75301 - Physiotherapy in Specialist Area (IM)

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student is able to apply knowledge and understanding regarding the clinical-functional assessment of individuals with cardiopulmonary disorders. They understand the objectives and are capable of planning, scheduling, and implementing physiotherapy interventions for individuals with respiratory or cardiac conditions and/or those who have undergone surgery or transplantation. The student understands the epidemiology, preventive aspects, and main surgical techniques associated with burns. They understand the role and purpose of rehabilitation and are capable of planning, scheduling, and implementing appropriate rehabilitation interventions for burn patients. The student understands the theoretical principles and is capable of planning, scheduling, and applying physiotherapy interventions for patients with pelvic floor dysfunction or urinary and fecal incontinence.

Course contents

RESPIRATORY PHYSIOTHERAPY AND REHABILITATION

1. Introduction to Respiratory Physiotherapy

• Historical background
• The role of the respiratory physiotherapist

2. Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System

3. The Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR) Approach

4. Clinical and Functional Assessment

• Patient observation and assessment of vital signs
• Thoracoabdominal mechanics
• Chest auscultation
• Cough assessment
• Dyspnoea assessment
• Exercise capacity evaluation

5. Instrumental Assessment

• Diagnostic imaging
• Pulmonary function and lung volumes
• Assessment of respiratory muscle function
• Evaluation of gas exchange

6. Tracheostomy Tube Management

7. Respiratory Physiotherapy Techniques and Devices

• Airway humidification
• Upper and lower airway clearance techniques
• Airway suctioning
• Lung expansion techniques
• Principles of mechanical ventilation

8. Oxygen Therapy and Aerosol Therapy

9. Exercise Training and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

10. Respiratory Physiotherapy in Clinical Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Bronchiectasis
• Asthma
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Sleep-Disordered Breathing
• Atelectasis
• Neuromuscular Disorders
• Cardiothoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation
• The Critically Ill Patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

REHABILITATION OF BURN PATIENTS

1. Anatomy Review

2. Burns: Etiology, Pathophysiology and Classification

3. Scar Formation and Management

4. Rehabilitation Assessment and Patient Management

5. Acute Phase: Rehabilitation Goals and Interventions (with Focus on Selected Anatomical Regions)

6. Post-Acute Rehabilitation and Long-Term Outcomes

7. Psychological Aspects of Burn Rehabilitation

PELVIC FLOOR REHABILITATION

1. Anatomy of the Pelvic Floor

2. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

3. Assessment and Rehabilitation of Patients with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

• Clinical assessment
• Treatment approaches:
• Therapeutic exercise
• Electrotherapy
• Biofeedback

4. Focus Topic: Urinary Incontinence

5. Overview of Selected Conditions

• Chronic Pelvic Pain
• Diastasis Recti Abdominis
• Postpartum Rehabilitation

Readings/Bibliography

Brivio, Lazzeri, Oliva, Zampogna "La disostruzione bronchiale- dalla teoria alla pratica" Ed. Masson 2001

Lazzeri, Clini, Repossini, Corrado "Esame clinico e valutazione in riabilitazione respiratoria" Ed. Masson 2006

Lazzeri, Brivio, Carlucci, Piaggi “Il ricondizionamento all’esercizio fisico del paziente con patologia respiratoria” Ed. Edra 2014

Lazzeri M, Lanza A, Bellini R, et al. Respiratory physiotherapy in patients with COVID-19 infection in acute setting: a Position Paper of the Italian Association of Respiratory Physiotherapists (ARIR). Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease 2020;90:163-8.

Bortolami, Riabilitazione Del Pavimento Pelvico - Masson 2009

Teaching methods

To support the learning process and achieve the educational objectives, the course will feature lectures, group work, the use of digital tools, clinical case analyses, and in-class practical exercises utilizing specific medical-rehabilitative devices and equipment.

Given the nature of the activities and methods employed, participation in this course requires all students to complete Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning and to attend an in-person session (8 hours) for the third module, which covers specific training on health and safety in study and internship environments.

Students with learning disabilities or temporary/permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the dedicated office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti) as soon as possible to agree upon appropriate compensatory measures. Requests must be submitted to the instructor in advance (15 days prior to the exam date); the instructor will assess the suitability of the measures in light of the course's educational objectives.

Assessment methods

The assessment will consist of an oral exam lasting a total of 20 minutes.

For respiratory physiotherapy, the exam will involve discussing a clinical case of a patient with cardio-respiratory issues. After carefully reviewing the case, the student must:

- Identify the clinical issues, paying particular attention to those relevant to physiotherapy;

- Define the treatment plan, explaining the rationale behind the choices made and describing the proposed rehabilitation techniques and tools.

Regarding pelvic floor rehabilitation and the rehabilitation of burn patients, two questions—covering either theoretical concepts or a mix of theory and practice—will be asked for each topic.

To assess whether the theoretical content has been fully mastered, the following skills will be evaluated:

• the ability to articulate correct and coherent clinical reasoning using a logical-deductive approach when presenting information, while proposing concrete and feasible physiotherapy interventions;
• the ability to use correct scientific vocabulary and terminology;
• the ability to identify and explain relevant conceptual connections.

Please note that the discussion of the respiratory patient clinical case will carry the greatest weight in the final grade (awarded on a scale of 30). The use of mobile phones or reference materials—such as handouts or notes—is not permitted during the exam. 

 The use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

To pass the integrated course exam and have the result officially recorded, the student must achieve a passing grade in all the individual modules of the integrated course. The final grade will be the average of the grades obtained in the individual modules.

Teaching tools

PC, video projector, professional devices

Office hours

See the website of Marianna Tessitore