42244 - Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 1

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will have acquired the clinical tools necessary for assessing joint muscle function in order to plan rehabilitation programs and evaluate outcomes in the context of the main pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. They will also be familiar with the principles of physiokinesitherapy techniques.

Course contents

Introduction to physical medicine and rehabilitation
Classical biomedical model and biopsychosocial model
Impairment Disability Handicap
ICIDH and ICF classifications
Rehabilitation team
Rehabilitation project
Rehabilitation program
Prostheses, aids, and orthoses
Rehabilitation outcome

Functional assessment
Assessment scales
Kinesiological assessment
ROM assessment: active and passive
Manual muscle testing

Deconditioning
Deconditioning of the musculoskeletal system
Prevention of deconditioning
Therapeutic exercise

Osteoarthritis
Principles of treatment and prevention
Knee arthroplasty
Post-surgical rehabilitation

Readings/Bibliography

Texts/Bibliography


Basaglia N, Rehabilitation Medicine - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Principles and Practice, Idelson Gnocchi


Kapandji IA, Functional Anatomy, Feltrinelli


ICF International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, Erickson


Shultz SJ, Houglum PA, Perrin DH, Physical Examination of the Musculoskeletal System. Assessment of Musculoskeletal Injuries, Piccin-Nuova Libraria

Teaching methods

Lectures with the aid of PowerPoint presentations and videos. Interactive methods to encourage active student participation.
Assessment and evaluation methods

Assessment methods

Enrolment for the exam is mandatory via Alma Esami in a single exam for the Integrated Course in MEDICAL-SURGICAL CLINICAL PRACTICE OF THE LOCOMOTOR SYSTEM together with the Orthopaedics module.
The final exam consists of an oral or written exam in which the student will mainly discuss a topic from the program. During the interview, questions will also be asked to assess the student's level of knowledge of the proposed topic and other topics in the program, their critical ability to connect different pieces of knowledge, and their overall understanding of the topics covered in class.
The exam will be considered passed if the student has demonstrated sufficient knowledge in each topic.
The student's achievement of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in class, combined with their critical use, ability to make connections, and demonstration of mastery of expression and specific language will be evaluated with excellent grades. The criterion for integrating the grade into the final overall CI assessment is the weighted mathematical average based on credits.

Final grade scale:


Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the instructor, overall correct language expression → 18-19;
Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and independent analytical skills only on purely executive issues, correct language expression → 20-24;
Preparation on a wide range of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analysis choices, mastery of specific terminology → 25-29;
Substantially exhaustive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analysis and connection choices, full mastery of specific terminology and ability to argue and self-reflect → 30-30L


Students with learning disorders and temporary or permanent disabilities are invited to contact the dedicated office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti) as soon as possible so that appropriate compensatory measures can be agreed upon. The request must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the instructor, who will assess the appropriateness of the measures, taking into account the educational objectives.

Teaching tools

During the lessons, PowerPoint presentations and educational videos will be shown. Teaching materials deemed useful for preparation and supplementation will be posted on the University platforms or are available from the instructor.

Office hours

See the website of Lisa Berti