CODE | POD5054 | ||||||||
TITLE | Principles of Biomechanics for Orthotics and Prosthetics | ||||||||
UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||
MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
DEPARTMENT | Podiatry | ||||||||
DESCRIPTION | This new study-unit forms the basis of the principles used in orthotics and prosthetics. It relates the study of mechanics to muscle function (and dysfunction). Topics that will be studied include, but are not limited to, vectors, forces, centre of gravity, equilibrium, dynamics and energetics. These will be related to skeletal muscle architecture, muscle contraction, muscle force production, length-tension and force-velocity relationships. Study-Unit Aims: This study-unit aims to furnish the student with the biomechanical knowledge needed to assess a patient's mobility and posture, and design the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic device that will address a bodily dysfunction due to illness, injury or disease. Students will delve deep into the study of mechanics as related to muscle function and dysfunction, so that they gain a deeper understanding of vectors, forces, centre of gravity, equilibrium, dynamics and energetics, as these relate to the human body and to orthotic and prosthetic devices. These mechanical functions will be related to skeletal muscle architecture, muscle contraction, muscle force production, length-tension and force-velocity relationships. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - critically comprehend the application of vectors and forces in orthotics and prosthetics; - critically analyse the principles of centre of gravity and equilibrium as applied to the body or body parts: moments, levers and stability/balance; - critically apply the theories of dynamics (inertia, linear and angular motion) to prosthetics and orthotics; - critically analyse the role of energetics (work, energy storage and metabolic cost) in the provision of orthotic and prosthetic devices; - fully comprehend the architecture of skeletal muscle and how it applies to human movement; - investigate the physiology of muscle contraction and force production. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - comprehensively apply biomechanical principles to the practice of prosthetics and orthotics; - systematically apply biomechanical and physiological principles to patient assessment; - critically apply biomechanical principles in the design of prosthetic and orthotic devices; - creatively adopt a problem-solving approach to physical dysfunction; - research further the mechanics of medical devices. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - David .A. Winter, (2009) Biomechanics and motor control of human movement (4th ed.) Wiley (Available in Health Sciences library) - M. Nordin & V.H. Frankel (Ed.), (1989) Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal system (2nd ed.) Lea & Febiger (Available in main UoM library) Clinical Biomechanics, Elsevier e-journal |
||||||||
ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Qualifications: First degree with minimum 2nd class honours in medical or health science subject | ||||||||
STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study & Tutorial | ||||||||
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
|
||||||||
LECTURER/S | |||||||||
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
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. |