75287 - Physiotherapy in Neurology - (IM)

Learning outcomes

The student will acquire the ability to apply knowledge and understanding on the most appropriate therapeutic modalities in the neurological field. He/she knows how to design, plan and execute the physiotherapy intervention by identifying the methods and times of application in the perspective of a global and/or analytical approach.

Course contents

The course addresses the theoretical and methodological principles of neurological physiotherapy by integrating neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and clinical knowledge with clinical reasoning based on the best available scientific evidence.

The course covers the following topics:

• the Computational, Anatomical and Physiological (CAP) model of the motor system as a framework for understanding motor control;
• clinical reasoning in neurological physiotherapy and the application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF);
• physiotherapy assessment of individuals with neurological disorders, with particular emphasis on the selection, administration and interpretation of outcome measures;
• scientific evidence supporting rehabilitation interventions for the major neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease);
• neurological syndromes associated with major clinical conditions (e.g., neglect, apraxia and pusher syndrome) and their implications for physiotherapy management;
• the effects of pharmacological treatment on neurological rehabilitation and their clinical implications for physiotherapists;
• guided discussion of clinical cases aimed at integrating theoretical knowledge with clinical decision-making and rehabilitation planning.

The course also promotes the development of transferable skills in clinical reasoning, critical appraisal of scientific literature, and justification of clinical decisions according to the principles of Evidence-Based Practice.

Readings/Bibliography

Main textbook

• Sandrini G., Dattola R., Smania N. Compendio di Neuroriabilitazione. Verduci Editore, 2nd edition.

For each topic, selected scientific papers, systematic reviews, international clinical practice guidelines, and consensus documents will be made available through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (Virtuale) and accessible via the University Library System.

Further readings

Additional scientific literature will be recommended during the course to support further study of specific topics.

Teaching methods

The course is delivered by in-presence lectures.

Teaching activities include:

• interactive lectures supported by multimedia presentations;
• guided discussion of clinical cases;
• critical appraisal of scientific literature;
• clinical reasoning exercises focused on the selection of outcome measures and rehabilitation planning;
• classroom discussions comparing different evidence-based rehabilitation strategies.

The University's Virtual Learning Environment (Virtuale) is used to provide lecture materials, scientific articles and additional learning resources.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment consists of a written examination including multiple-choice questions covering all topics addressed during the course.

The examination is designed to assess:

• knowledge of the theoretical principles of neurological physiotherapy;
• the ability to interpret the main neurological clinical conditions;
• the ability to select and interpret outcome measures;
• understanding of the scientific evidence supporting rehabilitation interventions;
• the ability to apply clinical reasoning to the management of simple clinical cases.

The examination lasts about 30 minutes.

During the examination, the use of textbooks, lecture notes, electronic devices or any other supporting material is not permitted.

The final mark is awarded on a 30-points scale, and the examination is passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

Assessment criteria are as follows:

• 18–21: basic knowledge of the course contents with limited ability to apply concepts;
• 22–24: good knowledge of the course contents and appropriate application to common clinical problems;
• 25–27: solid knowledge with the ability to integrate scientific evidence and clinical reasoning;
• 28–30: excellent mastery of the course contents, critical interpretation skills and appropriate application to clinical cases;
• 30 with honours: comprehensive knowledge, excellent ability to integrate concepts, independent clinical reasoning, and accurate use of scientific terminology.

No mid-term assessments or pre-examination assignments are required.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

With regard to assessment, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is prohibited. Any use of AI during the examination constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

 

Students with temporary or permanent disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD) are encouraged to contact the University's support services well in advance so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged, consistently with the learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Teaching materials will be made available through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (Virtuale) and will include:

• lecture slides;
• scientific articles;
• international clinical practice guidelines;
• systematic reviews;
• consensus documents;
• additional learning materials.

Generative Artificial Intelligence may be used as a study support tool, for example to summarise learning materials, rephrase concepts or support self-assessment. Students remain responsible for critically evaluating the scientific accuracy and reliability of AI-generated outputs before using them in their learning process.

 

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) 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 Andrea Turolla