Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Course-Worksheet and Case Study
| Unit number and title | Evidence |
| Unit UV31474:
Principles of physical activity for antenatal and postnatal clients |
Worksheet questions |
| Unit UV31473: Planned exercise programmes for the pre/postnatal client | Programmes x 4 |
| Assessor feedback
|
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: F500/6776/4
Candidate’s name:
Unit |
Stage of Assessment | Assessment method | Viva (PD) Y/N | Outcome | Assessor signature | IQA signature | Date |
| 1 | Worksheet
|
Written
|
|||||
| 2 | Theoretical case study and risk assessment
|
Written | |||||
| 3 | Programmes
|
Written |
|
Candidate Agreement
I agree to be assessed according to the plan above and I can confirm that it reflects any special needs I may have.
Signed: Date:
I declare that all the work produced to meet the assessment criteria above has been my own unaided work.
Signed: Date:
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4
Unit 1: Physical activity and health considerations for the pre- and postnatal client
Worksheet
- Describe one physiological and one biomechanical change associated with each trimester and the exercise implications associated with these changes. Insert the duration for each of the three trimesters during pregnancy.
Note – a physiological change is a change in bodily part functions. A biomechanical change is a change in movement or structure of the human body.
| Trimester 1: week 1 to week……. | |
| Body system
Physiological |
|
| Body system
Biomechanical
|
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| Exercise implications
|
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| Trimester 2: week……. to week…….. | |
| Body system
Physiological
|
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| Body system
Biomechanical
|
|
| Exercise implications
|
|
| Trimester 3: week…….. to ……. | |
| Body system
Physiological |
|
| Body system
Biomechanical |
|
| Exercise implications
|
|
Guideline – 3 x 150-200 words- total 450-600 words
/9 Marks
- Give an example of how you would adapt a client’s physical activity relating specifically to one of the changes mentioned in Q1 above in each trimester
| T1
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| T2
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| T3
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Guideline – up to 200 words
/3 Marks
- For how long would the changes described in Q1 continue after birth?
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/3 Marks
- Explain the importance of avoiding sudden and dramatic weight gain
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/2 Marks
. 5. Explain to Ellie the importance and benefits of having a postnatal check and when to see her GP for this
| Importance/benefits:
Timeframe:
|
Guideline – 50 words
/1 Marks
- In the postnatal period why is it important to resume exercise on an individual and gradual basis? Write this as if you were speaking to Ellie
|
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Guideline – 100 words
/1 Marks
- List and explain four benefits of physical activity for pre- and postnatal clients (2 for each)
| Prenatal |
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| Postnatal |
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Guideline – minimum 100 words
/4 Marks
- Give two real or perceived barriers/concerns that pre or postnatal clients may have about taking part in physical activity and how you could overcome them.
| Barriers/concerns | How you would deal with these? |
| Prenatal | |
| Postnatal
|
Guideline – 100 words
/4 Marks
- Give four absolute and four relative contraindications to physical activity for pre- natal clients
| Absolute Contraindications | Relative Contraindications | |
| Prenatal | 1)
|
1) |
| 2)
|
2) | |
| 3)
|
3) | |
| 4)
|
4) |
Guideline – 100 words
/8 Marks
- List four warning signs (2 prenatal and 2 postnatal) that indicate the client should stop exercising, how you would deal with these or what advice you would give
| Warning signs | How you would deal with these/what advice would you give? |
| Prenatal:
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| Prenatal:
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| Postnatal:
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| Postnatal:
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Guideline – 150 words
/4 Marks
- Describe two physical considerations for a postnatal client that an instructor should be aware of. How would you adapt an exercise to take these into account?
| Considerations: | Adaptations: |
| 1.
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1. |
| 2.
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2. |
Guideline – up to 100 words
/4 Marks
- Explain the reasons why avoiding hot and humid environments and maintaining hydration is important in each of the prenatal and postnatal periods
| Prenatal
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| Postnatal
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Guideline – 100 words
/3 Marks
- a) Identify sources of food that are important in providing good nutrition for prenatal clients and explain why? b) Why is good nutrition important in the postnatal period?
