Neurological Physiotherapy
Overview
This unit consolidates and extends students’ knowledge of neuroscience, biomechanics and contemporary evidence to safely and effectively assess, treat and manage people with neurological presentations from diverse backgrounds. This unit further develops clinical reasoning skills based on the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model and utilising evidence-based outcome measures and interventions. The unit outlines the role and scope of neurological physiotherapy in the inter-disciplinary setting.
Requisites
Rules
Pre-requisite
Admission into MA-PHYS - Master of Physiotherapy
OR
MA-PHYS1 - Master of Physiotherapy
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Critically evaluate and synthesise current research evidence underpinning assessment and intervention of common neurological presentations
- Select, perform and justify appropriate and safe physiotherapy assessments for people with neurological presentations
- Apply effective clinical reasoning to analyse and explain the findings of assessments and produce prioritised problem lists and person-centred goals relevant to people with neurological presentations
- Safely perform, evaluate and justify evidence-informed and person-centred physiotherapy interventions for people with neurological presentations within inter-disciplinary contexts
- Interpret and effectively communicate clinical information to clients, caregivers and inter-disciplinary team members from diverse backgrounds to enhance understanding, inclusivity, and engagement in the therapeutic process
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Activity Type | Activity | Total Hours | Number of Weeks | Hours Per Week | Venue Type and Activity Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online | Lecture | 24 | 12 weeks | 2 | |
| On-campus | Lab | 24 | 12 weeks | 2 | Lab 1 For timetabling 4 hours x 6 weeks description to include: Fortnightly practical 1,3,5,7,9,11 |
| On-campus | Lab | 12 | 6 weeks | 2 | Lab 2 For timetabling 2 hours x 6 weeks description to include: Fortnightly practical 2,4,6,8,10,12 |
| Specified Activities | Various | 54 | 12 weeks | 4.5 | Readings, Problem-based learning activities, Discussion board, Preparation for Peer-reviewed practice examination |
| Unspecified Activities | Independent Learning | 36 | 12 weeks | 3 | Independent study, Assignment preparation, Examination preparation |
| Total Hours: | 150 | Total Hours (per week): | 13.5 | ||
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 30% | 1,2,5 |
| Practical and Oral Examination | Individual | 30% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Practical Examination | Individual | 40% | 2,3,4,5 |
Content
- Neuroscience and introduction to common neurological presentations
- Physiotherapy evidence-based assessment and intervention for common neurological presentations
- Outcome measures and goal-oriented framework for assessment and evaluation
- Therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy techniques for people with common neurological presentations
- Introduction to technologies that support assessment and intervention for common neurological presentations
- The role of physiotherapy as part of an inter-disciplinary team in the management of people with neurological presentations
- Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Verbal communication
- Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies 1 – Information literacy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.