Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statements provide advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competence, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. The Range Statements relate to the unit as a whole and helps facilitate holistic assessment. In addition, the following variables may be present for this particular unit of competency:

Allied health professionals

the following allied health professionals may be suitably credentialled

Physiotherapists

Chiropractors

Exercise Physiologist

Occupational Therapists

Osteopaths

Massage Therapists

Sports Physicians

Medical Practitioners

Podiatrists

Dieticians

Therapeutic recreation (Diversional Therapist)

Assessment of injuries

STOP

stop

talk

observe

prevent further injury

TOTAPS

talk

observe

touch

active movement

passive movement

skill test

Biomechanical principles of injury

biomechanical properties of connective tissue

biomechanical structure of joints

Biomechanics

levers

loads

fulcrum

movement arms

muscle actions

centre of gravity

base of support

Causes of common musculoskeletal injuries

congenital

traumatic

degenerative

infection

postural

biomechanical factors

Client confidentiality

information regarding the client's medical status and personal details should not be passed on to other individuals without permission, other than through the referral process

Clients

child or adult

young or aged

male or female

experienced or inexperienced

without other medical conditions

injured but cleared for exercise by an allied health professional

Common exercise related injuries

lower leg injury

shin splints

plantar fasciitis

ankle sprain

achilles tendon strain or rupture

stress fractures

compartment syndrome

shoulder injury

rotator cuff injury

shoulder impingement syndrome

trunk injury

low back pain

internal bleeding

shock

damage to kidney's

spleen

winding

knee injury

medial ligament sprain

collateral ligament sprain

anterior/posterior cruciate ligament sprain

meniscus tear or damage

patello-femoral injury

chondromalacia

Connective tissue

fascia

tendon

ligaments

Exercise program

stretching

proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

static

passive

resistance training

aerobic fitness training

Healing process

healing response

factors affecting healing

role of pain

Industry standards

relevant national, state/territory or local government regulations and guidelines

relevant organisations, associations or industry bodies code of conduct or code of ethics, policies and guidelines such as Sports Medicine Australia, Australian Physiotherapy Association

Injury prevention strategies

taping and bracing

pre-exercise warm-up and stretching

neural stretching

protective equipment such as shoes

recovery strategies

adequate physical preparation/fitness

risk assessment of activity, equipment and environment

guidelines for frequency and duration of participation

correction of technique/skills

adequate rehabilitation following any injury

appropriate management of previous injury

Injury response

inflammation phase

repair phase

maturation phase

Management of injury

STOP

TOTAPS

RICER

rest

ice

compression

elevation

referral

avoidance of harm

heat

alcohol

running

massage

Monitor the progress of management

question and discuss with client before, during and after treatment session

observation of functional movement before, during and after treatment session

Musculoskeletal system

structure and function of

bones

ligaments

joints

tendons

muscles

cardiovascular supply

innervation

tissue type and repair

knee joint

ligaments

cartilage

bones

tendons

shoulder joint

bones

joints

tendons

ankle/foot

bones

ligaments

tendons

muscles

major muscles and their actions

quadriceps

hamstrings

gastrocnemius

soleus

tensor fascia latae

iliotibial band

tibialis anterior

peronealis

gluteals

abdominals

erector spinae

supraspinatus

infraspinatus

teres major

teres minor

Musculoskeletal injuries

injuries to bone

fractures

stress fractures

periosteal contusion

injuries to joints and associated structures

dislocation

sublaxation

cartilage damage

bursitis

injuries to ligaments

sprain

ligament rupture

injuries to muscle

strain/tear (grades i-iii)

haematoma

compartment syndrome

tendonitis

Pathology of injury

initial tissue damage

capillary bleeding

clot formation

tissue swelling

secondary tissue damage

removal of blood clot and tissue swelling

Progress of treatment

improvement

deterioration

effectiveness of treatment

Reassessment of the injury

functional restoration

inflammation

tissue damage

Rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries

aims to return the individual to previous physical state

occurs after initial management of the injury

incorporates strategies to prevent further injuries

based on SAID regime

specific adaptations to imposed demands

Rehabilitation program progress

intact muscles and joints

pain free muscles and joints

joint flexibility

muscle strength

muscle endurance

speed

power

integrated and coordinated movement

agility

Role of the fitness specialist

help the client maintain general fitness by providing fitness activities that utilise uninjured body parts without the presence of pain

implement treatment and rehabilitation programs designed by allied health professionals in accordance with industry standards

help maintain the client's general fitness and skill level patterns by designing fitness programs that utilise uninjured body parts without pain

