Human Movement Online

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Curriculum

HM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Human Movement Core

HM 500 Motor Control
The objective of this course is to examine current theory and research in the neurophysiological mechanisms and control of human movement. Central, peripheral, and combined control of skilled movement and the postural mechanisms underlying voluntary movement will be emphasized.

HM 501 Exercise Science
The objective of this course is to explore the physiological principles of exercise. Specific topics include the functions of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular and neuroendocrine systems, energy expenditure and bioenergetics, and body composition.

HM 502 Functional Anatomy
The objective of this course is to integrate the foundational knowledge of gross anatomy with structure and function of the neuromusculoskeletal system during human movement. Emphasis will be placed upon the muscles involved in human movement, describing their proximal and distal attachments, blood supply, innervation, and function in open and closed kinetic chain.

HM 503 Functional Biomechanics
The objective of this course is to study the biomechanical properties of joint structures and connective tissues, including histology and morphology, with particular emphasis on sport and exercise movements. Biomechanics of musculotendinous structures, joint capsules, ligaments, peripheral nerves, bones, and articular cartilage will be presented.

HM 504 Human Movement Dysfunction
The objective of this course is to examine the relationship between the control of skilled movement and movement impairment and dysfunction. Common movement impairment and dysfunction patterns in skilled movement will be emphasized.

HM 505 Functional Movement & Posture Assessment
The objective of this course is to teach correct functional movement assessment techniques designed to identify movement compensation patterns and static posture assessments designed to identify postural distortion and compensation patterns, and to communicate assessment techniques and results to clients.

HM 506 Professional Practice & Responsibility
The objective of this course is to ensure that human movement professionals maintain competence in educational and regulatory issues. Topics include compliance with regulatory standards, professional practice standards and ethics, education of the public, preservation of the safety and welfare of the public, and maintenance of competence through continuing education.

HM 509 Exercise and Sport Related Nutrition
The objective of this course is to learn how to facilitate and educate clients about general nutrition recommendations to maintain health, alter body composition, and improve performance. The course will focus on providing sound advice to clients regarding the nutritional requirements for general health, lean mass gain, body fat loss, anaerobic athletic performance, and aerobic athletic performance.

HM 604 Human Movement Summer Institute
The Institute will be comprised of one week of intensive training held on the campus in Mesa, Arizona. Students will participate in lecture/lab situations covering program related information. Guest speakers, representing leaders in the field of exercise science and human movement, will be recruited to present their work to students as well as to interact with attendees. This is a one-time requirement for completion of the degree; however, students are welcome to enroll each year.

HM 605 Special Topics in Human Movement Science
This is a variable credit course (1-3) designed to provide students an opportunity to study and discuss current topics in the areas of health, fitness, and performance enhancement. Topics are chosen based on current trends or issues in the field.

HM 704 Concepts of Performance Enhancement
This course will provide an overview of integrated training and injury prevention techniques. The objective of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills for performing assessments to include client goals, appropriate medical history, subjective assessments, cardiorespiratory assessments, and body composition assessments. Instructional units include the pretest clinical evaluation, health and fitness testing and interpretation, clinical exercise testing, and interpretation of clinical test data. This course will further emphasize integrated training and injury prevention techniques through the interdependent relationship of flexibility, core, balance, power, speed, and strength.

HM 705 Concepts of Corrective Exercise
This course will provide an overview to a systematic approach to corrective exercise. The objective of this course is to learn the proper application and execution of tissue inhibitory, lengthening, activation, and integration techniques to help clients achieve their goals and reduce the risk of injury while training and performing activities of daily living. Application of the principles of tissue inhibitory, lengthening, activation, and integration techniques based on the integrated flexibility continuum will be emphasized with special consideration of appropriate exercise selection, exercise application, exercise modification (progression and regression), and monitoring kinetic chain checkpoints.

