Title / Analysis of function
Code / HEM08
Level / 7
Credit rating / 20
Pre-requisites / A research methods modules at level 7
Type of module / 1 week intensive
Aims / The aims of this module are to :-
- Advance the student's understanding of the measurement and quantification of human function.
- Enable the students to use their increased depth of understanding of this area to inform their clinical practice.
- Enhance the students understanding in this area with a view to promoting further research.
Learning outcomes/objectives / On successful completion of the module the student will be able to :-
- Evaluate the clinical value of a variety of measurement techniques used in human function studies.
- Evaluate the repeatability and reliability of measurements made using this equipment.
- Design and carry out a simple experiment using the equipment in the laboratory
Content / Theoretical basis of functional analysis:
Introductory sessions on the importance and use of quantitative indices in the quantification of human movement and the latest developments in the measurement methods available.
An exploration of current research into human function and an evaluation of the methods used by therapists in the clinical setting.
Appropriate advanced anatomy and biomechanics to underpin an understanding of objective measurement techniques.
Laboratory based sessions :
Using all the equipment detailed in learning support
Teaching and learning strategies / The theory underlying the use of the equipment will be achieved by guided independent study followed by lectures and tutorials. Integrated into the tutorials will be student led discussion groups and seminars where students will be encouraged to call upon their clinical expertise. At all times the students will be expected to consider the links between the areas that they are studying and their clinical work.
The laboratory based sessions of this module will be problem based. Initially the students will be set structured tasks which will lead them to a familiarity with the use of the equipment. In the later stages each student will choose an area of specific interest to investigate using the appropriate resources. The results of these student led sessions will form the basis of the assessment of this module.
Learning support / A module handbook circulated prior to the module with indicative reading and preparatory tasks.
No reading list is provided as the students are expected to find sources of information relevant to their own areas of clinical practice.
Use of the human movement research laboratory, including :-
Joint range measurements- manual and electrogoniometry, vicon and coda 3D kinematic systems, fastrac electromagnetic system
Muscle force measurements - manual muscle testing, handheld myometry, isokinetic dynamomter.
Ground reaction force measurement - AMTI force plate, F scan in-shoe pressure measurement system.
Muscle activity measurement - EMG, ultrasound imaging.
Assessment tasks / Assessment for this module will be by a short verbal report supported by a poster presentation of the work conducted independently in the laboratory related to their professional field.
100% of assessment task testing LOs 1-3
Brief description of module content and/or aims (maximum 80 words) / The analysis of human movement and function has been a core skill for therapists for many decades, but has been mainly undertaken in a subjective manner. There is a need to validate therapeutic skills by using objective measurement and this is now possible using recent technological advances. This module builds on existing skills and explores the use of quantitative indices to critically evaluate function and to undertake kinetic and kinematic analyses of movement. Using these skills the students will develop their ability to measure the efficacy of treatments and to evaluate outcomes.
Area examination board to which module relates / Physiotherapy
Module team/authors/ coordinator / Dr. Lucy Redhead (module co-ordinator)
Kate Carter
Semester offered, where appropriate / Semester 2
Site where delivered / Robert Dodd, Eastbourne
Date of first approval
Date of last revision
Date of approval of this version / 15th June 2011
Version number / 1
Replacement for previous module / n/a
Field for which module is acceptable and status in that field / GPHSS
Course(s) for which module is acceptable and status in course / Core module in :
PGDip/MSc Physiotherapy (Core module
PGDip/MSc Sports Injury Management
PGDip/MSc Podiatry
PGDip/MSc Podiatry with Clinical Biomechanics/Diabetes/Rheumatology
Optional module for all courses in GPHSS
School home / Health Professions
External examiner / Eileen Thornton (Sept 2012)
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