Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 26/27.R.2.00

Description Period: 2026./27 academic year rudens semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Fundamentals of Human Locomotion and Motor Control

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
REK_218
Branch of Science
Health care sciences and services; Health sciences; Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Rehabilitation
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Ņikita Horoševs
Structure Unit Manager
Liāna Deklava
Structural Unit
Department of Rehabilitation
Contacts

Riga, 26a Anninmuizas boulevard, rk@rsu.lv, +371 20271291

About Study Course

Objective

The aim of the study course is to promote students’ understanding of human movement and the importance of postural analysis in physiotherapy by teaching them the basic principles of biomechanics, motor control, and child motor development. The course provides the foundation for developing exercise programs for different age groups and functional conditions.

Preliminary Knowledge

General knowledge in human anatomy and physiology (at foundation level), as well as basic skills in the use of Riga Stradiņš University Library services and e-learning environment are recommended for successful study course acquisition and application of acquired knowledge, skills and competencies. It is also desirable to be familiar with medical databases and their use in searching for information.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.As a result of learning the study course, the student will be able to define concepts of kinematics and static, will be able to theoretically explain and distinguish between osteokinematic and arthrokinematic movements

Individual work and tests

Colloquium • Student self-preparation for colloquium • Final exam

2.As a result of learning the study course, the student will be able to name and recognise the body’s osteokinemāatic movements and assess body positions, as well as be able to describe the principles of its analysis

Individual work and tests

Final exam • Student self-preparation for colloquium • Colloquium • Mastering and practicing goniometry videos • Analysis of muscle contractions

3.Student will be able to explain the concept of goniometry, the basic principles of the goniometry procedure, and will be able to determine the normal values of the range of motion for the major body joints. Student will be able to theoretically describe the positioning of the goniometer relative to human bone landmarks and will be able to theoretically describe the process of measuring the range of motion for the body’s major joints

Individual work and tests

Mastering and practicing goniometry videos • Colloquium • Final exam • Learning mandatory and recommended literature

4.Student will be able to explain the concept of kinematic chains and will be able to analyse/compare osteokinematic movements according to the type of kinematic chain (open/closed chain).

Individual work and tests

Final exam • Colloquium • Student self-preparation for colloquium • Analysis of muscle contractions

5.Student will be able to theoretically explain the macroscopic and microscopic structure of muscles, will be able to theoretically explain the contraction mechanism (including sliding thread theory), describe different muscle contraction modes (concentric, eccentric and isometric) and visually recognise these contraction modes in motion

Individual work and tests

Analysis of muscle contractions • Learn and practice manual resistance video materials • Final exam • Student self-preparation for colloquium • Colloquium • Learning mandatory and recommended literature

6.Student will be able to theoretically describe motor control theory and motor control levels (mobility, stability, controlled mobility and skills) based on the child’s motor development. Student will be able to tell normal child motor development from 0 to 1 years of age and describe normal characteristics at each stage of development.

Individual work and tests

Final exam

7.Student will be able to explain the concept of motor taxonomy (skill acquisition) and theoretically structure movement skills using Gentile taxonomy principles.

Individual work and tests

Final exam • Learning mandatory and recommended literature

8.The student will be able to theoretically explain the basic principles of creating an exercise program using both the tools used in physiotherapy (such as resistance bands, dumbbells, walls, weight cuffs, exercise balls and more) as well as exercises with body weight against gravity.

Individual work and tests

Final exam

Skills

1.Student is able to identify and analyze the body’s osteokinematic movements and positions and practically apply the principles of the analysis in the clinical context.

Individual work and tests

Final exam

2.The student will be able to assess the range of movement in the large body joints (shoulder, elbow and forearm, wrist, hip, knee and foot joints), is able to demonstrate basic principles of the goniometry procedure and will be able to determine the boundaries of the range of motion for the large body joints. The student will be able to practically demonstrate the position of the goniometer relative to human bone landmarks and will be able to demonstrate and interpret the results of the measurement.