| Prenatal sources & Why? |
|
| Postnatal nutrition? |
|
Guideline – 200 words
/6 Marks
- List two foods that should be avoided during pregnancy and state the reasons why
| Foods | Reasons why |
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Guideline – 50 words
/4 Marks
- For the common pregnancy-related concerns listed below, give details of how you would reassure Ellie and what advice you might give
| Pregnancy-related concern | Reassurance/advice |
| Clothing and footwear |
|
| Fatigue |
Guideline – 150 words
/2 Marks
Marking outcome Unit 1
| Question | Comments | Action (if applicable) |
Marks awarded
|
| 1 | /9 | ||
| 2 | /3 | ||
| 3 | /3 | ||
| 4 | /2 | ||
| 5 | /1 | ||
| 6 | /1 | ||
| 7 | /4 | ||
| 8 | /4 | ||
| 9 | /8 | ||
| 10 | /4 | ||
| 11 | /4 | ||
| 12 | /3 | ||
| 13 | /6 | ||
| 14 | /4 | ||
| 15 | /2 | ||
| Overall | (41/58 Required to pass) | /58
PASS / REFER |
| Unit 1 Viva / Professional discussion feedback (if applicable)
|
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4
Unit 2: Theoretical case study and risk assessment
You will need to read this thoroughly to help you fill in the blank screening form below and answer the next questions in Unit 2.
Theoretical case study
Ellie is a 30 year-old woman who is 7 weeks pregnant with her first baby. She is very excited but also anxious about the birth and how she will cope. Her partner is very supportive, but has a high-powered job that regularly takes him away from home so this is a worry to her.
Prior to her pregnancy she was reasonably active, visiting the gym twice a week as well as attending group classes in Pilates and aerobics. She describes herself as moderately fit. However, although she is keen to keep fit, she is uncertain about continuing her exercise routines as she is already feeling very tired. She says that if she does continue, she wants to know how she should adjust her exercise programmes as she progresses through her pregnancy. She has been cleared by the midwife to exercise and is not on any medication.
Ellie has a part-time job as a telesales operator so much of her day is spent sitting down and she says she has had a back problem since she started this job a few years ago. She likes to walk or swim occasionally when not going to the gym or classes.
She is very worried that she will put on too much weight during her pregnancy and will never get her shape back but does not want to put her baby at risk in any way. Ellie is interested in her nutritional needs if she continues exercising.
She has also said she wants to ensure she can get back to exercise after the birth as soon as her doctor gives her the go-ahead. She is planning to breast-feed her baby and wants to know if exercising will affect the milk quantity/quality.
Postnatal
There were no complications during labour and Ellie had a natural birth after going full-term. Ellie is now breast feeding successfully but feeling very tired as she seems to be either feeding her baby or trying to complete household chores. She is not getting much sleep but is quite worried that she has only lost 14lbs of the 30lbs she put on over her pregnancy. She is now looking to start formally exercising again after this 12-week period off, and has been cleared by her GP to do so, but baby-sitting is often a problem.
Screening and collecting information
Now complete the following example screening form based on the case study above and then answer the next set of questions
Pre- and postnatal sample medical and lifestyle questionnaire
| PRE-SCREENING FOR THE PRE/POSTNATAL CLIENT | ||||
| Name | Ellie | Address
|
111, Good Street
Manchester |
|
| Tel no | 01010 101010 | DOB | 12/5/1990 | |
| Ellie@anemailaddress.com | ||||
| Due date | (fictional date to be included here based on 7 weeks pregnant at completion of the form) | |||
| Partner/Next of Kin | George | Mobile or emergency number | 07777 777777 | |
| Doctor | Dr Feelgood | Midwife | Nurse Jolie Caesar | |
| Tel No | Tel No | |||
| Referred by | Midwife | |||
| Number of children | Ages | |||
| Occupation | ||||
| Have you checked with your doctor/midwife that you are safe to exercise?
|
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| What are your goals for participating in exercise during your pregnancy?
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| Physical activity history | ||||
In the last year how often have you participated in physical activity? 5 to 7 times per week 3 to 4 times per week 1 to 2 times per week 1 to 2 times per month Not at all
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| What physical activity have you done and enjoyed in the past?
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| What exercise/physical activity do you currently participate in?
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| How motivated are you?
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| If you have been unable to exercise regularly, what are the reasons?
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| What concerns have you got about the pregnancy?
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| Is there anything in your medical history that could affect your capacity to exercise?
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| Medical history |
| Tick the box if you have experienced any of the following, past or present
Shortness of breath ( ) Chest pain ( ) Miscarriage ( ) Eating disorder ( ) Seizures ( ) Vaginal disorder or bleeding ( ) Blood disorder ( ) Heart disease ( ) Hypoglycaemia ( ) Diabetes T1 ( ) or T2 ( ) Pelvic or abdominal cramps ( ) Arthritis ( ) Incompetent cervix ( ) Multiple gestation ( ) Multiple births ( ) High blood pressure ( ) Knee problems or pain ( ) Back problems or pain ( ) Neck problems or pain ( ) Headaches ( ) |
| If you have ticked any of the boxes please give further details |
| Are you on any medication? If so please give details
|
| Instructor’s summary/analysis |
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| Postnatal |
| What are your goals for participating in exercise/physical activity?
|
| Date baby was born: |
| Type of delivery: |
| Episiotomy? |
| Breast feeding? |
| Getting up at night?
