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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.