Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Physiotherapy Assessment

Physiotherapy Assessment
3
15556
1
First semester
OB
Physiotherapy assessment
Physiotherapy assessment
Main language of instruction: Catalan

Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish,

Teaching staff


Responsable:  Dra. Aïda Cadellans Arróniz: acadellans@uic.es

Profesores: Sr.David López Cajo: dlopez@uic.es, Dra.Monique Messaggi Sartor: msartor@uic.es

Introduction

Bearing in mind the role of the physiotherapist in the professional field, it is essential that the student has a first practical contact from the beginning of their studies. The syllabus is distributed in different thematic blocks and provides the student with the manual skills, the theoretical knowledge and, fundamentally, practical skills necessary for the subsequent development of other more specific techniques that will be acquired throughout the degree. In the subject of Assessment  the exploration of the upper extremities, lower extremities and spine will be developed: palpation, joint and muscular balance.Likewise, the student will learn a battery of specific assessment tests that will be very useful during the patient's exploration.

Pre-course requirements

Not specified.

Objectives

  • Learn the process of evaluation and diagnosis of a patient within the scope of physiotherapy.

  • Know the theoretical basis of assessment procedures in physiotherapy.

  • Learn the system of international assessment standards and identify functional physiotherapy assessment instruments.

  • Know the application of functional assessment procedures in relation to the assessment of muscle strength, joint range and functional abilities.

  • Learning to identify the functional alterations and disabilities that we can find in patients in the processes related to physiotherapy care

  • Be able to perform a record of assessment data to be recorded in the physiotherapy clinical history.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CN01 - Distinguish the theoretical bases, general physiotherapy procedures and models of action in physiotherapy to be applied in the different diseases of all devices and systems and in all specialties of medicine and surgery.
  • CN04 - Define the different physiotherapeutic assessment and treatment procedures, in accordance with internationally recognized standards and international validation instruments.
  • CP03 - Assertively communicate, both to patients and families, the different physiotherapy proposals that are necessary for good adherence to the treatment, prioritizing the needs of the patient/user to prioritize those that most compromise the recovery process.
  • CP05 - Organize a specific physiotherapy treatment plan (Intervention Plan) according to the patient's health status, demonstrating an adequate capacity for execution, direction and coordination of said plan, using critical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and therapeutic tools specific to physiotherapy, all while taking into account the principle of the user's individuality as well as criteria of adequacy, validity, and efficiency.
  • HB02 - Contrast the clinical information necessary to systematically prepare and complete the complete physiotherapy clinical history, where all the steps followed from the reception of the patient/user to the physiotherapy discharge report are adequately and effectively recorded.
  • HB03 - Demonstrate the ability to develop autonomous work with an entrepreneurial spirit, which establishes the basis for the development of a quality physiotherapy intervention, as well as the ability to work in an interdisciplinary health team in a responsible manner, possibly in an international context, with effective communication. and motivating, all with an attitude of learning and improvement.
  • HB06 - Evaluate the evolution of the results obtained in the physiotherapy treatment in relation to the set objectives, redesigning the objectives according to the assessment if necessary, to adapt the intervention or treatment plan to the new objectives where appropriate.
  • HB07 - Examine the patient's health status, considering the physical, psychological and social aspects and identifying the evolutionary phases of the psychological development of the human being from birth to death for the analysis of how these processes intervene within a physiotherapy intervention.
  • HB08 - Incorporate a physical therapy clinical practice based on scientific evidence.

Learning outcomes of the subject

  • MAT08 - 01. Explain the stages of the diagnostic procedure in physiotherapy.
  • MAT08 - 02. Describe the theoretical bases of assessment procedures in physiotherapy.
  • MAT08 - 04. Apply the appropriate functional assessment procedures related to the assessment of muscle strength, joint range, functional capacities and vital capacity.
  • MAT08 - 05. Distinguish functional alterations and disabilities in those processes related to physiotherapy care, identifying the needs of the patient/user in order to establish a priority in care within the recovery process.
  • MAT08 - 06. Properly record the significant data of the assessment in the Physiotherapy Clinical History.
  • MAT08 - 07. Create a Physiotherapy discharge report.
  • MAT08 - 08. Demonstrate an attitude of motivation and improvement in your learning process.
  • MAT08 - 03. Identify the internationally recognized standards and international validation instruments used in the functional physiotherapy assessment.