How much sleep are you getting? |
| Any other concerns? |
| Instructor’s notes/summary |
|
|
/2 Marks
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: 500/6776/X
Unit 2: Implement exercise programmes for pre- and postnatal clients
Worksheet questions
- Why is it important to ensure you keep up to date with CPD points in relation to working with pre- and postnatal clients?
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Guideline – up to 50 words
/1 Marks
- Explain why it is important for an instructor to have an up-to-date first aid certificate and insurance when working with pre- and postnatal clients
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Guideline- up to 50 words
/2 Marks
- How would you reassure Ellie and keep her motivated regarding her concerns relating to exercising during her pregnancy? Include some exercises/positions she should avoid during the prenatal and then the postnatal period. Write this as if you were talking to Ellie.
| Prenatal:
|
| Postnatal:
|
| Exercises to avoid:
|
Guideline – 150 words
/3 Marks
- Explain to Ellie the importance of pelvic floor exercises and how often she should do them. How would you teach these to her?
| The importance of pelvic floor exercises and how often:
|
| Teaching points:
|
Guideline – 100 words
/3 Marks
- Describe how to check for diastasis recti and give some safe and effective exercises that Ellie should do that would rehabilitate the abdominal wall
| How to check for Diastasis recti:
|
| Effective exercises to rehabilitate the abdominal wall:
|
Guideline – 100 words
/3 Marks
- Outline the general guidelines for stretching in the pre- and postnatal periods
Guideline – 100 words
/1 Marks
- Why is it inappropriate to use babies as a resistance or weight during exercise?
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Guideline – 100 words
/3 Marks
8.Explain how you would establish an effective working relationship with Ellie
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/2 Marks
9 a) Explain the importance of pre-activity screening for antenatal and postnatal women and the legal and ethical responsibilities placed on the instructor in relation to disclosure of information.
|
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| b) State what additional exercise or lifestyle information you would collect from Ellie that might help you in designing a programme for her and help her stay healthy throughout her pregnancy. 4 points are required.
|
| 1)
2)
3)
4)
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Guideline – up to 50 words
/6 Marks
- Provide Ellie with three sources of further information and advice such as reliable websites or books. Evaluate one of these
|
1.
2.
3.
Evaluation:
|
/4 Marks
- Explain under what circumstances you would refer pre-natal and postnatal clients? When would it be good practice to obtain written consent from healthcare professionals?
| Referral of Pre-natal:
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| Referral of Postnatal:
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| Written consent from healthcare professional:
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Guideline – 50 words
/3 Marks
- It is important to complete a risk assessment for the activities/exercises you have planned for Ellie for each trimester and the postnatal period. Using the form below, choose 2 different points from each box in each trimester and the postnatal session. This should relate to your programme and the changes in each stage of pregnancy.
| Step 1 (Hazard) | Step 2 (Risk)
H = high M = medium L = low |
Step 3 (Control Measure) |
| List the significant issues or hazards you have identified e.g. equipment, activities, environment | What is the likelihood of this causing harm? | What measures can you take to control the risk? |
| Trimester 1 | ||
| Equipment
Machines Bands Free weights Mats |
1)
2)
|
1)
2)
|
| Activities
Cardio Resistance work Floor work Stretching Body position Clothing/shoes Motor skills/balance Transitions |
1)
2)
|
1)
2)
|
| Environment
Air conditioning Room temperature Space Flooring Trip hazards Water
|
1)
2)
|
1)
2)
|
| Trimester 2 | ||
| Equipment
Machines Bands Free weights Mats |
1)
2)
|
1)
2)
|
| Activities
Cardio Resistance work Floor work Stretching Body position Clothing/shoes Motor skills/balance Transitions |
1)
2)
|
1)
2)
|
| Environment
Air conditioning Room temperature Space Flooring Trip hazards Water |
1)
2)
|
1)
2)
|
| Trimester 3 | ||
| Equipment
Machines Bands Free weights Mats |
1)
2)
|
1)
2)
|
| Activities
Cardio Resistance work Floor work Stretching Body position Clothing/shoes Motor skills/balance Transitions |
1)
2)
|
1)
2)
|
| Environment
Air conditioning Room temperature Space Flooring Trip hazards Water
|
1)
2)
|
1)
2)
|
| Postnatal period | ||
| Equipment
Machines Bands Free weights Mats |
