Practicum

Northern Territory Institute of Sport (NTIS)

~ 2004 ~

Johann Lo Castro
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Johann assisted with data entry for research on pre-cooling being conducted at the NTIS. Other duties he performed included data input for the ACE program and general filing; gym maintenance; development of a Theraband exercise database; and assisting with recording urine specific gravity and skin fold data as a part of the athlete profiling and testing program.

Special project: Electronic reference database (pdf. and word documents) for journal articles held by the NTIS.

Tadek Rudz
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Tadek assisted with data collection for research on pre-cooling being conducted at the NTIS. This included the measurement of blood lactate and glucose, and the setting up of skin thermistors for research subjects. His fieldwork included the determination of hydration status using urine specific gravity and colour and sweat rate estimation on a number of NTIS athletes.

Special project: 2004 tennis hydration session report written up in the form of a journal article.

~ 2003 ~

Samantha Farrow
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Sam attended a range of different sessions while at the NTIS that included weight training, fitness and skills, sport science testing and ACE/ psychology for the following sports: netball, rugby union, rugby league, AFL, cricket, athletics and tenpin bowling.

Special project: Comparisons of the cooling efficacy of different types of ice jackets

Kate Pollard
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Kate assisted with the athlete profiling for most of the NTIS squads (AFL, Cricket, Netball, Rugby League, Tennis and Ten-pin bowling). In addition, Kate processed athlete nutritional questionnaires, Bureau of Meteorology data, and conducted two primary school information days (hockey and basketball). Kate also assisted in the collection of sweat rate data and the use of ice baths in the recovery program for the AFL squad.

Special project: Heat induced illness reports

Solomon Tonga
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Solomon worked extensively with the research branch of the NTIS (National Heat Training and Acclimatisation Centre) collecting reliability data for various modes of pre-cooling, a regional sweat rate system, and laser-Doppler blood flow rates. He was also involved in profiling AFL squad members, video analysis of ten-pin bowling, and editing of a dynamic stretching video. Solomon also assisted the NTIS psychologist in developing a workshop for rehabilitation and recovery for injured athletes.

Special project: Rehydration beverage taste testing in heat acclimatised athletes

~ 2002 ~

Katherine Brown
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Kathy was Charles Darwin University's first graduate from the Bachelor of Science - Exercise and Sport Science stream. During her practicum at the NTIS Kathy attended sessions conducted by the Institute physiotherapist and was involved with recovery sessions for the hockey squad. She was also involved in sport science testing of Rugby League and Tennis. Kathy gained familiarity with Sport Discus and video analysis (Sportscoach), as well as working with the sports psychologist on pre-performance techniques.

Special project: Recovery techniques for sports

Joanna Fitzgerald
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Joanna's practicum work at the NTIS included fitness testing with the Australian Football League squad, performing calculations of sweat rates for cricketers, and video capture and analysis for netball. Joanna also worked on the video presentation for the NTIS Athlete Award night.

Special project: Shooting technique analysis of NTIS netball players

Royal Darwin Hospital

~2007~

Eliza McGregor
Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Exercise Physiology stream)

Eliza divided her clinical time between outpatients, a large variety of wards and the Northern Rehabilitation Network. Most patients Eliza worked with suffered from neurological disorders, and there were also plenty of opportunities to observe patients with gait problems before undertaking the special project.

Special project: Trialing a gait analysis system for Royal Darwin Hospital patients

Nikeeta Robinson
Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Exercise Physiology stream)

Nikeeta divided her clinical time between outpatients, a large variety of wards and the Northern Rehabilitation Network. Most patients Nikeeta worked with suffered from neurological disorders, and there were also plenty of opportunities to observe patients with gait problems before undertaking the special project.

Special project: Trialing a gait analysis system for Royal Darwin Hospital patients

Jamie Chan
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Jamie assisted with a range of acute and chronic pain clients and took a partial load independently. The partial load mainly involved conducting a knee patients exercise program during which clients were instructed and monitored on gym equipment and steps to build up muscle mass and leg strength. Balance work on wobble boards was also included and the program was run as circuit classes. Patients were discharged once sufficient rehabilitation had occurred.