Syllabus

  • Theoretical foundations of assessment in physiotherapy: assessment, evaluation, and diagnostic procedures.

  • Concept of functional assessment in physiotherapy, assessment of independence and activities of daily living.

  • General theoretical foundations related to palpation, inspection, and measurement procedures; applied to the musculoskeletal system.

  • Basic concepts of the clinical interview in physiotherapy.

  • Preparation of physiotherapy reports, types of reports.

  • Description and application of practical assessment and physical examination procedures in different body regions.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



This course will use the flipped classroom methodology, a pedagogical approach that places the student at the center of the learning process. In this model, theoretical content will be studied outside the classroom, primarily through audiovisual materials, guided readings, or other digital resources provided by the instructor. This allows in-class time to be dedicated to more practical and participatory activities, such as problem-solving, debates, group work, concept application, and personalized feedback.

For this approach to be effective, it is essential that students complete the preparatory tasks before each in-person session, as these form the foundation for the activities that will take place in class.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



The subject will be evaluated as follows:

1st call: the course grade will consist of 40% written exam, 40% of a practical assessment and 20% of a continous evaluation. 

Theoretical part: written exam: will consist of a test-type exam integrating the entire syllabus, and will be held during the exam week at the end of the semester, in the Computer Rooms.

Practical Part: Practical Evaluation: at the end of classes period, the students will be cited by pairs to respond about practical execution, from questions related to: muscular Balance, joint Balance and / or specific orthopedic tests. The test will be independent for each student. 

Continous Evaluation: will consist  in a multiple choice exam that will be taken during the academic year, which will be done in class. And students will be invited to have active participation in class by answering specific questions about the content seen in the previous class. Class attendance will be considered also. 

2nd call: In case of not reaching the minimum score (5,0), the student will have to submit to the second call of the corresponding part, which will follow the same format described in the first call.

0 to 4.9: Fail/F (Suspenso in Spanish)

5.0 to 6.9: Pass/C (Aprobado in Spanish).

7.0 to 8.9: B (Notable in Spanish)

9.0 to 10: A (Sobresaliente in Spanish)

 

Attendance Regulations

Regulations relating to theoretical-practical subjects:

  •  It is essential, for the correct development of the classes, punctuality in the beginning and end of the subjects.

  • The student must attend the class with the appropriate clothing: UIC pajamas or UIC tracksuit. In addition, you must wear the shorts and top (in the case of women) of the University. Otherwise, the student will not be able to enter the class, considering an unexcused absence. It will be previously established if there is an exception with a seminar.

  • The change of clothing must be done in the locker room. Under no circumstances will students be allowed to change in gyms.

  • Regarding the development of the teaching activity in the gyms, it should be taken into account that the theoretical-practical subjects contain didactic activities consisting of maneuvers or manipulations that, with the supervision of the teacher, students perform among themselves, in groups of three. It will often require exposing certain areas of the body. That is why all procedures must be carried out following ethical and moral criteria, respecting the privacy and values of the patient / student being served. Avoid uncomfortable situations or that hurt the sensitivity or sense of moderation of the students, refraining from making comments that may lead to a negative interpretation of any of the attendees.

  • It is necessary that, at the end of the class, the student collaborates in restoring the correct order of the gymnasium: correct positioning of the chairs, stools, wedges, rollers, mats ... It must be taken into account that the gyms are common spaces for the different degree courses, postgraduate courses and other university activities, so they have to be dynamic and organized spaces that facilitate the teaching and learning activity.

  • The use of the gyms for practices outside the hours will be through the request of the space in Reception under the responsibility of the student.

Attendance to the theoretical-practical subjects is mandatory in its entirety. The attendance to a minimum of 70% of the face-to-face classes is required for access to the evaluation of any of the blocks of the subject. Failure to meet this criterion by the student will mean a "No Presented (NP)" in the 1st call, and the impossibility of presenting in 2nd call.

