Universitat Internacional de Catalunya - Barcelona

Paediatric Physiotherapy

• code 10239
• course 4
• term Semester 1
• type op
• credits 3

Module: Physiotherapy in clinical specialties

Matter: Optativas de especialización

Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English,

Head instructor

MsU Alicia MANZANAS - amgfis@uic.es

Office hours

Mrs. Alicia Manzanas amgfis@uic.es

Pediatric Physiotherapy is a science in continuous evolution. Advances in research related to neurophysiology, biomechanics, motor learning and control, development of skills and psychomotor skills have seen a great evolution in the last two decades of important changes in pediatric practice which now offers new theoretical and practical perspectives .

  The Pediatric physical therapist can deal with children of different ages, from newborns to almost adults as well as with serious disorders and poor prognosis (spastic tetraplegia, neuromuscular disease, spina bifida, disability, etc.) or milder (congenital muscular torticollis, monoparesis, delayed motor development, etc.).

 To be sufficiently prepared, students need adequate knowledge regarding the growth and development of children in all aspects, such as the formation and evolution of the body, motor development and psychomotor development, emotional aspects and motivations of the child, and aspects of the child's relationship with the environment (space, objects and adults).

 In addition, it is necessary to know the disorders, the most common diseases and disabilities in every age; the prognosis for the future of each; the most appropriate therapeutic approach based on current scientific evidence; intervention strategies that take into account the child in its entirety and family counseling.

 From the preventive vision and assistance stand point, students need to know how to make careful assessments of each case in order to establish the objectives and intervention strategies, taking into account the diagnosis, age and personal circumstances, family and socio-economical situations.

  The ultimate goal will always be to promote the highest level of functionality and autonomy of the child during his adult life.Appropriate intervention in each stage of development will be essential to achieve this goal.

 We must also understand the role of the pediatric physiotherapist within interdisciplinary teams and coordination with other professionals involved in child care, which is important in providing adequate care.

Not specified.

The course aims to achieve four main objectives:

1- Know the child 's world. Focused on knowledge of normal psychomotor development and how children learn through relationships with the environment, play and adults.

 2- Know the specific assessments used during the pediatric age.

 3- Know the different therapeutic approaches that can be used to treat different diseases and pediatric disorders.

 4- Know the main diseases and disorders in children, reviewing basics such as time of onset, type of involvement, prognosis, treatment goals and therapeutic interventions used.

Students will address the therapeutic intervention plan of the physiotherapist as a member of an interdisciplinary team taking into account the different ages, from the stage of early intervention, to the stage of pre-adolescence.

• 01 - The ability to analysis and synthesis.
• 02 - The ability to organise and synthesize
• 12 - To be creative
• 18 - Demonstrate a patient-centered approach by showing respect for the central role of the individual and his/her needs in decision-making.
• 21 - Knowledge of the physiological and structural changes that can occur after physiotherapeutic interventions.
• 28.3 - Show respect, appreciation and sensitivity towards the work of others.
• 30.1 - Teamwork skills.
• 49 - Ability to design a physiotherapy treatment plan.

With the acquired knowledge, the student will be able to evaluate and suspect the presence of a developmental delay or disorder.

  Also get to know the most common diseases and disorders affecting the pediatric population and its prognosis. Likewise, the objectives and the therapeutic approach from Physiotherapy, each disease or disorder, along with the therapeutic approach carried out simultaneously by other professionals.

 Additionally, students will provide, at every moment of the therapeutic process, the necessary information to the patient or family and advise them on everything from the point of view from the physiotherapeutic standpoint, and students will also contribute to the development of functionality, autonomy and quality of life.

 Finally, students will obtain knowledge of the limits of their performance and, depending on the case, will be able to involve other professionals in the therapeutic or diagnostic process at their convenience such as: psychologist, occupational therapist, orthotist, child traumatologist, etc ..

Block 1

- Definition of Pediatric Physiotherapy and areas of intervention

- Introduction to the most common pathologies in the pediatric population

- Specific evaluation in paediatrics, scales and tests

- The motor development. Warning signs

Block 2

- Prematurity 

- Early attention

- Technical and orthotic aids

- Play as a tool of intervention

The final mark for this course will consist of the marks earned from the activities described below:  

Evaluation Method

CAMPBELL, SUZANN K. “Phisical therapy for children.” Saunders. 2000.

GASSIER, JACQUELINE. “Manual del desarrollo psicomotor del niño.” Ed. Masson, 1990.

GAGE, JAMES R. “The identification and treatment of gait problems in cerebral palsy.” Mac Keith Press. 2009.

GONZÁLEZ E. “Manual práctico de Reumatología Pediátrica.” Menarini. 1999.

LE MÉTAYER M. “Reeducación cerebromotriz del niño pequeño.” Educación terapéutica. Masson. 1995.

LEDOUX P, LARROQUE A. “Kinésitherapie de l'enfant paralysé.” Masson. 1995.

LEVIT, SOPHIE. “Tratamiento de la Parálisis cerebral y del retraso motor.”  Panamericana. 2002.

MACIAS, LOURDES.  FAGOAGA, JOAQUÍN. “Fisioterapia en pediatría.” McGraw-Hill.

MILLER, FREEMAN. “Physical Therapy of Cerebral Palsy.”  Springer. 2008.

MILLER, FREEMAN. BACHRACH, STEVEN J. “Cerebral Palsy. A complete guide for Caregiving.” Johns Hopkins Press. 1995, 2006.

MINGUELLA J. “Conceptos básicos de ortopedia infantil.” Ergon. 1995. 2002.

PIKLER, EMMI. “Moverse en libertad. Desarrollo de la motricidad global.”  Narcea S.A. Madrid. 1969.

SHEPHERD ROBERTA H. “Phisiotherapy in pediatrics.” Butterworth Heinemann. 1995.

SHUMWAY-COOK, ANNE y WOOLLACOTT, MARJORIE H.; “Motor Control. Theory and Practical Applications.” Lippincot Williams & Wilkins, USA, 2001.

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:

• E1 15/01/2019 08:00h
• E2 25/06/2019 09:30h