HEL613 Evidence Based Physical Activity

The course is connected to the following study programs

• PhD Programme in Health and Sport Sciences

Recommended prerequisites

• EX-602 Philosophy of Science

• ME-617 Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis

• ME-626 General Quantitative Research Methods and/or ME-618 Qualitative research methods

Course contents

• Historical overview of relevant epidemiological studies

• Study design and causal relationship within physical activity epidemiology

• Critical reflections with respect to physical activity measures including a practical workshop

• Physical activity and fitness levels in the population

• Physical inactivity and the association with non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes, cancer, etc.) and conditions like overweight and obesity

• Risks and side-effects of physical activity

• Intervention and implementation

• Behavioral aspects of changing physical activity behavior

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, the candidate has:

 

Knowledge about

• landmark studies within physical activity epidemiology

• how physical activity guidelines are developed and implemented 

• how physical activity can be assessed, and how various assessment methods might influence the relationship between physical activity and health related outcomes

• the evidence behind the association between physical inactivity and non-communicable diseases, as well as conditions as overweight/obesity

• risks and side-effects associated with physical activity

• behavioral change strategies associated with physical activity

Skills

• can critically evaluate, interpret and disseminate results within physical activity epidemiology

• can critically evaluate assessment methods used in physical activity epidemiology

• can formulate relevant research questions and plan the implementation of physical activity-based interventions

General competence

• can communicate physical activity and health relationships through scientific and popular scientific channels

Examination requirements

Participation in compulsory lectures, group work, practical workshops, discussions and presentations as stated in the course pamphlet.

Teaching methods

Over five days, teaching and learning methods will consists of a combination of lectures, group work, practical workshops, discussions and presentations based on course topics and the candidates own research experiences and work.

Assessment methods and criteria

Individual two-weeks home examination. The examination will be assessed as pass/fail.