2nd year professional physical therapy students. A systems approach to the study of relevant physiologic, pathologic, medical, and therapeutic concepts and procedures related to the practice of physical therapy for individuals with, or at risk for developing, impairments and functional limitations from pathology of the vascular, cardiac and respiratory systems. Classroom and laboratory activities organized around case studies help the student develop entry-level competencies for physical therapy practice. Primary topics related to physical therapy examination include history, systems review and tests and measures including aerobic capacity and endurance, anthropometric characteristics, and ventilation, respiration and circulation. Psychological, economic, social, cultural and vocational aspects of illness and disability are also discussed.
Concepts are cumulative and based on mastery of previously learned knowledge and skills.
Seminars, independent study and experimental learning activities are used throughout the course. This course prepares students to practice as entry-level physical therapists when working with infants, children, and youth with neurologic dysfunction. Although the focus is on screening, examination, PT-diagnosis, treatment, and management of neurologic dysfunctions that begin during the pediatric part of the life span, the course will also look at the management of those primary dysfunctions effect on other body systems, and aging. Field work, demonstrations, case histories, and laboratory practice are used with traditional learning methods to develop empirically-guided practical skills. 3rd year professional physical therapy students.