Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Neuromusculoskeletal Pathology

Neuromusculoskeletal Pathology
8
12149
1
Annual
OB
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English,

Teaching staff


Dra. BAGUR CALAFAT, Maria Caridad - cbagur@uic.es

The teaching staff will attend to all students who request it via email during scheduled hours.

Introduction

This subject addresses the main pediatric pathologies that can limit a child's potential for independence in adulthood. Understanding the different pathologies—whether caused by injury to the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, or of genetic origin—as well as their etiology and the magnitude of the lesion, influences their evolution and prognosis.

This knowledge helps in understanding the primary and secondary factors that may influence or affect the course of the pathological process and its functional impact. The subject is also designed to train students in different specific therapeutic strategies, as well as the therapeutic, social, and environmental resources that allow them to maximize function and determine the most appropriate therapeutic approach for each pathology and individual child.

Pre-course requirements

None established.

Objectives

  1. Acquire training on the pathophysiology that is triggered by an upper motor neuron injury.

  2. Develop skills in the management and clinical assessment of spasticity.

  3. Identify clinical characteristics and motor alterations associated with the different types of cerebral palsy.

  4. Apply classification and prognosis systems for motor function in cerebral palsy.

  5. Acquire basic training on the different causes of the main musculoskeletal pathologies in childhood.

  6. To understand the etiology and classification of different neuromuscular diseases in childhood.

  7. Acquire skills in planning the therapeutic approach to neuromuscular diseases according to age and type of neuromuscular disease.

  8. Acquire basic training on the etiology, assessment and sequelae of children with myelomeningocele according to the level of injury.

  9. To know and discuss the main treatment approaches in the history of pediatric physiotherapy applied to cerebral palsy.

  10. Acquire the ability to apply diagnostic processes and therapeutic strategies, as presented by the scientific community.

  11. Develop skills in choosing therapeutic strategies for different types of cerebral palsy.

  12. Acquire training on the main characteristics of the main neurological syndromes and adapt the knowledge to the physiotherapeutic needs they require according to their evolution.

  13. Understand the dimensions of individuals with multiple disabilities.

  14. Understanding the theory of Basal Stimulation as a therapeutic tool.

  15. Identify causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and adolescents and factors involved in recovery and prognosis.

  16. Acquire basic training on the diagnostic process of a child at risk of suffering from a neurological or neuromotor disorder.

  17. Identify secondary manifestations resulting from central nervous system injuries.

  18. Understand musculoskeletal consequences derived from central and peripheral nervous system injuries.

  19. Acquire therapeutic management, objectives of therapeutic strategies and post-surgical therapeutic approach.

  20. Understand instrumental and non-instrumental respiratory physiotherapy techniques and identify the most appropriate option according to the child’s needs.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

Basic and general competencies

CB7 - Students know how to apply the knowledge acquired and their problem-solving ability in new or little-known environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their area of study.

CB10 - Students possess the learning skills that will enable to continue studying in a way that will be largely self-directed or autonomous.

Transversal Competencies

CT3 - Communicate both orally and in writing using correct scientific terminology in each specialization of physiotherapy and health sciences, in both national and international contexts.

Specific competencies

CE1 -Apply knowledge about the body's response to external and internal stimuli, understanding how these become harmful mechanisms, responses, and/or repair processes.

CE6 - Redesign and adapt physiotherapy treatment by analyzing the evolution of results obtained from therapy concerning established objectives and outcome criteria.

CE7 - Stay updated and expand knowledge on child development, learning, and motor control, as well as pathologies, diagnostic processes, and therapeutic strategies presented by the scientific community.

Learning outcomes of the subject

The student:

  • Understands the different pathologies that most frequently affect the pediatric population.

  • Identifies the characteristic signs and symptoms of different pathologies.

  • Analyzes the functional impact of different clinical parameters on the development of the child's abilities and skills.

  • Identifies factors that may influence or affect the evolution of the pathological process.

  • Determines the most appropriate therapeutic approach for each case.

Syllabus

Musculoskeletal system

  • Etiology.

  • Alterations: multiple contractures, hip dysplasia, amputations and congenital limb deficiencies, infantile muscular torticollis, osteogenesis imperfecta, congenital foot deformities, brachial plexus paralysis.

  • Post surgery Physiotherapy.

Central Nervous System

  • FPathophysiology of upper motor neuron injury.

  • Cerebral palsy.

  • Clinical assessment of spasticity.

  • Clinical characteristics and motor alterations in CNS injuries.

  • Therapeutic management.

Neurological syndromes

  • Genetic causes.

  • Genetic disorders and their characteristics.

  • Basal Stimulation Theory.

Neuromuscular diseases

  • Etiology, classification and characteristics of muscular dystrophies.

  • Assessment scales for neuromuscular diseases in childhood.

Epileptic syndromes

  • Clinical manifestations.

  • Anticonvulsant medications.

Myelodysplasia and hydrocephalus

  • Etiology and types.

  • Spina Bifida: assessment according to the level of injury.

  • Pathology associated with myelomeningocele (MMC).

  • Therapeutic management, physiotherapy strategies, surgical indications.

Head injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries

  • Causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

  • Factors involved in recovery and prognosis of TBI.

Developmental coordination disorders

  • Effects of cognitive delay on motor development.

  • Sensory-motor alterations.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



Teaching Methodology

  • LM - Lecture Method
  • MC - Case Method
  • CA: Learning Contract

Learning Activities

 

Hours

Attendance (%)

CT - Theory classes

60

100%

CP - Practical classes

20

100%

AAAP - Self-learning activities

40

0%

EI - Independent study

80

0%

 

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



Since the course has a theory-practical nature, a minimum attendance of 80% of classes is required to pass the course. 

In this case, the assessment will consist of a narrative record, compiled by the student, on a chosen topic. This record will then be compiled into a final written report summarizing all of these entries.

The assessment activity will consist of:

  1. The development of a clinical case of the student's choosing, which must encompass the content of this course. This may be a real clinical case (respecting data confidentiality), or a clinical scenario developed entirely by the student. Students will have access to guidelines and requirements for this assignment on the subject's Moodle platform. This assignment will account for 70% of the final grade, provided the grade is higher than 5.0.

  2. The teaching staff will record a grade for each seminar based on the student's participation and engagement in the classroom activities. This record will account for 30% of the final grade.

Bibliography and resources

 

Useful links regarding physiotherapy in pediatrics and disability

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