Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

The Principles of Biophysics and Biomechanics Applied to Physiotherapy

The Principles of Biophysics and Biomechanics Applied to Physiotherapy
7
13425
1
Second semester
FB
Basic training
Biophysics
Main language of instruction: Catalan

Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish

Teaching staff


Contact:

Theory:

Dr. Bertram Müller

bmuller@uic.cat

 @ Biolab with prior appointment

 

1st practical part:

Prof. José Ramírez Moreno

jramirez@uic.es

 

2nd practical part:

Dr. Bertram Müller

Introduction

This document constitutes the teaching program developed for the course: Principles of Biophysics and Biomechanics applied to Physiotherapy, with the intention to inform students about the objectives, skills, content, methodology, bibliography and evaluation systems.

The theoretical part will be held in English.

The practical part will be held in Catalan, Spanish and English.

Pre-course requirements

Undetermined

Objectives

This course aims to provide the necessary theoretical knowledge for Physiotherapy students so that they are able to understand the functionality of the human body from a biophysics and biomechanics perspective, as well as the ability to apply that knowledge in their future professional work.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • 01 - The ability to analysis and synthesis.
  • 02 - The ability to organise and synthesize
  • 03 - Knowledge of a foreign language.
  • 04 - To have computing skills within the field of study.
  • 05 - The ability to manage information.
  • 06 - To have comprehensive problem-solving skills.
  • 07 - Demonstrate decision-making skills.
  • 08 - The ability to work within an international context.
  • 09 - Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
  • 10 - Develop autonomous learning skills.
  • 11 - The ability to adapt to new situations.
  • 12 - To be creative
  • 13 - Knowledge of other cultures and customs.
  • 14 - Demonstrate initiative and an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • 17 - The ability to work responsibly and autonomously, so as to handle job-related activities without the need for strict supervision.
  • 18 - Demonstrate a patient-centered approach by showing respect for the central role of the individual and his/her needs in decision-making.
  • 20 - Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, emphasising the dynamic interrelationship between structure and function, in particular of the musculoskeletal, the nervous and the cardiorespiratory systems.
  • 21 - Knowledge of the physiological and structural changes that can occur after physiotherapeutic interventions.
  • 22 - Knowledge of factors that affect human growth and development throughout the lifespan.
  • 23 - Knowledge of the principles and theories of physics, biomechanics, kinesiology and ergonomics applicable to physiotherapy.
  • 24 - Knowledge of the physical bases of the various physical interventions and their applications in physiotherapy.
  • 25 - Knowledge of the principles and applications of measurement procedures in biomechanics and electrophysiology.
  • 26 - Knowledge of the application of ergonomic and anthropometric principles.
  • 27 - Knowledge of psychological and social factors that affect the health of the individual, family and community.
  • 28 - Understanding of theories of communication and interpersonal skills.
  • 29 - Knowledge of healthcare education theory and awareness of the student's own lifelong learning process.
  • 30 - Knowledge of the factors involved in teamwork and leadership.
  • 30.1 - Teamwork skills.
  • 31 - Knowledge of health care administration and management procedures—especially those related to physiotherapy—within a diverse and changing context.
  • 33 - Knowledge of criteria and indicators for quality assurance in physiotherapy care according to guidelines for good clinical practice and professional standards.
  • 37 - Knowledge of ethics, legal and professional issues in physiotherapy practice.
  • 37.3 - appreciation and respect for diversity and multiculturalism
  • 37.4 - adhere to professional competencies and standards in health care
  • 44 - Knowledge of research and assessment methodology that integrates theory and research in the design and implementation of effective physiotherapy.
  • 45 - Knowledge of problem-solving and critical thinking theories.
  • 48 - Ability to establish a physiotherapeutic diagnosis according to international norms and using internationally validated assessment tools.
  • 50.2 - Ability to design and apply therapeutic exercises specifically designed for cardiorespiratory, orthopedic, traumatologic, pediatric, rheumatologic, geriatric, neurologic, pulmonary, and sport-related diseases and injuries, as well as those for spine defects, urinary and fecal incontinence and pre/post-partum exercises.
  • 50.4 - Ability to design and apply different electrotherapy modalities, thermotherapy and cryotherapy, phototherapy, ultrasound therapy, vibrotherapy, magnet therapy, ergotherapy and pressotherapy.
  • 50.9 - Ability to prevent and avoid risk when applying treatment.
  • 51 - Ability to assess the outcomes of the physiotherapy treatment against the initial goals set and the established outcome criteria.
  • 52 - Ability to provide effective physiotherapeutic care by providing comprehensive assistence to patients/clients.
  • 54 - Ability to interact effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
  • 56 - Capacity for self-assessment of knowledge, skills and attitude.
  • 57 - Ability to keep up-to-date on knowledge, skills and attitudes related to professional competencies through continuous education.
  • 59 - Ability to apply quality assurance mechanisms to physiotherapy practice by adhering to criteria, indicators and quality standards recognized and validated for good professional practice.
  • 61 - Ability to motivate others, through the capacity to generate a desire and enthusiasm for active participation in any kind of project or task.
  • 62 - Capacity to read and understand physiotherapy literature written in the English language.
  • 63 - Ability to use the terminology and language structures of English in the field of physiotherapy.
  • 64 - Capacity to understand the main ideas and to participate in conferences or lectures in the English language.
  • 65 - Ability to give oral and written presentations in the English language.

