Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 25/26.R.1.00

Description Period: 2025./26 academic year rudens semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Functional Assessment and Treatment in Physiotherapy I

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
REK_273
Branch of Science
Clinical medicine
ECTS
8.00
Target Audience
Rehabilitation
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Dace Bērtule
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 patient assessment and therapy planning in the context of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, by acquiring knowledge and skills in evaluating and analyzing posture, gait, muscle function, postural and movement control, as well as theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the justification, selection, and application of therapeutic interventions.

Preliminary Knowledge

Normal anatomy, normal physiology, principles of physiotherapy, kinesiology, motor control.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.The student will be able to describe normal posture and gait, explain their assessment, possible deviations and underlying causes, and justify the principles for selecting therapeutic interventions.

Individual work and tests

Periodic tests during classes

2.The student will be able to present concepts of muscle length and strength, explain their evaluation, possible changes and their reasons, and will be able to explain the principles of the choice of therapeutic interventions.

Individual work and tests

Periodic tests during classes

3.The student will be able to explain the theory of coordinated and sequential muscle activity and describe its role in performing quality movements and controlling postures.

Individual work and tests

Periodic tests during classes

4.Student will be able to explain basic principles of myofascial pain aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and treatment.

Individual work and tests

Periodic tests during classes

5.The student will be able to explain the concept of postural control, its contributing elements, and their interaction.

Individual work and tests

Periodic tests during classes

6.The student will be able to explain the physiotherapy process and the principles of functional examination and assessment within the framework of ICF.

Individual work and tests

Periodic tests during classes

Skills

1.Student will be able to perform posture assessment and select and use appropriate therapeutic interventions to correct postural impairment.

Individual work and tests

Periodic tests during classes • Colloquia II

2.Student will be able to perform gait assessment and select and use appropriate therapeutic intervention to correct gait disturbances.

Individual work and tests

Colloquia II • Periodic tests during classes

3.The student will be able to perform muscle length and strength tests and will be able to select and apply appropriate therapeutic interventions for improving muscle strength and restoring muscle length.

Individual work and tests

Periodic tests during classes • Colloquia II

4.The student will be able to perform an assessment of postural control and will be able to select and apply appropriate therapeutic interventions to improve postural control.

Individual work and tests

Colloquia II • Periodic tests during classes

5.The student will be able to assess movement control in specific body segments and will be able to select and apply appropriate therapeutic interventions to improve movement control.

Individual work and tests

Colloquia II • Periodic tests during classes

6.Student will be able to demonstrate myofascial pain point palpation and soft tissue techniques in myofascial pain relief.

Individual work and tests

Periodic tests during classes • Colloquia II

7.The student will be able to carry out functional examination and assessment within the framework of ICF. Will be able to define the functional problem, set therapy goals and objectives, and develop a physiotherapy treatment program.

Individual work and tests

Colloquia II • Periodic tests during classes

Competences

1.As a result of the studies, the student will be able to synthesise the acquired knowledge and skills by assessing the physical functional status of a person in the context of ICF and, based on the results of functional tests and interpretation thereof, will be able to develop and implement a physiotherapy program including therapeutic exercises and soft tissue techniques.

Individual work and tests

Exam

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work
-
-
  1. Before each class, the student must review previously learned material related to the topic of the lesson and study the theoretical material on the topic, which is available in the e-studies.
  2. For each class, the student must prepare a clinical case analysis using the RPR form and/or the goal formulation sheet. The case analysis is presented during the class on a random selection basis.
  3. Independent learning of tests and therapeutic methods or learning in student pairs. Test descriptions and/or video demonstrations are available in the e-studies.
  4. To evaluate the overall quality of the study course, the student must complete the course evaluation questionnaire in the Student Portal.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Periodic tests during classes
-
-

During the classes, the analysis of presented clinical case tasks, knowledge of theoretical concepts, and assessment of practical skills acquisition are evaluated.
2.

Colloquia I
-
Test
  1. The student must carry out a more in-depth clinical case analysis using the RPR form, demonstrating an understanding of the steps involved in patient examination.
  2. Practical skills must be demonstrated in performing manual muscle strength and length tests, as well as in interpreting the findings.
  3. The student must demonstrate practical skills in performing postural control, movement control, and palpation tests covered in the study course, as well as in interpreting the findings.
3.

