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Unit Summary
Unit type
UG Coursework Unit
Credit points
12
AQF level
Level of learning
Intermediate
Former School/College
Pre-requisites
Unit aim
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
Learning outcomes
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 | 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:
-
demonstrate knowledge of the kinematic and kinetic concepts
- GA2:
- GA4:
-
demonstrate knowledge of the mechanics of both normal and abnormal foot structure and function
- GA4:
-
apply the techniques necessary for biomechanical observation and gait analysis
- GA1:
- GA4:
-
apply contemporary theories to conduct, record and evaluate biomechanical examination of the lower limb
- GA1:
- GA2:
- GA4:
-
explain the relationship between biomechanical disorders and clinical manifestations in practice
- GA4:
Prescribed texts
- Kirtley, C, 2006, Clinical Gait Analysis: Theory and Practice, Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier.
- Neumann, DA, 2009, Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System , Elsevier.