Availabilities:

Location Domestic International
Gold Coast Session 1 Session 1

Unit Summary

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit

Credit points

12

AQF level

7

Level of learning

Intermediate

Unit aim

Develops student knowledge of the mechanics of abnormal foot function and methods of intervention, management and control, to optimise gait and mobility.

Unit content

Topic 1:  Orthotic principles: Introduction to orthotic use in clinical practice

  • the purpose of mechanical therapy
  • defining normal and abnormal clinical presentations
  • outlining the differences between forms of mechanical therapy

Topic 2:  Materials

  • ortho-mechanical and footwear options in practice
  • working with materials

Topic 3:  Non-cast orthoses, taping and padding techniques

  • common conditions requiring ortho-mechanical and bracing therapy
  • acute and chronic injuries

Topic 4:  Casting techniques

  • casting methods
  • lower limb
  • foot

Topic 5:  Orthotic manufacture

  • manufacturing processes
  • methods of manufacture

Topic 6:  Managing patient expectations and orthotic revisions

  • medico-legal considerations
  • practice 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.

GA1: , GA2: , GA3: , GA4: , GA5: , GA6: , GA7:
On completion of this unit, students should be able to: GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7
1 critique the concepts of mechanical therapy
2 describe the role of orthoses, bracing and footwear, including function, fitting and uses
3 demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics and uses of materials used in the fabrication of orthoses
4 explain the principles and applications of various orthomechanical therapies and casting techniques
5 demonstrate an ability to apply practical techniques in orthomechanical therapies, including strapping, padding, casting and manufacture of orthoses

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

  1. critique the concepts of mechanical therapy
    • GA1:
  2. describe the role of orthoses, bracing and footwear, including function, fitting and uses
    • GA4:
  3. demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics and uses of materials used in the fabrication of orthoses
    • GA4:
  4. explain the principles and applications of various orthomechanical therapies and casting techniques
    • GA4:
  5. demonstrate an ability to apply practical techniques in orthomechanical therapies, including strapping, padding, casting and manufacture of orthoses
    • GA4:

Prescribed texts

  • Michaud, TC, 2011, Human Locomotion: The Conservative Management of Gait-Related Disorders, Newton Biomechanics, Newton, MA. ISBN: 978-0-615-51645-5.
Prescribed texts may change in future teaching periods.