College: Graduate School of Health Sciences

This specialized major focuses on the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and conditions related to sports and physical activity. Students explore key areas such as sports medicine, biomechanics, exercise physiology, injury prevention, and rehabilitation techniques. The program emphasizes practical skills, clinical knowledge, and understanding of specific sports considerations. Graduates are prepared for careers in sports physical therapy, athletic training, rehabilitation, and related healthcare fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basics of sports physical therapy and sports medicine.
• Develop skills in assessing and treating sports injuries.
• Learn injury prevention and rehabilitation techniques.
• Explore biomechanics and exercise physiology in a sports context.
• Understand the principles of specific sports training and conditioning.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in sports physical therapy.
• Develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in clinical settings.

Core Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Sports Physical Therapy
   • Overview of sports physical therapy, core concepts, and historical context.
   • Basics of sports medicine and injury management.
2. Sports Medicine
   • Principles of sports medicine, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of sports injuries.
   • Techniques to assess and treat common sports injuries.
3. Biomechanics
   • Basics of biomechanics, including human motion, kinetics, and kinematics.
   • Techniques for analyzing and improving athletes' biomechanical efficiency.
4. Exercise Physiology
   • Principles of exercise physiology, including energy systems, muscle physiology, and cardiovascular responses.
   • Techniques for designing and implementing exercise programs for athletes.
5. Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
   • Principles of injury prevention, including risk assessment, warm-ups, and conditioning.
   • Techniques for rehabilitating sports injuries and restoring functional movement.
6. Specific Sports Training and Conditioning
   • Principles of specific sports training, including strength, endurance, and agility training.
   • Techniques for developing and implementing sports-specific training programs.
7. Clinical Practicum in Sports Physical Therapy
   • Real-world sports physical therapy experiences, including observations, internships, and practical projects in clinical settings.
   • Techniques to apply acquired skills in practical sports physical therapy settings.
8. Capstone Project in Sports Physical Therapy
   • Comprehensive project to apply acquired skills in evaluating, treating, or rehabilitating sports injuries.
   • Techniques for delivering a polished and effective sports physical therapy project.

Assessment Methods:

• Sports medicine reports, biomechanical analyses, exercise physiology projects, injury prevention and rehabilitation plans, sports-specific training programs, clinical practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and internships.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Sports Physical Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach" by various authors.
• "Clinical Sports Medicine" by Peter Brukner and Karim Khan.
• "Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise" by Peter M. McGinnis.
• "Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance" by William D. McArdle, Frank I. Katch, and Victor L. Katch.
• "Athletic Training and Sports Medicine" by David H. Perrin.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. Suitable for students interested in sports physical therapy, athletic training, rehabilitation, and related healthcare fields.

Program Duration:

Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, clinical training, and internships. Advanced degrees may take additional years.

Degree:

Graduates may receive a degree in sports physical therapy and pursue professional certifications in sports physical therapy, athletic training, or related fields.

Target Audience:

Aspiring sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, rehabilitation specialists, and healthcare professionals seeking specialization in sports physical therapy and related fields. This major equips students with the practical, clinical, and theoretical skills necessary to excel in sports physical therapy, supporting careers in athletic training, rehabilitation, and related healthcare fields.