conditioning practice can have on the health and wellbeing of a special population athlete; e.g., improving normal daily function, growth and maturation, or weight and nutrition.

Written review: A literature review concerning contemporary issues in the physical preparation of special populations.

Students will submit a 2500 word review article based on the development of physical/physiological qualities in special population. The theme of the review article will be provided of the student’s choice and related to one of the following topics: motor skill, strength, speed, plyometric, agility, metabolic, mobility development, paediatric S&C or female athlete triad (assessing LO 3). In addition, students will be required to associate fundamental concepts (assessing LO's 1 and 2) within the review article. This is worth 100% of the total module assessment.

This module incorporates a tutor-lead lecture programme and practical sessions. Students will be required to conduct tutor-directed independent study, as well as student-lead enquiry and reading into research around the topics of the science of exercise prescription covered in the module. Online platforms will be utilised to support the delivery of the module. It will host resources and additional independent learning tasks for students to complete. Formative assessment will be incorporated throughout the module and regular peer feedback will be a feature of the delivery.

1. Show an advanced knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of `needs analysis' and critically communicate an in-depth understanding of the design and application of a bespoke strength and conditioning programme for special populations. Analysis. Enquiry. Knowledge and Understanding. Problem Solving

2. Be critically aware of controversial topics associated with special populations in a global context. Enquiry. Knowledge and Understanding. Learning.

3. Collect, analyse and interpret research literature in order to develop a critical understanding of the concepts of Strength and Conditioning for special populations. Analysis. Application. Enquiry. Knowledge and Understanding. Problem Solving.

Access to Blackboard/ MS TEAMS
IT resources
Library resources

Cardinale, M., Newton, R., Nosaka, K. (2011). Strength and conditioning: Biological principles and practical application. Wiley-Blackwell.

Lloyd, R. S., & Oliver, J.L., (2014). Strength and conditioning for young athletes: Science and application. Routledge.

Lloyd, RS, Faigenbaum AD, Stone MH, Oliver JL, Jeffreys I, Moody JA, Brewer C, Pierce KC, McCambridge TM, Howard R, Herrington, L, Hainline, B, Micheli, LJ, Jaques R, Kraemer WJ, McBride MG, Best TM, Chu DA, Alvar BA, Myer GD, Position Statement on Youth Resistence Training: The 2014 International Consesus. BRJ Sports Med 2014; 48(7):498-505.

This module provides learning opportunities that will enable you to demonstrate the ability to analyse a variety of special populations (examples include: spinal cord-injury, visual impairment, cerebral palsy, amputee, multiple sclerosis youth and female athlete triad) in relation to their strength and conditioning needs, and critically understand the impact of physical disability, maturation or disorder on performance ability. Subsequent information combined with prior knowledge from level 4 and level 5 deliveries will allow you to be innovative and develop problem solving skills that provide effective solutions to the design of periodised programmes and to the prescription of training to special populations. This module will also inform you about the positive effect strength and conditioning practice can have on the health and wellbeing of a special population athlete, e.g., improving normal daily function, growth and maturation, or weight and nutrition.