Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to undertake general postural appraisals to evaluate a client's posture, functional range of movement and muscle strength and weakness in preparation for the development of an appropriate exercise program.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to exercise trainers who work in facilities that provide a range of exercise programs to general populations including older clients and older adolescents who present with no major health conditions. The unit is applicable to those who are employed in fitness venues or who work autonomously in the fitness industry.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Pre-Requisites
Nil
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
1. Prepare clients for postural appraisal. |
1.1. Undertake exercise screening of clients using recognised screening tool according to organisational policies and procedures . 1.2. Explain the aims of postural appraisal and the procedure for the appraisal to clients. 1.3. Discuss the importance of identifying postural variances and explain the relationship between posture and injury prevention to clients. 1.4. Inform clients of the legal and ethical limitations of the role of a exercise trainer according to legislation and regulatory requirements . 1.5. Select relevant postural screening tool and screening tests appropriate to the client. 1.6. Organise and prepare appraisal equipment as required. |
2. Assess client's range of movement. |
2.1. Conduct movement tests to evaluate the client's joint mobility according to industry standards. 2.2. Administer tests using appropriate equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 2.3. Identify restrictions in range of movement and recommend client seeks external assistance if abnormal range of movement is observed. 2.4. Record assessment results using a standardised method and explain results to the client. |
3. Analyse client's static posture. |
3.1. Conduct a static postural appraisal of the client using an appropriate posture analysis tool according to organisational policies and procedures. 3.2. Compare the client's posture to the ideal postural alignment in order to identify common postural variances. 3.3. Analyse the symmetrical development of muscles to identify any muscular deficits . 3.4. Identify and record joints, muscles and connective tissues that may require strengthening and or stretching. 3.5. Record assessment results and explain the results to clients according to organisational policies and procedures. 3.6. Recommend clients with postural variances or concerns seek external assistance according to organisational policies and procedures. |
4. Observe client's dynamic posture. |
4.1. Observe the client's dynamic posture while performing simple fitness exercises according to legislation and regulatory requirements and organisational policies and procedures. 4.2. Analyse client movements to determine joint movement, muscle action and the role of muscle contraction. 4.3. Correct poor technique likely to cause postural variances and explain the potential for injury to clients. 4.4. Record information and provide feedback to clients according to organisational policies and procedures. 4.5. Recommend clients with dynamic postural variances or concerns seek external assistance according to organisational policies and procedures. |
5. Provide information to clients relating to posture. |
5.1. Provide information about the common causes of poor posture to clients. 5.2. Provide strategies to address poor posture and reduce the likelihood of injury. 5.3. Discuss the role of appropriate exercise technique, when correcting inappropriate posture. 5.4. Advise clients of exercises or activities that are contraindicated or may further exacerbate any postural variance. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the following is essential:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure conduct of multiple postural appraisals for a range of clients including older clients. Assessment must ensure access to:
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Method of assessment |
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
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Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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Exercise screening may include: |
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Organisational policies and procedures may include: |
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External assistance may include: |
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Postural appraisal may include: |
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Aims of postural appraisal include: |
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Postural variances may include: |
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Legislation and regulatory requirements may include: |
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Appraisal equipment may include: |
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Joints may include: |
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Joint mobility may include: |
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Range of movement may include: |
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Static postural appraisal may include: |
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Ideal postural alignment may include: |
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Muscles may include: |
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Muscular deficits may include: |
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Fitness exercises may include: |
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Role of muscle contraction may include: |
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Causes of poor posture may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Fitness
Competency Field
Fitness