Physiotherapy in Neurology Course Paper (REK_212)
About Study Course
Objective
To acquire the knowledge and skills for performing functional assessment and neurological examination in patients with central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) damage.
To learn about pain, movement, posture, pose, coordination and balance disorders caused by neurological diseases, changes in muscle tone and how to correct them.
To acquire knowledge of physiotherapy techniques and methods, to analyse, apply and justify the choice of therapeutic measures in patients with functional impairments caused by neurological CNS and PNS diseases.
Prerequisites
Anatomy of the nervous system, physiology and pathological physiology, practical skills in human kinesiology and biomechanics. Basic principles of motor control.
Learning outcomes
As a result of the studies, the student will be able to describe the concepts of functional, postural, coordination, muscular strength, tone, sensation, gait disorders caused by neurological diseases. The student will be able to describe and know the aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and basic principles of treatment of the most common diseases of the PNS and CNS.
Will be able to analyse and explain the aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations of and basic principles of physiotherapy in case of acute and chronic radiculopathy, myofascial pain.
Will be able to describe the aetiology, pathogenesis, classification and treatment of stroke and transverse spinal cord lesion.
Will be able to explain the principles of selection of therapeutic measures, effects, indications in patients with functional disorders caused by damage to the nervous system.
As a result of the studies, the student will be able to apply special tests in the diagnosis of neurological disorders, perform functional assessment of patients with functional disorders caused by damage to the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), develop an optimal physiotherapeutic treatment plan, will know how to select and apply appropriate physiotherapy methods and techniques in the treatment of neurological patients, appropriate therapeutic measures to improve muscle strength, restore muscle length, correct muscle imbalances, reduce spasticity, improve coordinated and sequential muscle activity, posture and gait. The student will be able to demonstrate palpation of myofascial pain points and soft tissue techniques, massage elements to relieve myofascial pain. Will be able to use PNF, PIR, McKenzie elements, spasticity reduction techniques and positioning. Will know how to apply an appropriate physical medicine procedure.
The student will be able to demonstrate the use of basic facilitation techniques to stimulate motor development.
As a result of the studies, the student will be able to assess the functional status of a neurological patient using functional muscle tests, posture and gait analysis, and will be able to interpret special neurological tests. Will be able to analyse the different causes of limitations in movement and postural control. Will be able to make conclusions on possible reasons for changes in posture and gait. Will be able to justify the choice of tests and evaluate contraindications for performing the tests. Based on the results of functional tests and neurological examinations and interpretation thereof, the student will be able to set realistic functional goals, develop a physiotherapy programme including therapeutic exercises, soft tissue techniques and elements of PNF, PIR, McKenzie concepts. Will be able to adjust daily activities to the prevention of movement disorders. Will be able to justify and demonstrate the use of basic facilitation techniques to stimulate motor development.
Study course planning
| Study programme | Study semester | Program level | Study course category | Lecturers | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy, RFF | 6 | Bachelor’s | Required | Dace Driba, Dace Stirāne, Marita Spuntele-Kondrjakova | |
| Physiotherapy, RFFN | 6 | Bachelor’s | Required | Dace Driba, Dace Stirāne, Marita Spuntele-Kondrjakova |