Special project: Core strength and stability: Review of selected journal articles

~ 2006 ~

Roger Jones
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Roger’s main clinical activities were to observe patient treatment within the physiotherapy department, help patients with exercises and to assess individual patient’s ability to perform exercises.

Special project: Literature review on Knee Osteoarthritis.

Helena Korkka
Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Exercise Physiology stream)

Helena had the opportunity to attend patient consultation with physiotherapists, explain the rationale behind various prescribed exercises to patients, demonstrate and supervise patient’s exercise programs.

Special project: Literature review on effectiveness of treatments for chronic low back pain.

~ 2005 ~

Tracey Lane
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Tracy was engaged in providing programs for a variety of client conditions. These included low back pain, fractured and crushed limbs, and programs for patients post orthopaedic surgery. Activities involved providing the assistance for assisted stretches and ensuring clients performed prescribed exercises with the correct technique and modifying exercises where necessary. At times Tracey was required to explain exercises to patients who had little understand of English language.

Special project: Management approach and skills development for back pain - dislogenic, facet joint and spondylitic conditions.

~ 2003 ~

Janet Lemcke
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

As an Exercise and Sport Science specialist, Janet has been involved within the broad scope of activities within the physiotherapy and occupational therapy departments of the hospital. These have included ICU, burns and surgical wards as well as stroke, amputee, head injury and chronic pain management, wheelchair and orthopaedic patients. Much of Janet's time has also been spent working with outpatient musculoskeletal programs.

Special project: Exercise and activity programs for long stay elderly inpatients

Darwin Private Physiotherapy

~ 2007 ~

Danielle Meakins

Most of Danielle’s time was spent working with patients suffering from a variety of conditions by using hydrotherapy. Danielle also completed a series of pre specified standard student tasks devised by the workplace that included taping, patient mobilisation and muscle activation activities.

Special project: Report on Pilates as a method of management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions

~ 2006 ~

Joshua Hopkins
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

During his placement at the private hospital, Josh assisted with hydrotherapy sessions and one on one treatment sessions, as well as patient stretches as required.

Special project: Report on rehabilitation techniques for hamstring and groin injuries

Dianne Randall
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Dianne assisted physiotherapists in managing classes, provided individual exercise programs and stretches to specific patients.

Special project: Report on the function of education and general exercise in the management of chronic pain

~ 2005 ~

Shirleen Singh
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Shirleen worked as a physiotherapy assistant/sports scientist at the Darwin Private Physiotherapy Clinic helping in all class environments. She organised a number of one-on-one exercise based rehabilitation programs with distant supervision. The clinic particularly appreciated how Shirleen was able to relieve the work pressure on physiotherapists in group environments.

Special project: Effects of eccentric load on musculo-tendinous injuries

Robertson Barracks Medical Centre

~ 2006 ~

Sonja Saar-Kalleske
Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Exercise Physiology stream)

During her time at the RBMC Sonja met with a variety of patients, contributed to physiotherapy exercise classes, devised exercise programs and was involved with rehabilitation versions of the Combat Fitness Assessment and with the Basic Fitness Assessment.

Special project: Continued with the draft rehabilitation booklet for defence personnel, bringing it to the final proof stage of “Battling the Bulge”.

Jenna Gray
Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Exercise Physiology stream)

Jenna participated in rehabilitation administration, workplace assessments, implementation of return to work programs and psychological and pain related evaluations. During her placement Jenna was also able to observe specialised physical training classes involving defence member rehabilitation, other physical training related to the fitness of soldiers and to observe specialised physiotherapy programs.