Colloquia II
0.00% from total grade
Test
  1. An extended clinical case presentation demonstrating the ability to formulate a functional problem and therapy goals, as well as to develop a physiotherapy plan.
  2. By random selection, the student must demonstrate one of the physiotherapy treatment methods learned during the course.
4.

Exam
-
10 points

An oral examination consisting of two parts. The first part involves the analysis of a case scenario, demonstrating understanding of the theoretical concepts covered during the course, patient assessment, identification of the functional problem and therapy goals, and development of a treatment plan. The second part assesses the student's ability to apply evaluation methods and tests, as well as physiotherapeutic treatment techniques learned during the course."

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Assessment of posture and body alignment

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Examination of postural changes and gait.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Examination of postural changes and gait.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Testing of muscle function (length, strength).

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Testing of muscle function (length, strength).

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Testing of muscle function (length, strength).

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Testing of muscle function (length, strength).

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Testing of muscle function (length, strength).

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Postural control examination and analysis.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Examination and assessment of joint mobility and stability.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Examination and assessment of joint mobility and stability.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Examination and assessment of joint mobility and stability.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Pain and myoskeletal dysfunction

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Colloquia

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Defining the functional problem, setting objectives, creating a therapy plan, choosing therapy methods.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Improving soft tissue elasticity and reducing tension, muscle stretching techniques.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Improving muscle strength, active stability. Proprioception training.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Improving muscle strength, active stability. Proprioception training.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Postural control improvement, functional activity training.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Defining the functional problem, setting objectives, creating a therapy plan, choosing therapy methods.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
4

Topics

Colloquia

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Patient interview and examination pattern

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Defining the functional problem, setting objectives, creating a therapy plan, choosing therapy methods.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
8.00
Contact hours:
88 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Oral)
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Assessment of posture and body alignment

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Examination of postural changes and gait.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Testing of muscle function (length, strength).

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Testing of muscle function (length, strength).

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
5

Topics

Testing of muscle function (length, strength).

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
5

Topics

Testing of muscle function (length, strength).

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Postural control examination and analysis.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Examination and assessment of joint mobility and stability.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Examination and assessment of joint mobility and stability.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Pain and myoskeletal dysfunction

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Colloquia

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Defining the functional problem, setting objectives, creating a therapy plan, choosing therapy methods.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Improving soft tissue elasticity and reducing tension, muscle stretching techniques.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Improving muscle strength, active stability. Proprioception training.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Postural control improvement, functional activity training.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
5

Topics

Defining the functional problem, setting objectives, creating a therapy plan, choosing therapy methods.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
5

Topics

Colloquia

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Patient interview and examination pattern

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Defining the functional problem, setting objectives, creating a therapy plan, choosing therapy methods.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
8.00
Contact hours:
89 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Oral)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Kendall F.P., Kendall E., Creary Mc., Provance P.G. 2010. Muscles: Testing and Testing and Function with Posture and Pain. 5th ed. Lippincott, Williams &Wilkins.

2.

Kisner C., Borstad J., Colby L.A. 2023. Therapeutic exercise, foundation and technics. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA : F.A. Davis Company

3.

Avers D., Brown M. Daniels and Worthingham's. 2019. Muscle Testing: Techniques of Manual Examination and Performance Testing. 10th ed. Edinburg: Elsevier

4.

Levine D., Richards J., and Whittle M.V. 2023. Whittle’s Gait Analysis. 6th ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier

Additional Reading

1.

Balthazar C. 2022. Rehabilitation research : principles and applications. 6th ed. Philadelphia : Elsevier

2.

Siegert RJ . 2015. Rehabilitation goal setting : theory, practice, and evidence. Boca Raton : CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group

3.

Cech D.J, Martin S. and Staples H.W. 2025. Functional Movement Development Across the Life Span. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo. : Elsevier

4.

Kortleve V. 2022. Communication Skills for Physiotherapists. London: Elsevier

Other Information Sources

1.

Resursi RSU elektroniskajās datu bāzēs

2.

Rehabilitation Measures Database