Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Foundations and Procedures for Intervention in Physiotherapy

Foundations and Procedures for Intervention in Physiotherapy
5
15554
1
First semester
OB
Main language of instruction: Catalan

Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish,

Teaching staff


Dr. BARRA LÓPEZ, Martín Eusebio - mbarra@uic.es

Professor titular: Dr. Martín E. Barra López: mbarra@uic.es

Sr. Xavier Oliver Casanova xoliver@uic.es

Dra. Laura Pacheco Arajol: lpacheco@uic.es

 

Introduction

This course aims to situate and guide the student in relation to the conceptual bases of Physiotherapy with scientific and professional discipline within the health sciences. The course represents the theoretical conceptual framework to guide students in the process of developing more specific skills that will be acquired throughout their studies on more specific subjects in Physiotherapy in the undergraduate degree.

Theoretical contents:

The development of content and learning activities undertaken through the course of the subject will contribute to the knowledge of the historical evolution of Physiotherapy in the academic and professional aspect of the student. Likewise, the course will provide knowledge with theoretical bases related to the Physiotherapy profession such as professional skills and fields of professional intervention, knowledge of the care process in Physiotherapy relating to diagnosis in Physiotherapy, and elaboration of the medical history in Physiotherapy.

Likewise, the subject  is intended that students acquire knowledge related to a series of tools that will allow you to establish a good basis in order to understand and practice physiotherapy.

Theoretical and practical seminar:

Bearing in mind the role of the physiotherapist in the health care setting, it is essential that students have first practical contact from the beginning of their training. This seminar provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to the development of technical and manual skills, which will be the basis for further development of other, more specific studies that students will acquire throughout the course of their degree.

Pre-course requirements

No prerequisites have been determined for this subject.

Objectives

This course has the following objectives:

Theoretical content:

  •  Know the history of physiotherapy as an academic and professional discipline.
  •  Know the professional skills of the physiotherapist and the fields of professional performance.
  •  Know the process of care in Physiotherapy.
  •  Know the diagnostic process in Physiotherapy and the internationally validated elements of assessment.
  •  Know the structure of clinical history in Physiotherapy as well as the legal constraints when handling confidential patient/user data.
  • Know how to prepare a Physiotherapeutic clinical report.
  • Know some of the tools available (electrotherapy, hydrokinesitherapy, massage) with which they will be able to apply to their profession.

Theoretical and practical seminar:

Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to correctly apply the different electrotherapy techniques.

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.
  • CN06 - Identify the bases of interactive technologies in health sciences, favoring a creative attitude for intervention guidelines in physiotherapy.
  • CP01 - Apply different methods, procedures and physiotherapy interventions for the promotion and maintenance of health, recovery and prevention of diseases, both at the user and family level.
  • CP02 - Apply various therapeutic exercises, methodologies and physiotherapy treatment techniques to injuries and illnesses across various clinical specialties, providing comprehensive care to patients/users through multidisciplinary cooperation, process integration, and continuity of care, interpreting physician prescriptions, and making appropriate decisions in each case.
  • 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.
  • HB01 - Integrate the different ethical, legal and professional aspects in the practice of physiotherapy, as well as the essential values ​​of human dignity, acting with discretion and respect for diversity and multiculturalism, taking into account the rights of the patient/user and family members.
  • 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.
  • HB05 - Structure the different steps of the scientific method, developing the most optimal methodological skills for physiotherapy in scientific and clinical reasoning and critically analyzing the methods, protocols and treatments of Physiotherapy care so that they adapt to the evolution of scientific knowledge.
  • HB08 - Incorporate a physical therapy clinical practice based on scientific evidence.
  • HB10 - Apply the legal bases, the ethical and deontological code of physiotherapy, incorporating the ethical and legal principles of the profession into the professional culture and adjusting to the limits of their professional competence in health care.

Learning outcomes of the subject

  • MAT10 - 07. Prioritize the patient's adherence to the therapeutic intervention and their participation in the development of the objectives and recovery process.
  • MAT10 - 08. Demonstrate initiative and motivation to know the usefulness and scientific evidence in relation to the tests and functional assessments used in Physiotherapy.
  • MAT10 - 01. Correctly apply the different massage therapy techniques to the musculoskeletal system.
  • MAT10 - 02. Identify the theoretical foundations and physiological bases that justify the therapeutic effects of the different physiotherapy procedures.
  • MAT10 - 3. Apply therapeutic procedures related to the different physical agents used in physiotherapy adapted to current scientific evidence.
  • MAT10 - 04. Design intervention procedures and objectives, related to the described procedures, based on the presentation of clinical cases.
  • MAT10 - 06. Identify the importance of confidentiality in the management of clinical history data in relation to ethical and deontological aspects.

Syllabus

Block 1.

  • Conceptual foundations and historical references of physiotherapy.

  • General theory of functioning, disability, and health.

  • International classifications: ICD (International Classification of Disease) and ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health).

  • Functions of the physiotherapist: professional competencies.

  • The physiotherapy care process.

  • Professional and scientific dimension of physiotherapy.

  • Institutional organization of physiotherapy.

 

Block 2.

  • Theoretical foundations of massage therapy, physiological and therapeutic effects. 

  • Theoretical foundations and applications of different physical agents: pressure therapy, magnetotherapy, vibrotherapy, laser therapy, and biofeedback.

  • Theoretical foundations of electrotherapy, classification of electrical currents used in physiotherapy.

  • Theoretical basis of hydrotherapy, hydrokinesitherapy, and their various uses and applications during the therapeutic process.

  • Physiological basis and therapeutic effects of thermotherapy and cryotherapy.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



Theoretical classes:

Master lectures or presentation methods will be used to complete the theoretical contents and will be reinforced with Case Methods and problem solving exercises. Students will use the independent study and assessment room, which is where they will present their discussions and outcomes of different cases.

