B5925 - FISIOTERAPIA DEI DISTURBI VESTIBOLARI E DELL'EQUILIBRIO

Learning outcomes

Critically acquire the most recent evidence on the pathophysiological interpretation, classification, assessment, and physiotherapeutic treatment of vestibular and balance disorders.

Course contents

• Vertigo and dizziness: how to assess them
• Vestibular reflexes and posture
• Bed-side examination of the vestibular system
• Vestibular compensation mechanisms
• Techniques for visual stability
• Techniques for postural stability

Readings/Bibliography

Manzari L, Curthoys IS. New tests identify patterns of vestibular loss. Clin Neurophysiol. 2017 Aug;128(8):1522-1523.

MacDougall HG, McGarvie LA, Halmagyi GM, Rogers SJ, Manzari L, Burgess AM, Curthoys IS, Weber KP. A new saccadic indicator of peripheral vestibular function based on the video head impulse test. Neurology. 2016 Jul 26;87(4):410-8

Tramontano M, Manzari L. The physiotherapist and vestibular rehabilitation: remarks and new strategies, Frontiera ORL – Anno III, N. 1 – aprile/giugno 2012

Cullen KE. The vestibular system: multimodal integration and encoding of self-motion for motor control. Trends Neurosci. 2012 Mar;35(3):185-96. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2011.12.001.

Goldberg JM, Cullen KE. Vestibular control of the head: possible functions of the vestibulocollic reflex. Exp Brain Res. 2011 May;210(3-4):331-45.

Zhang YB1, Wang WQ. Reliability of the Fukuda stepping test to determine the side of vestibular dysfunction. J Int Med Res. 2011;39(4):1432-7.

Tramontano M, Cinnera AM, Manzari L, Tozzi F, Caltagirone C, Morone G, Pompa A, Grasso MG. Vestibular rehabilitation has positive effects on balance, fatigue and activities of daily living in highly disabled multiple sclerosis people: A preliminary randomized controlled trial. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2018 Nov 8. doi: 10.3233/RNN-180850

Tramontano M, Bergamini E, Iosa M, Belluscio V, Vannozzi G, Morone G. Vestibular rehabilitation training in patients with subacute stroke: A preliminary randomized controlled trial. NeuroRehabilitation. 2018 Jul 16. doi: 10.3233/NRE-182427.

Bonnì S, Ponzo V, Tramontano M, Martino Cinnera A, Caltagirone C, Koch G, Peppe A. Neurophysiological and clinical effects of Blinfolded Balance Training (BBT) in Parkinson's disease patients: a preliminary study. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2018 May 9. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.

Tramontano M, Medici A, Iosa M, Chiariotti A, Fusillo G, Manzari L, Morelli D.The effect of vestibular stimulation on motor functions of children with cerebral palsy. Motor Control Journal./dx.doi.org/10.1123/mc.2015-0089

Tramontano M, Morone G, Curcio A, Temperoni G, Medici A, Morelli D, Caltagirone C, Paolucci S, Iosa M. Managing the mantainment of gait stability during dual walking task: effects of age and neurological disorders. European Journal of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine. In Press

M. Tramontano, S. Bonnì, A. Martino Cinnera, et al., “Blindfolded Balance Training in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Sensory-Motor Strategy to Improve the Gait,” Parkinson’s Disease, vol. 2016, Article ID 7536862, 6 pages, 2016. doi:10.1155/2016/7536862

Teaching methods

Lectures, practical demonstrations, hands-on exercises among participants, clinical case discussions, problem-based learning and small group simulations

Assessment methods

The assessment methods may include evaluating the competencies acquired during the course through a multiple-choice questionnaire and/or an oral examination in which the candidate will be asked questions related to the course contents. The evaluation criteria include: logical reasoning skills, understanding of theoretical concepts, theoretical-practical knowledge of assessment principles, and the ability to contextualize concepts to specific clinical cases.

With a score of ≥ 18, the evaluation will result in a "pass" (idoneità).

Written Exam

The assessment is carried out through a test composed of multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions. The multiple-choice section includes 15 questions, scored as follows: +2 for a correct answer, -1 for an incorrect answer, and 0 for no answer. The open-ended section consists of 3 questions, scored as follows: +3 for a correct answer, -3 for an incorrect answer, and -1 for no answer.

Students have 35 minutes to complete the written exam. The use of any supporting material such as textbooks, notes, or electronic devices is not permitted during the exam.

The maximum achievable score, if all answers are correct and complete, is 30 cum laude.

The exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

Oral Exam

The purpose of the oral exam is to assess the student's ability to apply their knowledge and to demonstrate logical and deductive reasoning. The final grade is determined according to the following criteria:

• 18–19: Knowledge of a very limited number of topics covered in the course; analytical ability emerges only with the instructor’s guidance; overall correct language use.

• 20–24: Knowledge of a limited number of course topics; independent analytical ability limited to procedural questions; correct language use.

• 25–29: Knowledge of a broad range of course topics; ability to make independent choices and conduct critical analysis; good command of specific terminology.

• 30–30L (cum laude): Comprehensive knowledge of the course topics; ability to make autonomous critical analyses and connections; full command of specific terminology; strong argumentative and reflective skills.

Teaching tools

PC, multimedia equipment, examination tables for demonstrations and simulations.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) [file:///C:/Users/paola.taddei/Desktop/estate%202024/CdL%20FISIO%20COORDINATORE/20.6.25%20e%20segg%20MAILguideweb/(https:/site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students)] as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives

Office hours

See the website of Marco Tramontano