1)
2)
|
1)
2)
|
| Activities
Cardio Resistance work Floor work Stretching Body position Babies Motor skills/balance |
1)
2)
|
1)
2)
|
| Environment
Air conditioning Room temperature Space Flooring Trip hazards Water |
1)
2)
|
1)
2)
|
/8 Marks
Marking outcome Unit 2
| Question | Comments | Action (if applicable) |
Marks awarded
|
| Medical Q | /2 | ||
| 1 | /1 | ||
| 2 | /2 | ||
| 3 | /3 | ||
| 4 | /3 | ||
| 5 | /3 | ||
| 6 | /1 | ||
| 7 | /3 | ||
| 8 | /2 | ||
| 9 | /6 | ||
| 10 | /4 | ||
| 11 | /3 | ||
| 12 | /8 | ||
| Overall | (28/41 Required to pass) | /41
PASS / REFER |
| Unit 2 Viva / Professional discussion feedback (if applicable)
|
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4
Unit 3: Q1-Q3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client
Create a single session of exercise for each of the three trimesters, taking into account the following:
- Use the exercise guidance for prenatal clients
- Assume there are no contraindications to exercise
- Take into consideration Ellie’s goals and any appropriate modifications
This is to be done in the context of gym, aerobics or Pilates
NB: you can only create programmes in the discipline for which you have a qualification. You must also keep to a single discipline over the whole period to show how the programmes regress or progress.
The session plan (blank copies below) for each session should include:
- Warm-up – minimum 10 minutes using any cardiovascular equipment or exercises (mobility and dynamic stretches may be included in the warm-up)
- Cardiovascular – minimum of 3 different forms of cardiovascular equipment or exercises to be included over the 3 sessions
- 8-10 resistance-based exercises – these can be machine-based, free weight, cable or body weight/body conditioning exercises
- Cool-down – minimum 5 minutes using a different piece of cardiovascular equipment or exercises than the warm-up (stretches of identified shortened musculature must be included in the cool-down. Also state the body position)
- Programmes should last no longer than an hour
- It is highly recommended that you try and vary the programmes within the recommended guidelines
- It is recommended that you choose well known exercises. Please ensure that your descriptions are clear and concise. Your case study may be returned to you if the assessor is unable to clarify your exercise selections.
NB: ensure Pilates programmes include advice on CV exercise
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4
Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client
Programme card (gym)
Trimester 1
| Client name: | ||||||||
| Warm-up:
Mobility and stretches: |
||||||||
| Main CV component: | ||||||||
| Equipment | Time | Workload/RPM/SPM
speed/incline/level |
Adaptation | Notes | ||||
|
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||||||||
| Main resistance training section: | ||||||||
| Exercise | Equipment | Sets/reps | Weight | Notes/adaptations | ||||
| Cool-down | Equipment | Time | Workload/RPM/speed/incline/level | |||||
| Core exercises:
|
||||||||
| Cool-down: (appropriate stretches and body position)
|
||||||||
/12 Marks
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4
Unit 3: Design and implement exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client
Session plan/programme card (ETM)
Trimester 1
| Learner name
|
Components | ||
| Duration of each component
|
Beats per minute |
| Music breakdown reps/sets | Choreography or exercise/muscle group | Key teaching points (main session) and adaptations (all components) | Choreography methods used |
|
|
– /12 Marks
Prenatal Pilates session plan
| Name
|
First trimester | ||
| Component
|
Duration |
| Exercise name
Purpose/benefit Repetitions |
Short description and key points to note
Key: TVA – transversus abdominis NS – neutral spine LTB – lateral thoracic breathing PF – pelvic floor LM – lumbar multifidis stabilisation SS – shoulder |
P = Progression A = Adaptation M = Modification |
|
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||
| CV recommendations |
|
/12 Marks
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4
Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client
Programme card (gym)
Trimester 2
| Client name: | ||||||||
| Warm-up:
Mobility and stretches: |
||||||||
| Main CV component: | ||||||||
| Equipment | Time | Workload/RPM/SPMspeed/incline/level | Adaptation | Notes | ||||
|
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|||||||
| Main resistance training section: | ||||||||
| Exercise | Equipment | Sets/reps | Weight | Notes/adaptations | ||||
| Cool-down | Equipment | Time | Workload/RPM/speed/incline/level | |||||
| Core exercises:
|
||||||||
| Cool-down: (appropriate stretches and body position)
|
||||||||
/12 Marks
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4
Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client
Session plan/programme card (ETM)
Trimester 2
| Name
|
Components | ||
| Duration of each component
|
Beats per minute |
| Music breakdown reps/sets | Choreography or exercise/ muscle group | Key teaching points (main session) and adaptations (all components) | Choreography methods used |
|
|
/12 Marks
Prenatal Pilates session plan
| Name |
|
Second trimester | |
| Components |
|
Duration |
| Exercise name
Purpose/benefit Repetitions |
Short description and key points to note
Key: TVA – transversus abdominis NS – neutral spine LTB – lateral thoracic breathing PF – pelvic floor LM – lumbar multifidis stabilisation SS – shoulder |
P = Progression A = Adaptation M = Modification |
|
|
||
| CV recommendations |
|
/12 marks
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4
Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client
Programme card (gym)
Trimester 3
| Client name: | ||||||||
| Warm-up:
Mobility and stretches: |
||||||||
| Main CV component: | ||||||||
| Equipment | Time | Workload/RPM/SPM
speed/incline/level |
Adaptation | Notes | ||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Main resistance training section: | ||||||||
| Exercise | Equipment | Sets/reps | Weight | Notes/adaptations | ||||
| Cool-down | Equipment | Time | Workload/RPM/speed/incline/level | |||||
| Core exercises:
|
||||||||
| Cool-down: (appropriate stretches and body position)
|
||||||||
/12 Marks
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4
Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client
Session plan/programme card (ETM)
Trimester 3
| Name
|
Components | ||
| Duration of each component
|
Beats per minute |
| Music breakdown reps/sets | Choreography or exercise/muscle group | Key teaching points (main session) and adaptations (all components) | Choreography methods used |
|
|
/12 Marks
Prenatal Pilates session plan
| Name | Third trimester |
|
|
| Components | Duration |
|
| Exercise name
Purpose/benefit Repetitions |
Short description and key points to note
Key: TVA – transversus abdominis NS – neutral spine LTB – lateral thoracic breathing PF – pelvic floor LM – lumbar multifidis stabilisation SS – shoulder |
P = Progression A = Adaptation M = Modification |
|
|
||
| CV recommendations |
|
/12 Marks
- On completion of the three prenatal sessions, provide additional information on the main differences between each of them and why you have adapted the sessions for each State what exercises you have avoided and why.
This is your chance to justify the choices and changes you have made and to say why you have included or taken out certain exercises, changed body position and stretches.
|
|
Guideline – 300 words
/6 Marks
- Again, using the session plan provided and assuming there were no issues with the birth, design a single session of exercise for the postnatal period (note the postnatal responses in the case study).
Please pay particular attention to abdominal and pelvic floor areas.
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4
Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client
Session plan/programme card (GYM)
Postnatal
| Client name: | ||||||
| Warm-up:
Mobility and stretches: |
||||||
| Main CV component: | ||||||
| Equipment | Time | Workload/RPM/SPM
speed/incline/level |
Adaptation | Notes | ||
|
|
|
|||||
| Main resistance training section: | ||||||
| Exercise | Equipment | Sets/reps | Weight | Notes/adaptations | ||
| Cool-down | Equipment | Time | Workload/RPM/speed/incline/level | |||
| Core exercises:
|
||||||
| Cool-down: (appropriate stretches)
|
||||||
/12 Marks
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes
Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4
Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client
Session plan/programme card (ETM)
Postnatal
| Name
|
Components | ||
| Duration of each component
|
Beats per minute |
| Music breakdown reps/sets | Choreography or exercise/muscle group | Key teaching points (main session) and adaptations (all components) | Choreography methods used |
|
|
/12 Marks
Postnatal Pilates session plan
| Name | Postnatal |
|
|
| Components | Duration
|
| Exercise name
Purpose/benefit Repetitions |
Short description and key points to note
Key: TVA – transversus abdominis NS – neutral spine LTB – lateral thoracic breathing PF – pelvic floor LM – lumbar multifidis stabilisation SS – shoulder |
P = Progression A = Adaptation M = Modification |
|
|
||
| CV recommendations |
|
/12 Marks
Marking outcome Unit 3
| Question | Comments | Action (if applicable) |
Marks awarded
|
| Plan 1 | /12 | ||
| Plan 2 | /12 | ||
| Plan 3 | /12 | ||
| Q1 | /6 | ||
| Q2 | /12 | ||
| Overall | (38/54 Required to pass) | /54
PASS / REFER |
| Unit 3 Viva / Professional discussion feedback (if applicable)
|
| Overall Summary |
|
|
