MHSC8.003 Physical Activity for Health Assessment One Case Study S2, 2025

MHSC8.003 Background to this Assessment

This assessment is designed to enable students to explore and critically examine the health benefits of physical activity in relation to a specific population group. Through the development of a fictional case study, students will apply evidence-based knowledge to analyse how physical activity contributes to the health and well-being of individuals within this group.

This task supports students in developing critical thinking and academic writing skills by integrating theoretical concepts with practical, real-world applications. It also promotes an understanding of health equity, recognising the unique needs, challenges, and cultural considerations of different population groups. The assessment aligns with Learning Outcome 1 (LO1): Critically interrogate the benefits of physical activity for health.

MHSC8.003 Assessment Task

Choose one population group from the following examples:

• Women
• Children and youth
• Older adults
• Working professionals
• Māori or Pasifika communities
• Migrants or ethnic minorities
• People living with disability
• People with chronic illness

Create a fictional case study of an individual from your selected population group. Your case study should include the following components:

1.Introduction of the population group and fictional case (500 words):

• Describe the chosen population group and explain why they were selected.
• Provide background on your fictional case, including demographic, health, social, cultural, or environmental details.
• Discuss any barriers or enablers to engaging in physical activity.

2.Critical interrogation of the health benefits of physical activity (1500 words):

• Analyse the general health benefits of physical activity (e.g., cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal strength, mental well-being).
• Examine the specific health benefits of physical activity relevant to your chosen population and case study.
• Draw on physical activity guidelines (e.g., WHO, NZ Ministry of Health, specific guidelines for population groups).
• Use recent peer-reviewed literature to support and justify your arguments.

Word Limit: 2000 words (excluding references). 
Assessment Weighting: 40% of your final grade.

MHSC8.003 Guidelines

Before beginning:

• Review lectures and learning materials from Weeks 1 to 3, especially:
  oPhysical Activity Guidelines (Week 1)
  oPhysical Activity Guidelines for Special Populations (Week 2)
  oSocial determinants of physical activity and barriers to participation (Week 3)
  oPhysical activity as a preventative tool for chronic diseases (Week 3)
  oStrategies for increasing Physical Activity for specific populations (Week 2 & 3)
  While completing your case study:
• Choose your population group and case thoughtfully. Ensure that the chosen case allows you to demonstrate critical engagement with research literature and physical activity guidelines.
• Integrate insights from relevant public health strategies (e.g., NZ health equity priorities, Māori or Pasifika health models, community-based interventions).
• You can find the two submission drop boxes on your Moodle course page under the assessments tab. Please ensure that you submit your assessment in both the drop boxes (first without grammar correction, then with grammar correction).
  You can access EIT support services for academic writing. This information is provided on your Moodle course page, under the Learner Support tab or click on the link provided here https://www.eit.ac.nz/students/

Formatting

• Use the format of an academic report
• Word count of the case study is approximately 2000 words (excluding references).
• Use recent and relevant references to support your points and cite your references accurately.
• Use APA 7th referencing format for both the in-text citations and the list of references.
• Make sure that your font size and style is consistent throughout your article.
• Ensure that you spell check and grammar check your work.
• Check when to use capital letters.

MHSC8.003 OVERALL GRADE: %