Nutrition for functional outcomes and rehabilitation: assessment and application

Nutrition for functional outcomes and rehabilitation: assessment and application

 

The training is intended for Bachelor’s level physiotherapy graduates and practicing physiotherapists. The training will be conducted in English. The course is conducted together with Master’s level physiotherapy students. Up to 6 external participants may be admitted to the course in addition to the enrolled Master’s students.

Requirements to start studies: Bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy or a related field; basic professional knowledge and skills in physiotherapy. Participants are required to have English language proficiency at B2 level or above.

The purpose of the training: The course enables students to assess, analyse, and apply evidence-based nutrition principles across cultural and clinical contexts to develop individualized dietary strategies for patients with diverse health needs.

 

Learning outcomes: 

Upon completion of the training, the participant will be able to:

1. Explain the multicultural nature of nutrition and compares evidence-based dietary recommendations across cultures and health systems, with relevance to patient care.

2. Apply nutritional assessment methods, including dietary evaluation and body composition analysis, using digital tools and clinical techniques to inform individualized patient care.

3. Develop and recommend evidence-based nutritional strategies for patients with specific clinical needs (e.g., metabolic disorders, allergies, food intolerances, bariatric surgery), integrating interprofessional collaboration.

 

Training methods: Lectures, seminars, laboratory/practical sessions, blended learning (including synchronous online learning), independent and e-learning activities, case-based analysis, patient-specific dietary planning, use of digital tools, collaborative learning, and continuous formative feedback.

 

The structure and capacity of the course:

1. Auditory work items (lectures, seminars): 17 hours

Topics include:

• Foundations of clinical nutrition
• Nutritional assessment methods
• Dietary assessment and digital tools in clinical decision-making
• Nutrition across the lifespan
• Metabolic considerations in special conditions
• Guidelines for developing healthy diet habits for physically active persons and athletes (energy requirement, SV, protein and fat ration, micronutrient requirements, eating before, after and during a competition)
• Nutrition for specific dietary needs

2. Practical work items (hands-on training): 4 hours

Topics include:

• Body composition assessment and analysis (indirect and direct (e.g. Seca, DXA), lab input for individual case analysis

3. Independent work items (e-learning and self-study): 57 hours

Independent learning activities include:

• Digital 7-day food diary and evidence-based analysis. Students record their own or a case-based 7-day food diary using a digital platform of their choice. Then, they analyse the diary in terms of energy intake, macronutrient distribution, and micronutrient adequacy, comparing it to culturally appropriate dietary guidelines.
• Designing a nutrition plan for special conditions. Students select one clinical scenario (e.g., metabolic disorder, food intolerance, allergy or dietary preference) and develop an individualized 3-day menu that meets energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient requirements. They must justify each choice using evidence from nutrition science. Example scenarios: vegan diet, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, phenylketonuria. Output: Menu plan + short explanatory commentary citing guidelines or studies supporting choices.
• Comparative cultural nutrition assignment (group). Students select two different cultural dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean vs. Asian) and critically compare how each meets nutritional needs for a hypothetical patient population (e.g., adults with mild insulin resistance). They consider: macronutrient and micronutrient adequacy, cultural food preferences and restrictions, practical implications for patient counseling and dietary adaptation in clinical contexts. Students may choose any format for their presentation, including but not limited to: PP, poster or infographic, video, podcast/audio commentary, illustrated report or booklet.

 

Course schedule and preparatory independent learning activities

During the weeks without scheduled contact sessions, participants engage in guided independent learning activities.

Contact session days

Date	Time	Activity	Mode
26 August 2026	11:15-14:45	Lecture	Online
22 September 2026	9:15-12:45	Practical training	Onsite
22 September 2026	13:15-16:00	Seminar	Onsite
7 October	9:15-12:30	Lecture	Online
6 November	11:15-16:15	Seminar	Onsite

The on-site sessions are held at Tartu Applied Health Sciences University, Nooruse 5, Tartu, Estonia.