Learning outcomes of the subject

Students:

  •  Understand the basic principles of physics applied to the musculoskeletal system.
  •  Develop skills related to critical thinking and decision making by solving problems and exercises.
  •  Learn the evaluation systems and measurements in Biomechanics in pathology and sport.
  •  Understand the physical basis to properly design and implement therapeutic exercises such as suspension systems, pulley therapy and free weights.

Syllabus

 0. Introduction

1. Physics applied to the human body

  • Mechanics

  • Electromagnetism

  • Fluid-dynamics

  • Thermodynamics

 

2. Function of the human body

  • Mechanics of motion

  • Tissues and other materials

 

3. Measurement of function

  • Gait & Motion

  • Methodologies

Teaching and learning activities

In person



Students will also have to complete assignments based on applying the following methodologies: project oriented learning, cooperative and independent study.

The teaching methodology of the sessions will be based on the presentation method. This methodology is complemented by solving exercises and problems.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



The final grade of the course consists in a theoretical part (70%) and a practical part (30%).

You will need at least a 5.0 in both individual parts in order to pass the course. There will be a 2nd call for both if needed.

 

The grade of the theoretical part(based on 100%) will be calculated as follows:

 

50% Project based Learning (PBL) (not recoverable)

50% Individual exam

 

You need to achieve at least a 5.0 in the individual exam in order to pass the theoretical part.

If a student fails just one of the two parts, the part passed will be acknowledged as such in the future. 

Bibliography and resources

  • Buckup K. Clinical tests for the musculoskeletal system: examinations-signs-phenomena. 2nd ed. Thieme; 2008.
  • Buschmann J, Bürgisser GM. Biomechanics of tendons and ligaments: tissue reconstruction and regeneration. Duxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier/Woodhead Publishing, an imprint of Elsevier; 2017.
  • Crowell B. Light and Matter [Internet]. Fullerton College; 2015
  • Enoka RM. Neuromechanics of human movement. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 2015.
  • Fucci S, Benigni M. Biomecànica de l’aparell locomotor aplicada al condicionament muscular [Internet]. 1988 
  • Hall SJ. Basic biomechanics. Seventh edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2015.
  • Hamill J, Knutzen K, Derrick TR. Biomechanical basis of human movement. 2015.
  • Knudson D. Fundamentals of Biomechanics [Internet]. 2017 
  • McGinnis PM. Biomechanics of sport and exercise. 2013.
  • Müller B, Wolf S, editors. Handbook of Human Motion [Internet]. 1st ed. Springer International Publishing; 2018 
  • Neumann DA. Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system: foundations for physical rehabilitation /[edited by] Donald A. Neumann. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby/Elsevier; 2010.
  • Nordin M, Frankel VH. Basic Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001.
  • Oatis CA. Kinesiology: the mechanics and pathomechanics of human movement. 2017.
  • Peterson DR. Biomechanics: Principles and Practices. 2015.
  • Biomechanics: principles and applications. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 2008.
  • Richards J. The Comprehensive Textbook of  clincal Biomechanics [Internet]. 2018
  • Robertson DGE, Caldwell GE, Hamill J, Kamen G, Whittlesey SN. Research Methods in Biomechanics, Human Kinetics; 2014 
  • Schneck, Bronzino. Biomechanics: principles and applications. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2003.
  • Viladot Voegeli A. Lecciones básicas de biomecánica del aparato locomotor. Barcelona; New York: Springer; 2001.
  • Winter DA. Biomechanics and motor control of human movement. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley; 2009.

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 24/05/2022 08:00h
  • E2 21/06/2022 08:00h