The module is aimed at all allied health professionals who are involved in musculoskeletal therapies

In addition to standard library and IT facilities; the students in this module will require:

Anatomical models
Presentation tools -(computer facilities)
Clinical Facilities - couches, biomechanical measuring devices. Gait analysis equipment
Tape, Core stability Ball

Anthony, RJ. (1991). The manufacture and use of functional foot orthoses. Basel, Karger
Macdonald R (2004) Taping Techniques, Principles and Practice 2nd Ed Butterworth Heinemann.
Valmassey R. (1996) Clinical biomechanics of the lower extremity. St. Louis, Mosby.

Formal Lectures are used to ensure particular points of knowledge (8 hours are allocated to this type of deliver)
There is a stimulant to work and debate elsewhere in the delivery with group work, practical lab sessions, presentations and practical activities. (42 hours of university class contact time

Portfolio building entails thorough reading around subject areas, (100 hours) with preparation for case study including researching for the relevant patient and following through the treatment process. (50 hours) analysing results, preparation and write up of portfolio (100 hours). Total number of study hours = 250

All pre course reading materials, course documentation and power point presentations delivered during contact weekends will be available through blackboard. Students are encouraged to participate in the discussion forums within blackboard to enhance the teaching / learning experience.

100% Portfolio (6000 words) based around tasks to ensure all learning outcomes are met
The portfolio is based around tasks that will be reflective of the content of the weekend
Task 1 - Outcome Measures LO - 2,3,7,4
Critically debate and reflect on an outcome measure utilised in your clinical practice. Discuss the relevance of utilising such measures and how you could improve or alter your clinical practices. Present your findings to the group prior to writing up.
Task 2 - Taping effectiveness LO - 1,2,4,7
Discuss and debate the mechanical effect of implementing Taping as a therapy to the foot to alter the dynamics of the arch during walking. This practical session will allow analysis of a common taping technique utilised for heel pain. The results from the practical session should be discussed in relation to current thought to the effectiveness of this therapy
Task 3 - Orthoses LO - 1,2,4,7
Write up a case history involving orthotic principles and how your prescription aimed to alter the patient's mechanics and symptoms. This will be presented as a formative seminar.
Task 4 -Alternative Therapies - LO 1,3,5,6
Reflect on the use of alternative therapies in the management of musculoskeletal conditions and what effect they have on managing pain.
Task 5 - Multiple Therapies LO- 2,5,6
Discuss the relevance of multiple therapies when devising a management plan for a patient presenting with a particular complaint. Reflect how each individual therapy alters function and contributes to the relief of symptoms.

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Biomechanics suite of modules are normally delivered in seminar style teaching, which involves encouraging students to engage in discussion/ debate. This provides opportunities for constructive feedback which will come from students involvement in informal and formal presentation. The presentations can either involve a group of students or individuals presenting their own case studies. Module staff also provide formative feedback through tutorials and blackboard discussion groups.

The primary aims of the therapies that are implemented in the clinical environment are to relieve the symptoms reported by the presenting patient. This module will be focused around the following subject areas.

Review of Outcome measures
Elective surgery of the foot and ankle
Stretching, strengthening, core stability and the role they play in rehabilitation of injury
Effectiveness of taping and taping techniques
Introduction to pain management with alternative therapies.
Orthoses and the use in changing mechanics.