Individual work and tests

Final exam • Mastering and practicing goniometry videos

3.Student can describe, classify and visually recognize different muscle contraction types (concentric, eccentric, isometric), analyze muscle work during movement, linking it to biomechanical principles and muscle functions, and evaluate muscle work in open and closed kinematic chain positions.

Individual work and tests

Analysis of muscle contractions • Learn and practice manual resistance video materials • Final exam • Student self-preparation for colloquium

4.Application of manual resistance: the student is able to choose an appropriate starting position, explain to the person the goal of applying resistance, is able to choose an appropriate landmark for applying resistance, is able to explain the evaluation procedure to the person, implement it and interpret the results obtained.

Individual work and tests

Final exam • Learn and practice manual resistance video materials

5.The student can develop a logical progression of skill acquisition – from simple to complex skills – using the principles of Gentile's taxonomy and adapting them to specific potential clinical situations.

Individual work and tests

Final exam

6.Student will be able to compile a simple exercise program by adjusting physiotherapy tool choices and muscle contraction regimes for specific muscle groups and therapeutic purposes.

Individual work and tests

Final exam

Competences

1.The student can professionally and accurately evaluate the range of movement using the principles of goniometry, interpreting the findings and using them to assess the patient functional status.

Individual work and tests

Mastering and practicing goniometry videos • Final exam

2.The student is able to integrate biomechanical knowledge into practice by analysing and evaluating muscle work in motion, adapting their evaluation and application in an appropriate kinematic context in different assessment and therapy situations.

Individual work and tests

Final exam

3.The student is able to independently plan and structure the process of acquisition of skills using theoretical taxonomy models (Gentile), taking into account the patient’s functional condition.

Individual work and tests

Final exam

4.The student is able to develop a therapeutically targeted exercise programme by selecting exercises, equipment and muscle contractions accordingly, taking into account the patient’s condition, muscle function and therapeutic goal.

Individual work and tests

Final exam

5.The acquired knowledge and skills will be used for the examination of the physical functional condition of patients and for the planning and efficiency assessment of physiotherapy interventions. Student will be able to interpret the results of the assessments performed; will be able to justify the choice of therapeutic measures.

Individual work and tests

Final exam

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Active engagement in classes/attendance
-
-

Class attendance is mandatory. The absence of one seminar with the justifying reason does not require any additional work on the part of the student, but the absence of two and more classes must be rectified: a report on the subject topic (1-1.5 pp with 3-5 sources) should be written for each lesson (starting with the second).

During the class, the student is actively involved, coming to the class prepared by watching and/or reading the information necessary to effectively work with the information presented in the class; the student is actively involved in discussions, asks questions about the topic of the lesson and/or about clinical cases; the student is actively involved in group work.
2.

Student self-preparation for colloquium
10.00% from total grade
Test

Students independently go through lecture materials (lectures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and class materials (1-6).
3.

Mastering and practicing goniometry videos
-
-

Given the importance of goniometry within the study course, the student should independently view, repeat and practically attempt goniometry for all joints (shoulder, elbow and forearm, wrist joint, hip, knee, ankle joints).
4.

Analysis of muscle contractions
-
-

Students independently analyse movements in the open kinematic chain– shoulder flexion/shoulder extension, elbow flexion/extension, hip flexion/extension and other movements; the student independently analyzes movements in the closed kinematic chain, mostly squat, spinal flexion/bending.
5.

Learn and practice manual resistance video materials
-
-

The student should independently watch, repeat and practically attempt manual resistances on all joints (shoulder, elbow and forearm, wrist base joint, hip, knee, ankle joint), naming correct contraction types while applying manual resistance.
6.

Learning mandatory and recommended literature
-
-

Read the mandatory and recommended literature that explains and/or adds what is said in lectures and classes.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Colloquium
10.00% from total grade
Test

Written examination with open-type questions on the substance acquired in lectures and classes.

Important: The colloquia must be passed for the student to be admitted to taking the exam.

