module specification

This module is focused upon the safe and effective clinical examination and assessment (E&A) of the peripheral anatomical region of the body and the application of manual therapy techniques based on the clinical interpretation of these E&A findings. The module also develops the students’ understanding of the theory which underpins these practical elements including knowledge of common injuries, injury processes and the general practise of Sports Therapy.

Guidance notes: Students must pass the practical attendance in order to sucessfully complete the module

ST4002

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This module aims to provide the students with the knowledge, understanding and ability to safely and effectively conduct a thorough examination and assessment of a peripheral joint. The students will gain an understanding of the structure and function of specific parts of the human body and relate these to the pathological responses (injury and healing) and subsequent management of common sports/dance related injuries. Students will gain the understanding, knowledge and expertise to apply safe and effective manual therapy to the peripheral joints by introducing the students to the concepts and current philosophies of manual therapy techniques.

The module also aims to develop the ability to clinically interpret athlete information, formulate clinical decisions to develop a treatment program based on knowledge of common sporting/dancing injuries, their mechanics and their sporting demands. The knowledge obtained through completion of this module provides the students with essential skills which are key competencies for their future employment as a Sport Therapist. They will also gain key fundamental skills such as communication, personal responsibility and decision making, which are transferable to a wide range of employments.

• Subjective and objective clinical examination and assessment techniques: theory, practice and application
• Philosophies of manual therapy and application of manual therapy techniques to the peripheral joints
• Clinical reasoning of athlete information, understanding biomechanics of joint movement and theory of mobilisations to develop appropriate manual therapy techniques - priorities, planning and progressing
• Detailed pathology of specific structures within the human body and the healing process including relevance to manual therapy techniques
• The anatomy, aetiology, pathology, presentation, complications and treatment options for common sporting/dancing injuries of the musculoskeletal system
• Ethical and legal issues in Sports Therapy including maintaining contemporaneous patient records and notes
• The role of the Sports Therapist within an interdisciplinary sport/dance medical team
• Macro and micronutrients and hydration in an injured and healthy athlete/dancer

The module will consist of practical sessions with demonstrations by the lecturer followed by small group work to apply the techniques. This will be blended with online videos which will be transmitted during practical sessions and available as self-directed practise. Students will be encouraged to discuss examination and assessment, manual therapy techniques and case studies to solve cases and derive treatment plans. Formal lectures will be given on the theory that underpins the concepts of Sports Therapy practice covered in this module. This will then be applied to cases and discussed in seminar/practical sessions. Weblearn tools such as discussions, interactive quizzes and multiple-choice questions will be used to enhance student-learning, engagement and provide formative self-assessment.

Reflective learning will be a key focus of the practical sessions, encouraging verbal and written peer reflection on their skills. These skills – examination and assessment and manual therapy - are essential for a Sports Therapist and therefore will underpin the students on graduation in the Sports Therapy workplace. The practical skills will also develop their professionalism and communication which are transferable skills to the wider employability marketplace.

298

1.5 hours lecture and 2 hours practical/seminar for 28 weeks plus 2 hour revision within exam weeks equalling 100 contact hours (33%)

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an appropriate and comprehensive examination of a peripheral anatomical region in a safe and effective manner understanding the clinical reasoning for each part of the examination
2. Interpret findings from clinical assessments to formulate, develop and demonstrate appropriate and safe manual therapy techniques
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the philosophies of manual therapy techniques and apply clinical reasoning, functional anatomy, biomechanics and understanding of the effects to clinical examples.
4. Identify common sports/dance injuries of the peripheral limbs in relation to pathology, aetiology, healing processes and possible complications
5. Recognise the pathological changes of the musculoskeletal system and the management of these tissues
6. Comprehend, analyse and formulate case notes pertinent to Sports Therapy practices.

Formative assessment strategies are implemented on weekly basis in the form of online self-assessments during independent study and peer assessments during practical classes.

Summative assessments aim to provide a variety of assessment methods whilst ensuring all learning outcomes are met.

The presentation (30%) assesses the students’ ability to research and use appropriate scholarly sources to discuss either a sport/dance injury.  Reference must be made to the aetiology, pathology, complications and management options within a sporting/dancing context.

The practical exam 1 (30%) assesses the students’ ability to carry out an examination and assessment of a peripheral joint. The subsequent viva requires that the students justify aspects of the examination and assessment protocol.

The practical exam 2 (40%) requires the students to comprehend and analyse a set of case notes making a clinical decision as to a safe and appropriate treatment. It will also involve a viva discussion of manual therapy philosophies and their approach to treating the symptoms of the case in a sporting/dancing context. Students will then be required to carry out appropriate manual therapy techniques.

Students must obtain at least 40% to pass this module. In addition students must normally obtain at least 35% in each component of assessment within this module. A mark of between 35% and 39% may be compensated by other components if the performance in practical components is safe. If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%. Satisfactory attendance must be achieved for progression from this module to be awarded.

Satisfactory attendance must be achieved for progression from this module to be awarded.

Pass all components and attendance component for practical sessions due to the requirements of The Society of Sports Therapists.

Brukner, P. and Khan, K. (2011) Clinical Sports Medicine (4th Ed). McGraw-Hill; Australia

Maitland, G.D. (2006) Peripheral Manipulations (4th Ed). Butterworth Heinemann.

Mulligan, B. (1999) Manual Therapy ‘NAGs’, ‘SNAGs’, ‘MWMs’ etc. Plane View Services

Nordin, M. and Frankel, V. (2003) Basic Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins

Palastanga, Field and Soames (2011) Anatomy and Human Movement: Structure and Function (6th Ed). Butterworth and Heinemann