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Managing Your Health

The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise

Dina Brooks, PhD, PT, Brenda Mori, BScPT, MSc, PhD, and Euson Yeung, PhD, PT

Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise will introduce learners to the concepts and benefits of physical therapy and exercise. Over six weeks learners will explore:

Why physical activity and exercise are important,

Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease,

Exercise and Osteoporosis,

Exercise and Cancer,

Common Sports Injuries,

Exercise and Arthritis

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What's inside

Syllabus

Intro to the Course & Module 1: Just Keep Moving - Why physical activity and exercise are important
This module will introduce you to concepts of physical activity and exercise. It will share some important information on the benefits of physical activity with you and also identify ways that you can assess your own physical activity levels. We'll also ask you to reflect on your own activity level and ask you to consider if you think you should modify your activity level. We've prepared a great module for you. We have an interesting lecture by Physiotherapist Agnes Makowski, an entertaining video, and some questionnaires for you to complete. We've also prepared a link to the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines which we hope you find informative. Lastly, we'll end with a quiz. We hope you enjoy it and as always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to post them to the discussion board. If you have any questions about the course please contact [email protected]
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Tailored towards audiences with a background in the physical health disciplines
Instructed by registered physical therapists with specialization in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fields
Provides insights on the management of common health conditions through physical therapy and exercise
Addresses the role of physical activity in preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases
Provides guidance on exercise recommendations for individuals with osteoporosis
Emphasizes the importance of exercise for individuals undergoing cancer treatment

