The practice of healthcare professionals is changing with boundaries constantly being extended, (sports medicine, paediatrics and diabetology etc) with different client groups now seeking help on a range of complaints which often have their origin in the field of clinical biomechanics. This module is concerned with:

Applying biomechanical principles and forms of analysis to the assessment process.
Utilising data from EMG, force and pressure platform, video analysis, and other palpation and observation practices to assess the efficacy of a range of treatment regimes.
Integrating the use of the principles of clinical biomechanical practice with the selection of appropriate biomechanical therapies in the formation of effective management plans.
Evaluating the various biomechanical therapies based upon evidence gathered from clinical experience and research in the clinical biomechanics laboratory

In this module you will therefore focus on the forms of biomechanical analysis that can be utilised in treating clients seeking help with a problem of a biomechanical nature. You will examine what each form of analysis provides and how this aids the understanding of a biomechanical therapy. The therapies considered range from advice, exercise, various provision of orthoses, from chair-side to casted devices, as well as possible surgical referral. You will discuss the merits of each treatment regime.

The module is structured to investigate and emphasise the key processes underpinning the selection of therapies in the clinical use of biomechanical principles. The practical application will be expanded later in the module and the use of your experience and those of your fellow students will help build on the evidence of work undertaken for the module, which you will add to your portfolio.

The learning strategies of the module are centred on the interactive assessment employed through the use of portfolio building, of which a fuller explanation and detailed rationale is contained in the student handbook.

The general mode of delivering this module is through seminar and workshop activities using role-play, video, published papers and practical work/case studies etc., as illustrations (80%). A feature of the delivery will be the use of discussions/debates, based on evidence you have gathered for your portfolio and through this, you will be encouraged to reflect on your previous and current work. Formal lectures (20%) will be used where deemed necessary to ensure particular points of knowledge. These will be a stimulant to work and debate elsewhere in the delivery.

In the design of this module and of the others in the Clinical Biomechanics group, particular emphasis has been placed on a strategy to integrate the whole process of knowledge delivery, clinical application and assessment. It is designed to ensure that all strands of the educational experience contribute to learning and to giving you the confidence to enter research and debate. The teaching will be presented using interactive strategies reflecting contemporary adult learning principles. Group work will assure that clinical experiences are shared as part of the overall learning process.

Of the hours allocated to private study it is anticipated that this work will be related to set tasks and involve:

Collecting and reading articles and books (30%), Applying theory to practice in the clinical setting (30%), Preparation for seminar and poster presentations (20%), Collating the portfolio (20%)

Library access
Access to contemporary journals
Personal computer (Internet Access advantageous)
Clinical facilities and podiatric patients (varying age ranges preferable).
Discourse with colleagues and fellow students.

The university will provide at the relevant times:
Access to university library, printing/photocopying and IT facilities.
Tutor support.
Help in forming peer support groups.

Resources specifically during class sessions:
Anatomical models.
Presentation tools (eg. Overhead projectors, computer facilities).
Clinical facilities- couches, biomechanical measuring devices, gait analysis equipment.
Video and television equipment.
Blackboard will be used as a support mechanisum.

Contemporary journals as provided in reading lists sent by the presenter of the module in a list sent to you not less than 4 weeks prior to you attending the module.

Essential

Bartlett, R. (1999) Introduction to sports biomechanics, E&FNSpon, London ISBN 0-443-07838-6
Renawat and Positano (1999) Disorders of the heels, rearfoot and ankle, Churchill Livinstone. ISBN 0-443-07838-6
Wallance,W. (1993) Biomechanical basis of orthotic management. Oxford, Butterworth-Heinmann.
Valmassey, R. (1996) Clinical biomechanics of the lower extremity. St. Louis, Mosby.
ISBN 0-801679869

A collection of evidence presented as a portfolio supporting the attainment of the learning outcomes.

The essence of the assessment is to test:

Your reflection on your work.
Self appraisal, identification of gaps and the actions you took to fill them.
A continuous record of study and practice.
Organisation of evidence as a demonstration of gaining and using biomechanical knowledge and skill in practice.

You will therefore need to include:

Evidence of you participating in the designed learning experiences/activities.
Demonstration through various mechanisms that learning has taken place as evidenced on two levels:
1.Academic (the demonstration of gaining biomechanical knowledge, the process of attaining and selecting this knowledge for your portfolio, and the rationale for its inclusion with cross linkage between different areas within your portfolio)
2.Clinical Application (evidence of your biomechanical application in the work place setting and provision by you of a written critical evaluation of how your clinical work has changed as a result of attending the course.

Your attention is also drawn to the general assessment principles for the Clinical Biomechanics group of modules outlined in the student handbook. Assessment will also include extensive feedback to you.

Pass
Proficient, fluently, presented arguments that demonstrate understanding of theoretical issues in the application of knowledge.
Work includes critical analysis that demonstrates breadth and depth of literature and knowledge in the subject area, and originality in presentation.
The use of evidence demonstrates an understanding of the advancement of the boundaries of knowledge and is used as a basis for problem - solving.
Referencing is complete and accurate.

Merit
A piece of work which meets all the requirements of a pass grade and in addition:
Presents arguments which have been underpinned by a thorough exploration of data and conceptual - based evidence which may go beyond the boundaries of the discipline. Discussion communicates ideas and arguments logically, concisely, clearly and effectively.

Distinction
An outstanding piece of work which meets all of the requirements of a merit grade and in addition:
Demonstrates creativity and innovation.
There is substantial evidence of critique, challenge and original thought.
The arguments presented are compelling and authoritative and demonstrate synthesis to support new ideas