Bibliography and resources

Buckup K. Pruebas clínicas para patología ósea, articular y muscular: exploraciones, signos, síntomas. 5th ed. Barcelona: Elsevier Masson; 2014

Busquet L. Las cadenas musculares. Barcelona: Paidotribo; 2003.

Calais-Germain B. Anatomía para el movimiento. Barcelona: Libros de la liebre de marzo; 1991.

Clarkson HM. Musculoskeletal assessment: joint range of motion and manual muscle strength. 3rd ed. Wolters Kluwer-LWW; 2012.

Cutter NC, Kevorkian CG. Manual de valoración muscular. Madrid: Mc Graw-Hill interamericana; 2000.

Daza Lesmes J. Test de movilidad articular y examen muscular de las extremidades. Madrid: Médica Panamericana; 1996.

Delavier F. Guía de los movimientos de musculación: descripción anatómica. 4th ed. Barcelona: Paidotribo; 2004.

Díaz Mancha JA. Valoración Manual. Barcelona: Elsevier; 2014.

Dvorák J, Dvorák V. Medicina manual: Diagnóstico. 2nd ed. Barcelona: Scriba; 1993.

Enciclopedia Médico-Quirúrgica de kinesiterapia y reeducación funcional; Tomos 1-2-3-4, París: Editions Techniques; 1998.

Gerhardt JJ, Cocchiarella L, Randall DL. The practical guide to range of motion assessment. USA; American Medical Association Press; 2002.

Hainaut K. Introducción a la biomecánica. Barcelona: Jims; 1976.

Hislop HJ, Montgomery J. Pruebas funcionales musculares. 6th ed. Madrid: Marbán; 1999.

Hoppenfeld S. Exploración física de la columna vertebral y las extremidades. México: El Manual Moderno; 1979.

Kapandji IA. Cuadernos de fisiología articular (tomos I, II y III). Barcelona: Toray Masson; 1973.

Kendall, FP. Músculos: pruebas funcionales, postura y dolor. 5th ed. Madrid: Marbán; 2007.

Lacôte M, Chevalier A-M, Miranda A, Bleton J-P, Stevenin P. Valoración de la función muscular normal y patológica. Barcelona: Masson;1984.

Lynn Palmer M, Epler Marcia E. Fundamentals of musculoskeletal assessment techniques. 2nd ed. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 1998.

Miralles Marrero R, Puig Cunillera M. Biomecánica clínica del aparato locomotor. Barcelona: Masson; 1998.

Norkin CC, White DJ. Measurement of joint motion: a guide to goniometry. 5th ed. Phyladelphia, PA: FA Davis Company; 2016.

Reese NB, Bandy, WD. Joint range of motion and muscle length testing. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier; 2017.

Schneider W, Dvorák J, Dvorák V, Tritschler T. Medicina manual: Terapéutica. 2nd ed. Barcelona: Scriba; 1994.

Tixa S. Atlas de anatomía palpatoria de cuello, tronco y extremidad superior: investigación manual de superficie. Barcelona: Masson; 2000.

Tixa S. Atlas de anatomía palpatoria de la extremidad inferior: investigación manual de superficie. Barcelona: Masson; 1999.

Valerius K-P, Frank A, Kloster BC, Hamilton CH, Lafont EA, Kreutzer R. El libro de los músculos: anatomía, exploración, función. 5th ed. Buenos Aires: Médica Panamericana; 2013.

Van Ost L. Cram session in goniometry and manual muscle testing: a handbook for students & clinicians. Slack Incorporated; 2010.

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 19/01/2026 A24 08:00h
  • E1 19/01/2026 G2 08:00h
  • E1 19/01/2026 G1 08:00h
  • E1 19/01/2026 A23 08:00h
  • E1 21/01/2026 G2 08:00h
  • E1 21/01/2026 G1 08:00h
  • E2 30/06/2026 I3 08:00h
  • E2 30/06/2026 I1 08:00h
  • E2 30/06/2026 I2 08:00h
  • E2 30/06/2026 G1 08:00h
  • E2 30/06/2026 G2 08:00h