ORI1200 Biomechanics and Movement Analysis Course description

Biomechanics is an important basis for understanding the body's normal and pathological movement patterns. The focus in this course will be on gait and movement relevant to prosthetics and orthotics. Important topics include the observation of gait, calculation of forces and their effect on the body and movement patterns of different segments of the body. The course also comprises an analysis of normal gait to be carried out in a movement laboratory.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can describe basic static mechanics
• can describe the body's normal and pathological movement patterns from a biomechanical perspective
• can explain the connection between statics, including forces, equilibrium systems, bending moments, shear forces and pressure in relation to the musculoskeletal system
• can describe dynamics on the basis of inverse dynamics theory, force, work and energy

Skills

The student

• can conduct a visual gait analysis
• can use biomechanical principles to explain movement patterns
• can calculate and analyse forces and moments of force and their effect on the musculoskeletal system in movement and at rest
• can calculate and analyse translation and rotation movements and dynamic equilibrium
• can analyse numeric and graphic data from the movement laboratory

General competence

The student

• can communicate and exchange opinions based on results from visual gait analyses and data from the movement laboratory

The work and teaching methods in the course comprise seminars, skills training, lectures, digital learning resources, group work and self-study.

The following coursework requirements must be met before the student can take the exam:

• minimum attendance of 80 % at seminars and skills training.

Supervised individual written exam, 4 hours.

This course consists of a six-week period of supervised practical training in an orthopaedic technology enterprise. The practical training concentrates on users in need of foot orthoses and/or orthopaedic footwear, and the focus is on clinical work, communication with users and documenting the work in writing.

The student must have passed the first year of the programme or equivalent.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can describe user participation and is familiar with the principles for applying a client-centred approach in the clinic
• can explain organisational and structural factors with a bearing on professional practice at the practical training enterprise
• can explain the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration’s (NAV) regulations for foot orthoses

Skills

The student

• can apply knowledge of prosthetics and orthotics in relation to relevant users, issues and tasks relating to footwear and foot orthoses
• can use clinical reasoning to integrate theory and practice
• can use discipline-specific methods, tools and equipment that are relevant to clinical practice in footwear and foot orthoses
• can apply the ICF framework and relevant outcome measures to measure the effect of disabilities caused by foot problems
• can define goals based on users’ wishes regarding and right to activity, work inclusion and social participation
• can provide guidance to users on the use and maintenance of footwear/foot orthoses
• can search for, discuss and apply specialist literature and research articles

General competence

The student

• can reflect on communication and contribute to interprofessional cooperation;
• can, with some supervision, keep records and relevant documents used in the practical training enterprise
• can demonstrate and reflect on professionalism in tasks performed at the practical training enterprise
• can acknowledge and reflect on users’ right to co-determination and autonomy
• can take responsibility and initiative, demonstrate cooperation skills, independence and an ability to adapt, and treat users, partners and others with empathy and respect
• can discuss different professional approaches in interdisciplinary teams in order to develop good practices
• can discuss and critically reflect on ethical dilemmas and work in accordance with professional ethical guidelines

The work and teaching methods include self-study, interprofessional cooperative learning and external practical training under supervision.