In order to demonstrate knowledge of the practice of athletic training, to think critically about the practices involved in athletic training, including the ability to integrate knowledge, skill and behavior, and to assume professional responsibility, the entry-level certified athletic trainer must plan, implement, document, and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic exercise programs for the rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries and illnesses.

The cognitive and psychomotor competencies and clinical proficiencies should encompass multiple methods and techniques of therapeutic exercise, performed via a variety of mediums (e.g. aquatic therapy, etc.), in the following categories:

• Exercises and techniques to improve joint range of motion
• Exercises to improve muscular strength
• Exercises to improve muscular endurance
• Exercises to improve muscular speed
• Exercises to improve muscular power
• Exercises to improve balance, neuromuscular control, and coordination
• Exercises to improve agility
• Exercises to improve cardiorespiratory endurance
• Exercises to improve activity-specific skills including ergonomics and work hardening

The use of learning objectives and outcomes in therapeutic exercise ensures that the student is able to:

Psychomotor Competencies

1. Assess a patient to determine the specific therapeutic exercise indications, contraindications, and precautions.
2. Obtain and interpret baseline and postexercise objective physical measurements to evaluate therapeutic exercise progression and interpret results.
3. Inspect therapeutic exercise equipment to ensure safe operating condition.
4. Demonstrate the appropriate application of contemporary therapeutic exercise and techniques according to evidence-based guidelines.
5. Instruct the patient in proper techniques of commonly prescribed therapeutic exercises.
6. Document rehabilitation goals, progression and functional outcomes.
7. Perform a functional assessment for the safe return to physical activity.

Clinical Proficiency
Synthesize information obtained in a patient interview and physical examination to determine the indications, contraindications and precautions for the selection, application, and evidence-bases design of a therapeutic exercise program for injuries to the upper extremity, lower extremity, trunk and spine. The student will formulate a progressive rehabilitation plan and appropriately demonstrate and/or instruct the exercise and/or techniques to the patient. Effective lines of communication should be established to elicit and convey information about the patient's status and the prescribed exercise(s). While maintaining patient confidentiality, all aspects of the exercise plan should be documented using standard record-keeping methods.