Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
The Principles of Biophysics and Biomechanics Applied to Physiotherapy
Other languages of instruction: Spanish
Teaching staff
Theory:
Prof. Bertram Müller (bmuller@uic.cat)
@ the Biolab with prior appointment
Practical part:
Prof. Jose Ramírez-Moreno (jramirez@uic.es)
with prior appointment
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 and Spanish.
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.
- 05 - The ability to manage information.
- 06 - To have comprehensive problem-solving skills.
- 07 - Demonstrate decision-making skills.
- 09 - Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
- 15 - Demonstrate a concern for quality.
- 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.
- 23 - Knowledge of the principles and theories of physics, biomechanics, kinesiology and ergonomics applicable to 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.
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
THEORETICAL PART
0. Introduction
1. Physics applied to the human body
Thermodynamics, Fluid-dynamics, Electromagnetism, Mechanics
2. Human motion
Mechanics of motion, Gait, Methodologies for analysis
3. Tissue Mechanics
Basic behaviour of bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons and ligaments
PRACTICAL PART
1. Basic principles of human gait
2. Systems to evaluate foot, posture and gait
3. Relationship between biomechanical analysis and therapeutical interventions
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%). This calculation will only be applied if a minimum grade of 5 over 10 is reached in each individual part following the second call. If a student failed in one of the parts in the second call, the final grade will be shown as the grade of the failed part.
PRACTICAL PART
Students will have a test as well as project works:
- The theoretic-practical test consists of written and oral questions (50% of the grade for this part).
- Individual project work to be realised outside the lecture time (50% of the grade for this part).
Additionally, a continuing evaluation will rate students learning capabilities as well as interest.
THEORETICAL PART
The grade of the theoretical part (based on 100%) will be calculated as follows:
40% Project based Learning (PBL) in small groups. Minimum grade of a 5.0 required to pass the theoretical part. Due to the format of PBL, a student not passing at the first call will have an individual project to present for the second call.
10% Individual online-exam at midterms.
50% Individual exam at the end of the course. A minimum of a 5.0 is required for passing the theoretical part, either at the first or the second call.
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
- E1 30/05/2023 A04 10:00h
- E1 30/05/2023 A01 10:00h
- E1 30/05/2023 A02 10:00h
- E2 20/06/2023 08:00h