Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module is offered as a microcredential and can contribute to the Graduate Certificate in Women's Health (Sport and Exercise). This module aims to present and discuss advanced current concepts and practical skills relating to pelvic floor muscle anatomy, function and dysfunction within female sport and exercise. This module aims to teach the student how to enable their clients/patients to prevent, navigate, manage pelvic floor dysfunction within a context of keeping physically active and achieving high performance in sport and exercise in a practically applied manner. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the functional anatomy of the female pelvic floor 2. Describe and clinically reason using an anatomical context the relationship between the female pelvic floor and the whole body 3. Discuss and critque current concepts in the understanding of the optimal female pelvic floor within a sport and exercise context 4. Explain and clinically reason the typical mechanisms and signs and symptoms of female pelvic floor muscle dysfunction 5. Use principles of sound logical and clinical reasoning in identifying and critically evaluating how musculoskeletal complaints can impact pelvic floor muscle function | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Functional anatomy: The female pelvis & organs, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, abdominal wall and diaphragm 1. Internal & external clinically relevant architecture including; skeleton/joints, fascia, ligaments, tendons, muscles 2. The core cylinder and it’s conceptualization of it’s anatomy & function 3. Pelvic & Abdominal organs including; Peritoneum, urethra, bladder, and urinary tract, rectum, bowel, digestive tract and uterus 4. Sex Differences including; breast, vagina, vulva, pelvic girdle and beyond the reproductive organs & pelvis (metabolism, skeleton, thorax, immunity, brain) Functional anatomy: The nervous system 1. Central & peripheral (somatic & autonomic) 2. Clinical applications throughout 3. Practical implications for the active female including; referred pain, effects of stress (acute v chronic), how exercise effects the autonomic nervous system & oxidative stress 4. The biopsychosocial model & it’s relevance in the active female pelvis Female pelvic floor function within sport and exercise 1. Prevalence of dysfunction 2. Risk factors for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction in the active female 3. Optimal function of the pelvic floor including response to ground reaction force & intra-abdominal pressure 4. The pelvic floor in athletes (recreational & elite) including high impact & weight lifting 5. Preventing dysfunction Female pelvic floor dysfunction: Non-relaxing/painful pelvic floor 1. Pathophysiology & risk factors 2. Signs, symptoms & diagnosis 3. Management techniques 4. Clinical experiences and limitations of current research in non-relaxing and painful pelvic floor clients. Female pelvic floor dysfunction: Urinary Incontinence 1. Pathophysiology & risk factors 2. Signs, symptoms & diagnosis 3. Management techniques 4. Real life case study for enhanced clinical application Female pelvic floor dysfunction: Anal incontinence 1. Pathophysiology & risk factors 2. Signs, symptoms & diagnosis 3. Management techniques 4. Real life case study for enhanced clinical application Female pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic organ prolapse (anterior, central and posterior) 1. Pathophysiology & risk factors 2. Signs, symptoms & diagnosis 5. Management techniques 6. Real life case study for enhanced clinical application Musculoskeletal complaints 1. Pain referral from the pelvic floor & it’s impact on the function of the pelvic floor & performance 2. Considering the following with regards to the pelvic floor; hip pain & pathologies, low back pain, hernias, foot & ankle | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||