Finally, an independent study of the student's learning process will be considered so that students acquire the skills developed in the subject.

Theoretical and practical seminar:

Through problem-solving exercises and problem-based learning, students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to use the various electrotherapy technics correctly when applying the aforementioned Physiotherapy tools.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



In order to pass the course, a final written exam consisting of multiple-choice questions will be administered.


 

General Criteria

 

In order to pass the course, the student must get a minimum score of 5 out of 10.

 

In the 2nd call a similar written exam will be administered. The minimum score will be 5 out of 10.

 

In case of failing the second exam, the student will have to take the whole course again.

 

Attendance regulations in relation to the theoretical/practical seminar

The subjects in the Physiotherapy Degree present theoretical and practical content in which the main objective is the acquisition and development of procedures and technical skills that are directly related to the implementation of the skills in the profession. These classes are structured in small groups where there is direct and continuous supervision by the teacher. Therefore, attendance to seminars is considered essential and necessary to ensure the acquisition of these skills. 

Based on what has been presented above, absences will only be excused to those who have missed class due to major causes and if they represent more than the 30% of the training work, the student will be force to take the examination in the second call. The consequences derived from non-compliance with this regulation can have very negative effects directly related to the registration process (overlapping and / or academic incompatibilities), as well as the corresponding expectations in the completion of the Degree.


Bibliography and resources

Basic Bibliography (may be consulted in the Library of the Faculty)

  • Gallego T. Bases Teóricas y Fundamentos de Fisioterapia. Ed Panamericana. Madrid. 2007

  • Enciclopedia Médico-Quirúrgica. Kinesiterapia y Medicina Física (Tomo 1)

  • Clasificación Internacional de las  deficiencias, discapacidades y minusvalías: E-26-006-B-10

  • Gestión de la Calidad y Evaluación en Kinesiterapia: E-26-006-C-10

  • Clasificación de  Minusvalias: E-26-006-A-10

  • Hª de la  Rehabilitación: E-26-005-A-10

  • Clay Pounds. Masoterapia clínica básica. Madrid. McGraw- Hill. 2004. 

  • De Doménico, C. Wood. Masaje. Técnica de Beard. Madrid. Ed.Harcourt Brace. 4ª Edic. 1998

  • Fritz,S.;Fundamentos del masaje terapéutico. Madrid. Ed. Elsevier. 3ª Edic. 2005.

  • Torres, M., Salvat, I. Guía de Masoterapia para Fisioterapeutas. Madrid. Ed. Panamericana. 2006

  • Dufuor, M. Masaje. Ed. Panamericana. Madrid. Enciclopedia MQK y MF. 2007.

  • Gallou, J.J.; Grinspan, F. Masaje reflejo y otros métodos de terapia manual refleja. Ed. Panamericana. Madrid. Enciclopedia MQK y MF. 2007.

  • Kemoun, G.;Durlent, V.;Vezirian, T.;Talman, C. Hidrokinesiterapia. Ed. Panamericana. Madrid. Enciclopedia MQK y MF. 2007.

  • Viñas, F. Hidroterapia, la curación por el agua. Barcelona. Ed. Integral. 4ª Edic. 1994.

  • Lloret, M. i altres. Natación terapéutica. Madrid. Ed. Paidotribo.1ª edic. 

  • Huey ,L.; Forster, R. Manual completo de ejercicios hidrodinámicos. Barcelona. Ed. Paidotribo. 1ª Edic. 2003.

  • Cameron, M. Physical Agents in Rehabilitation. Editorial Saunders: Estados Unidos, 2008.

  • Martínez Morillo, M. Manual de Medicina Física. Editorial Hacourt Brace: España, 1998.

  • Plaja, J. Analgesia por Medios Físicos. Editorial McGraw-Hill: España, 2002.

  • Rodríguez, J. Electroterapia en Fisioterapia. Editorial Médica Panamericana: España, 2013.

  • Knight, K.L. Crioterapia. Rehabilitación de las lesiones de la práctica deportiva. Barcelona. Ed. Bellaterra. 1996.

  • Behrens, B.- Beinert, H. Physical Agents. Theory and Practice.Edición  3ª. Ed. F.A. Davis. 2014.

  • Cameron, M. Physical Agents in Rehabilitation. An Evidence-Based Approach to Practice. Ed. Elsevier.2017.

  • Crépon, F. Electrotherapie Et Physiotherapie. Applications en Reeducation Et Readaptation . Edición 1ª. Editorial Elsevier. 2012.

  • Watson, T. Electrotherapy. Evidence-Based Practice. Edición 12ª. Editorial Churchill Livingstone. 2008.

  • Huter-Becker, A. - Schewe, H. - Heipertz, W. Terapia Fisica. Termoterapia, Mecanoterapia, Electroterapia, Ultrasonidos, Fototerapia. Edición 1ª. Editorial Paidotribo. 2005.

  • Aramburu, C. - Muñoz, E. - Igual, C. Electroterapia, Termoterapia e Hidroterapia (Fisioterapia) Edición 1ª. Editorial Sintesis. 1998.

  • Prentice, W. Therapeutic  Modalities for Physical Therapists. Edición 2ª. Editorial Mc Graw-Hill. 2002.

 

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E2 01/07/2025 G6 09:00h
  • E1 20/01/2026 I2 08:00h
  • E1 20/01/2026 I3 08:00h
  • E1 20/01/2026 G1 08:00h
  • E1 20/01/2026 I1 08:00h
  • E1 20/01/2026 A16 08:00h
  • E2 01/07/2026 I2 08:00h
  • E2 01/07/2026 A15 08:00h

Teaching and learning material


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