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Reviews summary

Understanding health through physical activity

According to learners, this course provides a positive overview of how physical therapy and exercise can manage various health conditions. Many appreciate the clear explanations and practical advice offered by expert physiotherapists. Students found the content well-structured and easy to understand, making it great for beginners. However, some learners with prior medical knowledge felt the course was too basic and lacked sufficient depth on specific topics or exercise routines. While the quizzes generally reinforced learning, a few found them occasionally confusing. Overall, it is seen as a highly accessible and motivating introduction to the role of movement in managing health.
Lectures by experts are highly valuable.
"Really valued hearing from the expert physiotherapists."
"The lectures by professionals were informative and engaging."
"Learning directly from specialists was a major strength of the course."
Offers useful tips for daily health management.
"The practical tips for incorporating exercise into daily life were very helpful."
"Gave me concrete ideas for managing my condition through activity."
"I learned many simple yet effective strategies I can use right away."
Content is easy to understand for beginners.
"Found the content easy to understand, even for someone new to these concepts."
"Very clear explanations are provided throughout the modules."
"This course is great for someone starting to learn about physical activity and health."
Some quiz questions were slightly confusing.
"Found that some of the quiz questions were occasionally confusing."
"Felt the quizzes didn't always align perfectly with the core lesson content."
"While generally helpful, a few questions felt unclear or poorly worded."
Too basic for those with prior knowledge.
"As someone with a background in healthcare, this course was too basic for me."
"Was hoping for more in-depth coverage on specific conditions or exercises."
"Good as an introduction, but it didn't significantly advance my existing knowledge."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise with these activities:
Identify a mentor in the field of physical therapy or exercise
Seek guidance and support from an experienced professional in the field of physical therapy or exercise.
Browse courses on Physical Therapy
Show steps
  • Attend industry events and conferences.
  • Reach out to professionals in your network.
  • Ask your instructor or academic advisor for recommendations.
Follow online tutorials on anatomy and physiology
Explore interactive tutorials and videos to enhance your understanding of the structure and function of the human body.
Browse courses on Anatomy
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online platforms or YouTube channels that provide anatomy and physiology tutorials.
  • Select tutorials that cover the topics relevant to the course.
  • Take notes and complete any practice exercises provided in the tutorials.
Review Basic Anatomy and Physiology
Review the basic concepts of anatomy and physiology to strengthen foundational knowledge and enhance understanding of physical therapy principles and interventions.
Browse courses on Anatomy and Physiology
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks on anatomy and physiology
  • Complete online quizzes or practice questions on major body systems
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Practice performing a physical assessment
Refine your skills in performing a comprehensive physical assessment, including taking a patient's history, performing a physical exam, and interpreting the findings.
Show steps
  • Review the steps and techniques of a physical assessment.
  • Practice taking a patient's history and performing a physical exam on a friend or family member.
  • Compare your findings with a licensed physical therapist or doctor for feedback.
Create a visual representation of the major muscle groups
Draw a diagram or use software to create a visual representation of the major muscle groups, labeling each muscle and its location.
Browse courses on Muscles
Show steps
  • Gather images or diagrams of the muscular system.
  • Identify the major muscle groups and their locations.
  • Create a visual representation using drawing tools or software.
Practice Exercise Prescription Exercises
Engage in hands-on practice of common exercises prescribed in physical therapy to improve technique and enhance the ability to guide patients effectively.
Browse courses on Exercise Prescription
Show steps
  • Attend a supervised exercise session with a physical therapist
  • Practice exercises with a partner or group
Practice identifying anatomical structures from images
Test your ability to identify anatomical structures from medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
Browse courses on Anatomy
Show steps
  • Find online quizzes or tests that provide medical images.
  • Practice identifying different anatomical structures.
  • Review your answers and learn from your mistakes.
Develop a Case Study Analysis
Critique and synthesize patient information to develop a comprehensive case study analysis, enhancing understanding of patient evaluation and treatment planning in physical therapy.
Browse courses on Case Studies
Show steps
  • Select a case study from a reputable source
  • Analyze the patient's history, examination findings, and diagnostic tests
Participate in an online anatomy and physiology competition
Challenge yourself and compete with others in an online anatomy and physiology competition to test your knowledge and skills.
Browse courses on Anatomy
Show steps
  • Research and find reputable online anatomy and physiology competitions.
  • Register for the competition and study the materials provided.
  • Participate in the competition and aim for a high score.
Volunteer as a peer tutor or mentor in anatomy and physiology
Share your knowledge and help other students learn by volunteering as a peer tutor or mentor in anatomy and physiology.
Browse courses on Anatomy
Show steps
  • Contact your instructor or the campus tutoring center to offer your services.
  • Prepare lesson plans and materials to support your students.
  • Meet with students regularly to answer questions and provide guidance.
Develop a research proposal on a topic related to physical therapy or exercise
Propose a research project that explores a topic related to physical therapy or exercise, outlining your research question, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Browse courses on Physical Therapy
Show steps
  • Identify a topic of interest in physical therapy or exercise.
  • Develop a research question and hypothesis.
  • Design a research methodology, including data collection and analysis methods.

