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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
Co-requisites
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.
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:
-
critique the concepts of mechanical therapy
- GA1:
-
describe the role of orthoses, bracing and footwear, including function, fitting and uses
- GA4:
-
demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics and uses of materials used in the fabrication of orthoses
- GA4:
-
explain the principles and applications of various orthomechanical therapies and casting techniques
- GA4:
-
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.