 

Study materials/literature used: The e-Moodle platform supports the entire course. All learning materials, learning activities, independent work deadlines, detailed instructions, and other essential course information are available there.

Mandatory learning materials:

• Jeukendrup, A. E., & Gleeson, M. (2024). Sport Nutrition (4th ed.). Human Kinetics.
• Nix, S. (2023). Williams’ Basic Nutrition and Diet Therapy (17th ed.). Elsevier.
• ESPEN Guidelines on Clinical Nutrition (latest updates 2023–2025). Clinical Nutrition.
• Volkert, D., et al. (2022). ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical nutrition and hydration in geriatrics. Clinical Nutrition.

Selected scientific article:

• Giraldo-Vallejo, J. E., et al. (2023). Nutritional strategies in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Nutrients.

Materials available in the university library:

• Spano, M., Kruskall, L.D., Thomas, T. (2017). Nutrition for Sport, Exercise, and Health. Human Kinetics.
• Kang, J. (2018). Nutrition and Metabolism in Sports, Exercise and Health. Routledge

Journal articles:

• Nutritional Strategies in the Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Athletes: A Systematic Integrative Review
• From Food Supplements to Functional Foods: Emerging Perspectives on Post-Exercise Recovery Nutrition
• Frontiers | Athletes’ nutritional demands: a narrative review of nutritional requirements
• Discussion on protein recommendations for supporting muscle and bone health in older adults: a mini review - PMC
• The anabolic response to protein ingestion during recovery from exercise has no upper limit in magnitude and duration in vivo in humans: Cell Reports Medicine

 

Requirements to complete the study, including the assesment methods and criteria:

Non differentiated assessment. Assessment follows a continuous assessment model and includes both formative and summative components. Students receive formative oral and/or written feedback from the lecturer and peers during seminar activities and through independent coursework. The final summative assessment of learning outcomes is carried out through non differentiated structured independent coursework, as outlined in the subject programme. These assignments serve as the primary evidence of achieving the intended learning outcomes and replace a final examination. Re assessment follows the procedures set out in the Study Regulations of Tartu Applied Health Sciences University.

Assessment method: Structured independent assignments

Assesment criteria:

The learner:

• Demonstrates knowledge of nutritional principles and cultural differences
• Applies evidence-based guidelines appropriately
• Accurately evaluates dietary intake and/or body composition
• Applies assessment results to inform recommendations
• Designs appropriate nutrition plans or menus for specific conditions
• Justifies choices using evidence and clinical reasoning
• Communicates clearly and uses appropriate academic and professional language

 

The achievement of the training learning outcomes is verified, and a certificate is issued to the learner upon proper completion of the assessment method and criteria. Participant who does not participate in or pass the assessment is issued a certificate of attendance indicating the completed topics.

Learning environment description:

The course is delivered over a semester using a blended learning model. Active contact learning takes place designated contact weeks (see time schedule), delivered either face to face on campus or in synchronous online format. Active interaction with the instructor and peers during these contact sessions supports collaborative learning and meaningful academic discussions, contributing to a comprehensive and integrated learning experience. The remaining weeks are dedicated to the learner’s independent study, guided by planned learning activities or the learner’s individual learning needs. During this period, learners are responsible for managing their own study process, meeting established deadlines, and completing assigned learning tasks.

 

Lecturers:

Ivi Vaher, PhD, Tartu Applied Health Sciences University Principal Lecture

Hiroyasu Murata, PhD, Tartu Applied Health University Associated Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyorin University Postdoctoral Researcher

 

Registration: You can register for the course by completing the form below or contact us by email hanna.moor(at)tartuh.ee. If you wish to register on behalf of a company, please select “Registreerin ettevõtte alt” and then fill in all required fields. After registering, you will receive an email confirming your pre-registration for the course. A couple of weeks before the course, an invoice will be sent to you, and once the invoice is paid, your registration will be confirmed. If you have any questions, please call or email: hanna.moor(at)tartuh.ee

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