Module: Behaviour Change and Exercise for Non-Communicable Diseases

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Behaviour Change and Exercise for Non-Communicable Diseases
Module Code	TRE1020
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Health & Human Performance
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will advance student's knowledge of the principles and theories of biomechanics and applied exercise science, to safely conduct assessment of exercise readiness and implement person-centered exercise programmes with clinical populations to optimise health outcomes. The module will include practical-based classes and demonstrations to enable students to develop practical, communication and interpersonal skills to implement exercise programmes for clinical populations. Students will appraise clinical guidelines and research papers to inform design and implementation of exercise programmes.

Learning Outcomes

1. Upon successful completion of this module the student will be able to: Apply the principles and theories of biomechanics and exercise science to safely conduct assessment of exercise readiness and person-centered exercise programme design with clinic populations.
2. Upon successful completion of this module the student will be able to: Prescribe, monitor and modify therapeutic and functional exercise programmes to promote health and well being and optimise health outcomes for clinical populations, in individual and group settings.
3. Upon successful completion of this module the student will be able to: Apply principles of behaviour change theory to enhance patient compliance, empowerment and self-management in relation to exercise and lifestyle behaviours.
4. Upon successful completion of this module the student will be able to: Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the exercise guidelines in the management of non-communicable disease such as cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, amputation rehabilitation, exercise in obesity and diabetes, oncology and mental health, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice.
5. Upon successful completion of this module the student will be able to: Search for and critically appraise scientific literature.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	12	Lectures and interactive class discussions
Clinical Skills Laboratory	24	Practical classes
Independent learning	89	Independent learning
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	12229	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Deirdre Phelan	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group assignment	Group presentation of an appropriate exercise therapy class for NCDs: Student groups will each take a 15 minute training period in an allocated exercise therapy class, (eg. cardiac rehabilitation). Students will justify their exercise assessment approach and inclusion criteria, explain risks and contraindications, demonstrate ability to lead the exercise classes safely and effectively, provide inclusive and appropriate exercise instruction and justify appropriate safety and outcome measures.	50%	n/a
Assignment	The student will prepare a written report detailing the evidence-base for the exercise intervention and the behaviour change principles applied for the clinical case presentation under review.	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

n/a
● Exercise assessment, safety and readiness ● Principles of exercise prescription and progression ● Exercise guidelines for clinical populations (cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, amputation rehabilitation, exercise in obesity and diabetes, oncology and mental health) ● Principles and practical application of behaviour change principles ● Group exercise settings

Indicative Reading List

Books:

American College of Sports Medicine: 2021, ACSM's guidelines for exercise testing and prescription, 11th, Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health,
Thompson, W.R, & Cemal Ozemek: 2023, ACSM's Clinical Exercise Physiology., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,
Schmitz, K., Campbell, A., & Schwartz, A.: 2024, ACSM’s Essentials of Exercise Oncology,
Hanrahan, C., Broderick, J., O’Connor, T. M., & McVeigh, J. G: 2024, Behaviour change interventions for physical activity in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; A systematic review and meta-analysis. Respiratory Medicine and Research, 85, 101068. Respiratory Medicine and Research, 85, 101068., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resmer.2023.101068,
Bourke, A., Niranjan, V., O’Connor, R., & Woods, C: 2022, Barriers to and motives for engagement in an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programme in Ireland: a qualitative study. BMC Primary Care, 23(1), https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-022-01637-7,
O’Donoghue, G., Blake, C., Cunningham, C., Lennon, O., & Perrotta, C: 2020, What exercise prescription is optimal to improve body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in adults living with obesity? A network meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 22(2)., https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13137,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: HSEland Making Every Contact Count (MECC),