The student has three tries to pass the test. If the student passes the colloquia on the 2nd or 3rd time, the maximum possible grade for the final assessment is 9.
2.

Final exam
80.00% from total grade
10 points

Theoretical-practical examination on the substance acquired in the study course.

  • Theory test: multi-answer test;

  • Practical part: one of the six joints (shoulder, elbow/forearm, wrist base joint, hip, knee, foot) is selected, which is described - structure, degrees of freedom, rates of motion. Goniometry is practically demonstrated for all movements in the selected joint. Muscular work is practically demonstrated and analyzed through movements against gravity. The application of manual resistances with an explanation of muscle work analysis during movement is practically demonstrated. At the end of the practical part, there is progression in improving joint stability and control according to the principles of motor control using the theory of motor control (stability, controlled mobility, static-dynamic balance, skill) with examples at each point.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The concept of kinematics: osteokinematics and arthrokinematics. Basic segments of the human body, centre of gravity, basic planes, axes and motions and definitions thereof. Joints, classification, structure, closed and open positions thereof. Concept of joint degrees of freedom and range of motion, kinematic chains of joints: closed and open

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Concepts and principles of human body posture analysis, basic postures and derived postures. The effect of different forces on the human body, movements, balances. Classification of movements

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Fundamentals of human bone biomechanics

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Fundamentals of human cartilage biomechanics

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Fundamentals of the biomechanics of human connective and muscle tissue

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Motor unit, recruitment mechanism. Muscle contraction modes. Muscle classification by fibre type (energy supply), muscle work volumes, strength-length, strength-velocity relationships. Levers in the human body

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Theory of motor control. Motor development in children

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Interactions between human activities and the environment, the process of acquiring skills

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Kinematics: body segments, centre of gravity, basic planes, axes, definitions of motion, demonstration. Practical task: recognising and naming movements in exercises. Joint degrees of freedom, kinematic chains, closed and open joint positions

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Body position analysis using 5-point score

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Joint range of motion. Goniometry. Measurement of range of motion in upper and lower limb joints, demonstration and practical performance

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Joint range of motion. Goniometry. Measurement of range of motion in upper and lower limb joints, demonstration and practical performance

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Active movements. Types of muscle contractions. Practical task: analysis of active movements. Passive movements: demonstration, practical performance

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Colloquium on the content of previous classes and lectures. Seminar on the results of the colloquium, discussion

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Colloquium on the content of previous classes and lectures. Seminar on the results of the colloquium, discussion

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Motor control: the concept of elements and levels – seminar, practical analysis of positions and movements. Motor control development in a child under 1 year of age – demonstration and practical performance

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Interactions between human activities and the environment. Classification of activities by A. Gentile

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Principles of drawing up an exercise programme to address a specific local problem. Use of different aids and tools in the exercise programme

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Principles of drawing up an exercise programme to address a specific local problem. Use of different aids and tools in the exercise programme

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Exam
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The concept of kinematics: osteokinematics and arthrokinematics. Basic segments of the human body, centre of gravity, basic planes, axes and motions and definitions thereof. Joints, classification, structure, closed and open positions thereof. Concept of joint degrees of freedom and range of motion, kinematic chains of joints: closed and open

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Concepts and principles of human body posture analysis, basic postures and derived postures. The effect of different forces on the human body, movements, balances. Classification of movements

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Fundamentals of human bone biomechanics

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Fundamentals of human cartilage biomechanics

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Fundamentals of the biomechanics of human connective and muscle tissue

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Motor unit, recruitment mechanism. Muscle contraction modes. Muscle classification by fibre type (energy supply), muscle work volumes, strength-length, strength-velocity relationships. Levers in the human body

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Theory of motor control. Motor development in children

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Interactions between human activities and the environment, the process of acquiring skills

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Kinematics: body segments, centre of gravity, basic planes, axes, definitions of motion, demonstration. Practical task: recognising and naming movements in exercises. Joint degrees of freedom, kinematic chains, closed and open joint positions

