University of Sydney Physical Activity network/ WHO Collaborating Centre on Physical Activity,
Nutrition and Obesity in collaboration with the International Society for Physical Activity and
Health
Exercise and Physical Activity in Global Non-communicable Disease Prevention
Curriculum outline
17 October to 25 November
COURSE OUTLINE BY WEEK
Week
Educational Module
1
Introduction to the course
Introduction to PA and exercise
2
Making the scientific case
3
Physical activity at the
population level
4
Exercise and disease
5
Exercise programs in the
community
Program Evaluation
6
Sedentary behaviour
Adults/ Children
Curriculum / content areas covered in lectures and online
discussion
Introduces physical activity in the context of global NCD
prevention describing the burden of disease and mortality
attributable to physical inactivity and the role of physical
activity promotion in NCD prevention
Explains differences between “physical activity” and “exercise
or sport”, indicating that total physical activity is comprised of
everyday active living, not just structured exercise and sport.
Physical activity epidemiology; describes the research evidence
for health (and non-health sector) benefits of populations being
physically active. This evidence results in the production of
physical activity guidelines.
Understanding approaches to increase physical activity at the
whole population level; understand national/ regional physical
activity plans; understand the importance of working within,
and well beyond the health sector to promote health
(especially with education, transport, urban planning, sport and
recreation, and with civil society).
Examines the role of structured exercise and disease, with a
focus on exercise in the management of obesity, exercise and
diabetes management, exercise for people with cardiovascular
disease, and the role of exercise in maintaining functional
status in the elderly.
Describes physical activity and exercise programs in the
community, and examines different settings including physical
activity programs at the worksite, in schools, in primary care
and general practice and in community settings.
Identifies the principles of program evaluation for practitioners
and policy makers who are conducting physical activity
programs; introduces formative, process and impact
evaluation.
Discussion on sedentary behaviours and NCD risk; this
comprises a review of the evidence for the potential health
risks of prolonged sitting in adults, and a consideration of
sedentary behaviours in children and adolescents.