Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE POD2014

 
TITLE Podiatric Clinical Biomechanics 2

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 6

 
DEPARTMENT Podiatry

 
DESCRIPTION The study-unit is aimed at furthering knowledge acquired from POD1007. The study-unit will be composed of two components: part 1, students will be introduced to the concept of paradigms underpinning Podiatric Biomechanics. These include the range of Theoretical Concepts and Frameworks that relate Podiatric Biomechanics to Clinical Practice.

Related Podiatric orthopaedic conditions including Hallux Abducto Valgus, Ankle Equinus and Functional Hallux Limitus will be explored in detail. In the second part, students will be introduced to measurement of lower limb joint motion, application of observational and video gait analysis, together with foot pressure measurement anlaysis.

Study-unit Aims:

The study-unit is aimed to provide further understanding of human locomotion, assessment of gait utilizing various modern techniques/instrumentation and introduction of theoretical frameworks, with a special focus on the lower limbs. Foot orthopaedic conditions related to abnormal biomechanics will be explored.

This will be implemented through theoretical and practical sessions, as well as demonstrations throughout the year.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Relate the understanding of normal and abnormal function of the human locomotor system as it specifically relates to lower extremity and foot pathology;
- Discuss the development and limitations of various biomechanical theories and models pertaining to the lower extremity;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical knowledge regarding podiatric biomechanics in a clinical context;
- Discuss the various modalities of capturing data relating to human movement in pathological gait;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy, axes of motion, range of motion and function during gait of the hip, knee, ankle, subtalar, midtarsal, first metatarsophalangeal and fifth metatarsophalangeal joints; and
- Discuss the various methods that may be utilized for gait analysis including observational gait analysis, foot pressure mapping, motion capture and electromyography.

2. Skills:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Develop skillfull techniques in various ways in which human movement is analyzed from a biomechanical perspective;
- Develop the ability to measure and assess joint movement and to relate findings to pathological conditions;
- Apply complex biomechanical measurements and analysis techniques for the objective assessment of human movement;
- Develop observational skills relating to foot posture;
- Experiment with complex applications of data capture systems; and
- Develop confidence in the use of biomechanical techniques and equipment used in a laboratory setting.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Text:

- Clinical Biomechanics of the lower extremities, edited by Ronald L Valmassy. Published: St Louis, Mosby, 1996.

Supplementary Readings:

- Gait Analysis: An introduction. Michael W Whittle. 5th edition. Published Oxford, Butterworth-Heinemann. 2012.
- Perry. Gait Analysis. 2nd Edition. 2010. Slack Incorporated: Thorofare (USA).
- Richards. Biomechanics in Clinic and Research. 2008. Churchill Livingstone: London.
- Assessment of the lower limb. edited by Linda Merrimann, David R Tollafield. Published: Edinburgh; New York, Churchill Livingstone 1995.

 
RULES/CONDITIONS Before TAKING THIS UNIT YOU MUST TAKE POD1007

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Please note that a pass in all assessment components is obligatory for an overall pass mark to be awarded.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Practicum

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Clinical Assessment [See Add. Notes] (1 Hour) SEM2 Yes 50%
Examination [See Add. Notes] (2 Hours) SEM2 Yes 50%

 
LECTURER/S Alfred Gatt (Co-ord.)
Tiziana Mifsud

 

 
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The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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