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Body position analysis using 5-point score

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Joint range of motion. Goniometry. Measurement of range of motion in upper and lower limb joints, demonstration and practical performance

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Joint range of motion. Goniometry. Measurement of range of motion in upper and lower limb joints, demonstration and practical performance

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Active movements. Types of muscle contractions. Practical task: analysis of active movements. Passive movements: demonstration, practical performance

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Colloquium on the content of previous classes and lectures. Seminar on the results of the colloquium, discussion

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Colloquium on the content of previous classes and lectures. Seminar on the results of the colloquium, discussion

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Motor control: the concept of elements and levels – seminar, practical analysis of positions and movements. Motor control development in a child under 1 year of age – demonstration and practical performance

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Interactions between human activities and the environment. Classification of activities by A. Gentile

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Principles of drawing up an exercise programme to address a specific local problem. Use of different aids and tools in the exercise programme

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Principles of drawing up an exercise programme to address a specific local problem. Use of different aids and tools in the exercise programme

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
4

Topics

Exam
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Nordin M., Frankel V.H. (2021). Basic biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. Philadelphia, PA [etc.]

2.

Norkin, Cynthia C., White D. (2016). Joyce Measurement of Joint Motion: a Guide to Goniometry. 5th ed., Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company, pp 1. - 408.

3.

Shumway Cook - Anne, Woollacott Marjorie H. (2017). Motor Control: translating research into clinical practice. 5th ed. Wolters Kluwer, pp. 1.- 79.

4.

Kisner, Carolyn; Colby, Lynn Allen. (2018). Therapeutic Exercise, Foundations and Techniques. 6th ed. F.A.Davis Company, Philadelphia, pp. 27.-35., 51.-70.

5.

Adolph, K. E., & Franchak, J. M. (2017). The development of motor behavior. Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Cognitive science, 8(1-2), 10.1002/wcs.1430. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcs.1430

6.

Franchak, J. M., & Adolph, K. E. (2024). An update of the development of motor behavior. Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Cognitive science, 15(6), e1682. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcs.1682

7.

Cowan, P. T., Launico, M. V., & Kahai, P. (2024). Anatomy, Bones. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

8.

Clarke B. (2008). Normal bone anatomy and physiology. Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN, 3 Suppl 3(Suppl 3), S131–S139. https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.04151206

9.

Brooks, S. V., Guzman, S. D., & Ruiz, L. P. (2023). Skeletal muscle structure, physiology, and function. Handbook of clinical neurology, 195, 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-98818-6.00013-3

10.

Dave HD, Shook M, Varacallo MA. (2025). Anatomy, Skeletal Muscle. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; Jan.

11.

Wüest, S., van de Langenberg, R., & de Bruin, E. D. (2014). Design considerations for a theory-driven exergame-based rehabilitation program to improve walking of persons with stroke. European review of aging and physical activity : official journal of the European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity, 11(2), 119–129. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11556-013-0136-6

12.

Muratori, L. M., Lamberg, E. M., Quinn, L., & Duff, S. V. (2013). Applying principles of motor learning and control to upper extremity rehabilitation. Journal of hand therapy : official journal of the American Society of Hand Therapists, 26(2), 94–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2012.12.007

Additional Reading

1.

Inge Flēmiga. (1999). Zīdaiņa attīstība un attīstības traucējumi. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC.

2.

Xiong, Y., Hu, X., Cao, J., Shang, L., Yao, Y., & Niu, B. (2024). Development of gross motor skills in children under the age of 3 years: a decision tree approach. Frontiers in public health, 12, 1421173. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1421173

3.

Mukund, K., & Subramaniam, S. (2020). Skeletal muscle: A review of molecular structure and function, in health and disease. Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Systems biology and medicine, 12(1), e1462. https://doi.org/10.1002/wsbm.1462

4.

McIsaac, T. L., Lamberg, E. M., & Muratori, L. M. (2015). Building a framework for a dual task taxonomy. BioMed research international, 2015, 591475. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/591475