Special project: Draft booklet for defence personnel explaining basic nutrition and physiological functions, specifically to assist them with achieving weight loss goals

Cancer Council NT

~ 2006 ~

Erin Grace
Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Exercise Physiology stream)

Erin principally worked with the breast care nurse in assisting her with client support and counselling, and in designing a new filing system for breast cancer information. Erin attended breast screening, post-surgical consultations and observed a variety of medical procedures associated with the treatment of cancer. Erin was also able to assist with exercise classes for breast cancer patients in the YWCA Encore program.

Special project: Literature review on effect of exercise on breast cancer related lymphoedema.

Healthy Living NT

~ 2005 ~

Dusan Sajdak
Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Exercise Physiology stream)

Dusan assisted with the running of the cardiac rehabilitation classes throughout his placement, as well as assisting in the role as a cardiac educator for patients. In the latter role, Dusan was able learn about cardiac conditions on a clinical level and to answer patients questions and explain medical terms.

Special project: Development of a resource - Home Exercises for People with Heart Failure

Alexandra Williams
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Alexandra was involved in conducting outpatient rehabilitation programs for patients post cardiac surgery. These four-week, two-hour programs consisted of an hour of exercise and an hour of education. Alex also participated in cardiac education within the coronary care unit at the hospital. These rounds involved check which patients were having what procedure and talk to them about basic heart anatomy and physiology relevant to their condition, what to expect in terms of their medical procedure, and the implications of their test results.

Special Project: Production of resources suitable for community based indigenous clients returning to activity and regular exercise after cardiac surgery

Nutrition Works

~ 2003 ~

Phoebe Long
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Phoebe's practicum placement has been divided between working with a dietician in private practice and with a clinical psychologist. Under the direction of the dietician, Phoebe writes nutrition-focused pieces for the NTIS newsletter, the tumble tots newsletter and is assisting with the organisation and presentation of a small group session on the glycaemic index in sport. As part of her placement Phoebe has also assisted with organisational aspects of a small business, such as entering details on to MYOB and photocopying. Observation of both private consultations and an orientation day with the clinical dietitians in a hospital, have been conducted. While working with the clinical psychologist, Phoebe has focussed on techniques of behaviour modification, as these are essential to consultancy in nutrition and dietetics.

Special Project: Evaluation of nutrition questionnaire and design of information sheets that address nutritional deficiencies

One On One

~ 2006 ~

Kim Jones
Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Exercise Physiology stream)

Kim was responsible for the cleanliness of the gym and for assisting in the training of clients in a personal training setting. He also had the opportunity of conducting a PWC75% test and participated in an initial consultation.

Special project: Report on the expectations and budget considerations of corporate business to consider corporate productivity training packages.

Yvonne Koulakis
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

During her placement at this personal training facility, Yvonne assisted with cardio-vascular and resistance training, as well as stretching activities with clients. Yvonne also gained insight into the marketing of a small business through mail outs and staffing a promotional display held in a public venue.

Special project: Research into corporate package potential for one on one personal training

Konekt

~ 2006 ~

Huyen Tran
Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Exercise Physiology stream)

Huyen’s practicum was completed on a full-time basis during which she experienced all main areas of working as a rehabilitation consultant. Huyen was responsible for partial case management by attending meetings with clients and writing case notes and reports. She also demonstrated exercises when attending exercise programs with clients.

Special project: Investigation of grip strength standards and design of brochures indicating roles of each party in the rehabilitation process. One brochure was designed for employers and another for employees.

Adam Small
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Adam’s practicum was undertaken on a full-time basis and as such he completed the new employee induction program for Konekt, to provide a through introduction to the company. Adam was then involved in pre-employment functional assessments, prescribing exercise and conditioning programs for injured workers, a number of worksite and one home visit.

Special project: Pool exercise program, information sheet for pre-employment and suitable duties program

~ 2005 ~

Tracey Merton
Course: Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science stream)

Tracey’s experience was principally focussed on the impact of workplace injury and related workplace costs and risks, and was completed on a part-time basis. This involved functional capacity testing and exercise and conditioning programs for injured workers and worksite visits, as part of work conditioning and return to work programs.

Special project: Exercise program for a client with Beck’s Muscular Dystrophy