C9930 - ELEMENTI DI POSTUROLOGIA CLINICA

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will have acquired theoretical knowledge and basic observational and manual skills related to postural control mechanisms, with particular reference to the integration of the sensory systems involved in posture and balance, and to the clinical observation and assessment of postural adaptations within the limits of the professional profile.

Course contents

Introductory concepts of posture, balance, and postural control.

Sensory systems involved in postural control: visual, vestibular, somatosensory, proprioceptive, and interoceptive systems.

Structure-function relationship, musculoskeletal system, myofascial chains, and postural adaptations.

Basic clinical observation: foot support, segmental alignment, symmetries and asymmetries, spinal curves, girdles, cranio-cervico-mandibular relationship, and movement patterns.

Elements of postural assessment: focused history-taking, observation, simple functional tests, palpation, and correlation of findings.

Posture, pain, adaptive load, behavioral and environmental factors, and the person’s context.

Limits of postural assessment, safety, appropriateness, and integration with other professional evaluations.

Readings/Bibliography

Posturologia - Regolazione e perturbazioni della stazione eretta

di Gagey - Weber • 2001

Trattato teorico - pratico di posturologia osteopatica - Integrazione diagnostica dei test - funzioni di equilibrio - perturbazioni - adattamenti posturali e proposte riabilitative

di Mossi • 2002

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 an evaluation of 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 content. The assessment criteria include: logical reasoning skills, understanding of theoretical concepts, theoretical and practical knowledge of assessment principles, and the ability to contextualize concepts within specific clinical cases.

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

PCs, multimedia materials, examination beds 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