HM 706 Evidence-Based Practice and Research Methods
The objective of this course is to introduce the human movement professional to the concepts of evidence-based practice. Students will learn how to access high quality literature, integrate best research with clinical expertise and client values for optimum care, and will be encouraged to participate in learning and research activities to the extent feasible. The course will provide the human movement professional with graduate level knowledge and skills related to appropriate research methods and study design, conducting a literature review, creating a research proposal, the role of institutional review for human subjects protection, and evaluation of the research literature. Emphasis will be placed upon critical appraisal and application of the human movement literature.

Sports Conditioning Track/Certificate

HM 606 Measurement of Sports Fitness
This course will cover sport-specific fitness and performance testing. The objective of the course is to enable the student to develop a sport-specific, age-appropriate testing battery, reliably conduct the testing, and correctly interpret the results.

HM 607 Muscular Fitness Development
This course is designed to enhance the knowledge of muscular performance capabilities, differentiate between muscular functions as it relates to sport performance, and develop training programs to enhance specific performance profiles.

HM 608 Speed, Agility, and Quickness
This course will cover the physiological basis for speed, agility, and quickness as well as practical methods for developing such qualities among athletes of various developmental abilities. Focus will be put on sport-specific training modes.

HM 609 The Science and Practice of Metabolic Conditioning
This course will cover the physiology of energy production as it relates to performance in various sporting events. Causes of fatigue will be addressed along with practical methods for developing sport-specific metabolic fitness.

Exercise and Sport Psychology Track/Certificate

HM 610 Psychology, Physical Activity, and Health
This course will cover principles of health psychology and behavior change related to physical activity adoption, participation, and adherence. The objective of the course is for health professionals to develop the knowledge and skills to understand the importance of implementing behavior change strategies as part of all physical activity programs and to be able to develop and implement such strategies. Techniques for incorporating behavior change strategies into fitness programming and health promotion will be taught.

HM 611 Exercise and Mental Health: This course will cover the relationships between mental health conditions and exercise, including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, stress, and mood. The primary objective is for health and fitness professionals to acquire an understanding of theories, methods, and experimental literature concerning psychological factors related to exercise participation and well-being. Additionally, the practical importance and application of the current research literature will be discussed along with methods to educate the general population on mental health and exercise relationships

HM 612 Applied Sport Psychology
This course will examine psychological theories and techniques applied to a sport to enhance the performance and personal growth of athletes and coaches. The key principles of performance enhancement that are directly applicable to all performance endeavors, including sport, business, and persona will be covered. The objective of the course is to understand theory and to teach application of the fundamental psychological skills that are related to peak performance.

HM 613 Principles of Adherence and Motivation
This course will examine the theories of motivation and exercise behavior in relation to the problem of exercise participation and adherence. The primary objective of this course is for the student to develop an understanding of the role of motivation and the determinants and consequences of motivation in the exercise context. This course will provide an in-depth understanding of the role of the fitness professional in building motivation and of how motivation can be used as part of an exercise program to help maximize program success and long-term adherence.

Geriatric Exercise Science Track/Certificate

HM 700 - Physical Dimensions of Aging and the Impact of Physical Activity
A study of the physical changes that occur with aging including its impact on the various body systems as well as on motor control and physical functioning. In addition, a thorough examination of the impact of regular physical activity on the physical health of older adults will be addressed.

HM 701 - Psychosocial Dimensions of Aging and the Impact of Physical Activity
A study of the psychological and social aspects of aging including myths of aging, related barriers to physical activity participation, changes in social dynamics, and predictors of successful aging. The impact of regular physical activity on the psychosocial health and overall well-being of older adults will also be examined.

HM 702 - Exercise Prescription for Older Adults
A study of fitness instruction and programming for older adults, including importance of physical activity for older adults, pre-program assessment, prescription for various modes of exercise, and considerations for older adults with specific chronic disease conditions.

HM 703 - Motivational Strategies for Physical Activity Among Older Adults
A study of the methods for helping people to develop and maintain physically active lifestyles with specific emphasis on older adults. Theories of health behavior change will be discussed with practical applications for individuals, groups, and communities