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Faculty of Science & Health

The Active Female: Pelvic Floor Function and Dysfunction

Module aim:

This module presents and discusses advanced current concepts and practical skills relating to pelvic floor muscle anatomy, function and dysfunction within female sport and exercise. It will teach the learner how to enable their clients/patients to prevent, navigate, manage pelvic floor dysfunction (such as prolapse, hypertonic pelvic floor, incontinence etc) and related musculoskeletal complaints within a context of keeping physically active and achieving high performance in sport and exercise.

Who should apply?

This module is suitable for any healthcare professional or sports practitioner who works with active women. Suitable professions include: physiotherapists, athletic therapists, public health nurses, practice nurses and other specialist nurses or midwives, general practitioners, sport and exercise medicine physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, athletic development coaches, exercise physiologists, Pilates instructors and coaches.  Applications from international learners are also welcomed.

Learning outcomes
  • Outline the functional anatomy of the female pelvic floor
  • Describe and clinically reason using an anatomical context the relationship between the female pelvic floor and the whole body
  • Discuss and critique current concepts in the understanding of the optimal female pelvic floor within a sport and exercise context
  • Explain and clinically reason the typical mechanisms and signs and symptoms of female pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
  • Use principles of sound logical and clinical reasoning in identifying how musculoskeletal complaints can impact pelvic floor muscle function
Online delivery

This module will be 100% delivered online and is designed for those wanting to engage in education while working full-time. There will be a three hour per week commitment for 12 weeks with a mix of live classes, tutorials and online content. Learners should also allow for additional time for independent tasks and assignments.

Learners will be assessed via continuous assessment (e.g. through assignments and projects but not through a written exam).

All registered learners will have access to DCUs eLibrary and DCU’s student portal, Loop.

Entry requirements

Candidates will be expected to hold a primary Level 8 award (NFQ or equivalent) in an area of sport, healthcare profession, or health sciences or cognate area (e.g. athletic therapy, physiotherapy, sports science, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, coaching, nursing etc.). In line with DCU policy, students who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL). All RPL applicants will be invited to interview and be required to demonstrate that their learning is comparable in terms of academic level training and assessment.

Module information

Commencing: September 2024

NFQ Level 9, 10 ECTS credits

Module code: SS520

Cost: €1250