Career center

Learners who complete Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistants help patients regain mobility and manage pain through exercise and physical therapy. This course introduces the benefits of physical therapy and exercise. It may prove useful for Physical Therapist Assistants seeking professional development or anyone considering entering the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist Assistant
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people regain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities. This course introduces the concepts and benefits of physical therapy and exercise. It may be of use as part of a broader career development plan for Occupational Therapists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist
Fitness Trainer
Fitness Trainers help people improve their health and fitness through exercise. This course introduces the concepts and benefits of physical therapy and exercise, making it a useful resource for Fitness Trainers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fitness Trainer
Physical Education Teacher
Physical Education Teachers teach students about the importance of physical activity and exercise. The course introduces the benefits of physical therapy and exercise. It may be of use as part of a broader career development plan for aspiring or practicing Physical Education Teachers who are interested in health.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Education Teacher
Sports Medicine Physician
Sports Medicine Physicians treat and prevent injuries in athletes and active individuals. This course introduces the concepts and benefits of physical therapy and exercise, making it a useful resource for Sports Medicine Physicians seeking professional development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Medicine Physician
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings. This course introduces the concepts and benefits of physical therapy and exercise, making it a useful resource for Registered Nurses seeking professional development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists use massage to relieve pain and promote relaxation. This course introduces the concepts and benefits of physical therapy and exercise, making it a useful resource for Massage Therapists seeking professional development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Massage Therapist
Chiropractor
Chiropractors diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions. This course introduces the concepts and benefits of physical therapy and exercise, making it a useful resource for Chiropractors seeking professional development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chiropractor
Athletic Trainer
Athletic Trainers help athletes prevent and recover from injuries. The course introduces the benefits of physical therapy and exercise. It may prove useful for Athletic Trainers seeking professional development or anyone considering entering the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Athletic Trainer
Health Educator
Health Educators promote healthy lifestyles and behaviors. This course introduces the benefits of physical therapy and exercise. It may prove useful for Health Educators seeking professional development or anyone considering entering the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator
Wellness Coach
Wellness Coaches help people improve their overall health and well-being. This course introduces the benefits of physical therapy and exercise. It may prove useful for Wellness Coaches seeking professional development or anyone considering entering the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Wellness Coach
Yoga Instructor
Yoga Instructors teach yoga to help people improve their physical and mental health. This course introduces the benefits of physical therapy and exercise. It may prove useful for Yoga Instructors seeking professional development or anyone considering entering the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Yoga Instructor
Pilates Instructor
Pilates Instructors teach Pilates to help people improve their physical and mental health. This course introduces the benefits of physical therapy and exercise. It may prove useful for Pilates Instructors seeking professional development or anyone considering entering the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pilates Instructor
Dance Instructor
Dance Instructors teach dance to help people improve their physical and mental health. This course introduces the benefits of physical therapy and exercise. It may prove useful for Dance Instructors seeking professional development or anyone considering entering the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Dance Instructor
Personal Trainer
Personal Trainers help people improve their fitness and health through exercise. This course introduces the concepts and benefits of physical therapy and exercise, making it a useful resource for Personal Trainers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Personal Trainer

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise.
Cover image
Sanders' Paramedic Textbook
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Provides a comprehensive review of orthopaedic surgery, including chapters on sports medicine, trauma, and spine surgery. It valuable resource for orthopaedic surgeons and residents.
Sanders' Paramedic Textbook
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Pathology and Intervention in Musculoskeletal...
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence-based management of low back pain. It covers topics such as diagnosis, assessment, and treatment.
Pathology and Intervention in Musculoskeletal...
Paperback
Check
Pathology and Intervention in Musculoskeletal...
Kindle Edition
Check
Exercise Physiology?
Save
Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance, provides students with a solid introduction to the physiological responses to exercise and fitness.
Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to...
Paperback
$$$
Connect Access for Exercise Physiology: Theory and...
Printed Access Code
$$$
Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to...
Hardcover
$$$
Exercise Physiology - Connect Access - 11th edition
Printed Access Code
$$$$
ISE Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to...
Paperback
$$$
Looseleaf for Exercise Physiology
Loose Leaf
$$$$
Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Diversity of Fishes
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of exercises for different muscle groups, fitness levels, and goals. It includes step-by-step instructions, photographs, and modifications for different populations.
The Diversity of Fishes
Paperback
Check
The Diversity of Fishes
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Pregnancy Encyclopedia
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Provides a comprehensive overview of over 1,000 exercises, including step-by-step instructions and photographs.
Pregnancy Encyclopedia
Paperback
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Pregnancy Encyclopedia
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Therapeutic Exercise
Save
Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques presents a comprehensive approach to therapeutic exercise in a clear, concise, and detailed manner.
Therapeutic Exercise
Paperback
Check
Therapeutic Exercise
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
6 Weeks of Study, 2 - 4 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Toronto
Instructors
Dina Brooks, PhD, PT
Brenda Mori, BScPT, MSc, PhD
Euson Yeung, PhD, PT
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Tailored towards audiences with a background in the physical health disciplines
Instructed by registered physical therapists with specialization in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fields
Provides insights on the management of common health conditions through physical therapy and exercise
Addresses the role of physical activity in preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases
Provides guidance on exercise recommendations for individuals with osteoporosis
Emphasizes the importance of exercise for individuals undergoing cancer treatment
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