Stakeholders

client

fitness professionals

fitness centre owners

coaches

parents/guardians

other health professionals

other appropriate personnel

Treatment

first aid

rice

thermotherapy/cryotherapy

mobilisation and exercise

conservative movement

Types of injuries

primary/secondary

direct/indirect

acute/overuse

bony/soft tissue/neural

musculoskeletal

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competence and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statements.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm sufficient knowledge of the types of musculoskeletal injuries resulting from fitness activities, their causes and the appropriate management method
Assessment must confirm integrated demonstration of all elements of competency and their performance criteria, in particular confirm the ability to
apply sufficient knowledge of the injury and healing process to provide information about the prevention and general management of musculoskeletal injuries
apply knowledge and appropriate techniques to assist health care professionals to implement supplementary fitness programs to support the rehabilitation process
develop and implement strategies to ensure the prevention of further injuries

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit must be assessed after attainment of competency in the following unit(s)
SRFFIT007B Undertake relevant exercise planning and programming
SRFFIT008B Utilise a broad knowledge of exercise science in exercise planning, programming and instruction
SRFFIT009B Undertake postural appraisal of low risk clients
SRFFIT010B Utilise a broad range of fitness equipment
SRFFIT011B Provide exercise for fitness industry clients with special requirements
SRFFIT012B Utilise an understanding of motivational psychology with fitness clients
SRFFIT013B Provide information and exercise related to nutrition and body composition
This unit must be assessed in conjunction with the following unit(s)
Nil
For the purpose of integrated assessment, this unit may be assessed in conjunction with the following unit(s)
SRFFSP006A Plan and deliver exercise strategies for musculoskeletal rehabilitation

Required knowledge and skills
Required knowledge
Human anatomy and physiology
Tissue repair
Human kinesiology
The basic principles of biomechanics as applied to movement and exercise
Basic first aid management
Current practices and procedures in emergency care
Fundamental pharmacology
The principles of exercise prescription including principles of training and FITT principle
The industry standards of client induction, screening and referral process
Relevant occupational health and safety standards
Required skills
Effective oral and written communication skills to interact with clients and health professionals
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Appropriate reporting procedures for injuries and referral of clients
Good interpersonal skills to develop rapport with both clients and professionals
Ability to interpret relevant information and apply to management strategy

Resource implications
Physical resources - assessment of this competency require access to
a fitness centre with appropriate equipment and facilities
fitness clients with injury or simulated incident reports
appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace
access to relevant first aid equipment
Human resources - assessment of this unit of competency will require human resources consistent with those outlined in the Assessment Guidelines. That is, assessors (or persons within the assessment team) should
be competent in first aid at an intermediate level or above
be current in their knowledge and understanding of the industry through provision of evidence of professional activity in the relevant area
have attained the National Competency Standards for Assessment: BSZ401A, BSZ402A and BSZ403A

Consistency in performance
Due to issues such as demonstrating safety requirements and delivery of appropriate techniques, this unit of competency must be assessed over a minimum of three (3) different occasions to ensure consistency of performance over the Range Statements and contexts applicable to the work environment

Context for assessment
This unit of competency must be assessed in the context of the fitness industry in Australia. For valid and reliable assessment the fitness procedure or activity should be conducted with genuine fitness clients, however to meet the range statement simulated injury incidents that closely replicate the work environment may be used. The environment should be safe, with the hazards, circumstances and equipment likely to be encountered in a real workplace
This unit of competency should be assessed through the observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on required knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes
Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a "period of time" and/or in a "number of locations", any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

These levels do not relate to the Australian Qualifications Framework. They relate to the seven areas of generic competency that underpin effective workplace practices.

The three levels of performance (1, 2 and 3) denote the level of competency required to perform the task:

1. Use routine approaches

2. Select from routine approaches

3. Establish new approaches

Please refer to the Assessment Guidelines for advice on how to use the Key Competencies.
Communicating ideas and information
Provide information to clients and instruct clients using effective demonstration after communication with health professionals (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Identify and evaluate information provided about injury (3)

Planning and organising activities
Develop and implement injury prevention strategies to prevent further injuries (2)

Working with others and in teams
Assist health care professionals with the management of injuries (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Extract relevant information from reports (1)

Solving problems
Apply knowledge to evaluate suitable strategies (2)

Using technology
Utilise appropriate equipment (1)