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Unit of Study BIO20002 - Biomechanics of Gait (2015)

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Unit Snapshot

  • Enrolment information

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Unit description

Enhances and develops student's theoretical and practical knowledge in the in the field of lower limb biomechanics.  

Unit content

1. Biomechanical principles

  • Kinematic and Kinetic concepts
  • Clinical measurement tools of foot posture in podiatric practice
  • Evidence base for assessing foot posture in podiatric practice

2. Assessment of the spine, hip and knee

  • Locomotion, clinical gait analysis and analysis of dynamic movements
  • Fundamental descriptions of gait cycle
  • Terminology of gait
  • Neurophysiological basis of gait
  • Development of gait (childhood to old age)

3. Assessment of the foot and ankle

  • Locomotion, clinical gait analysis and analysis of dynamic movements
  • Fundamental descriptions of gait cycle
  • Terminology of gait
  • Neurophysiological basis of gait
  • Development of gait (childhood to old age)

4. Root theory

  • Historical perspective
  • Normal versus ‘abnormal’ foot structure
  • Pathomechanics

5. Tissue Stress Model & SALRE Theory

  • Tissue properties and their relationship to gait
  • The response of connective tissues to normal and abnormal gait

6. Electromyography and muscle activation

  • The response of muscles to normal and abnormal gait

7. Sagittal Plane Theory

  • Underlying principles
  • Assessment
  • Compensatory mechanisms
  • Orthotic protocols

8. 2D and 3D analysis of gait and mobility

  • Digital photography
  • Video photography and video based software
  • Treadmill analysis
  • Plantar pressure systems
  • In-shoe pressure systems
  • Goniometry
  • Force platforms

9. Pathomechanics

  • Pathological gait
  • Neurological considerations
  • Structural considerations

Availabilities

Location Domestic International
Gold Coast Session 1 Session 1

Learning outcomes and graduate attributes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
Learning outcome count Learning outcome description GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7
1 demonstrate knowledge of the kinematic and kinetic concepts
2 demonstrate knowledge of the mechanics of both normal and abnormal foot structure and function
3 apply the techniques necessary for biomechanical observation and gait analysis
4 apply contemporary theories to conduct, record and evaluate biomechanical examination of the lower limb
5 explain the relationship between biomechanical disorders and clinical manifestations in practice

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. demonstrate knowledge of the kinematic and kinetic concepts
    • GA2:
    • GA4:
  2. demonstrate knowledge of the mechanics of both normal and abnormal foot structure and function
    • GA4:
  3. apply the techniques necessary for biomechanical observation and gait analysis
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
  4. apply contemporary theories to conduct, record and evaluate biomechanical examination of the lower limb
    • GA1:
    • GA2:
    • GA4:
  5. explain the relationship between biomechanical disorders and clinical manifestations in practice
    • GA4:

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts
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Prescribed Texts
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Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.