Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Fundamentals of Human Locomotion and Motor Control
Course Code
REK_218
Branch of Science
Biomechanics; Medical engineering
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Medical Services
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
To promote the acquisition of knowledge and forming of understanding of the analysis of human posture and movement, the forces acting on the human body, motor control theory, the basic principles of normal motor development in children and how to use this in drawing up an exercise programme.
Preliminary Knowledge
At the level of secondary education.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.As a result of completing the study course, the student will be able to define the concepts of kinematics and statics, name and identify body movements and positions, describe the principles of analysis thereof, joint positions, range of joint motion and measurement thereof, kinematic chains, forces acting on the human body, levers in the human body, macroscopic and microscopic structure of muscles, basic principles of functioning thereof, sliding filament theory, contraction modes, motor control theory and normal motor development of children, basic principles of human activity analysis and exercise programme design.
Skills
1.As a result of completing the study course, the student will be able to analyse human movement and body position, practically determine passive movement and range of motion in the limb joints, demonstrate the progression of human positions, in which to offer maintaining active movement and posture, according to the principles of motor control development.
Competences
1.Analysis and synthesis: will be able to use the acquired knowledge and skills to examine the physical functional status of patients and to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy. Evaluation: The student will be able to interpret the results of assessments; to justify the choice of therapeutic measures.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Individual work |
-
|
-
|
|
Examination method: 1 colloquium during the semester, oral and written tests of theoretical knowledge in class, successful practical work.
Final examination: oral theoretical-practical exam.
|
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
-
|
-
|
|
2.
Examination |
-
|
-
|
|
Method of examination: a written colloquium and test; theoretical-practical examination.
|
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 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
|
-
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
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fundamentals of human bone biomechanics
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fundamentals of human cartilage biomechanics
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fundamentals of the biomechanics of human connective and muscle tissue
|
-
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
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theory of motor control. Motor development in children
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interactions between human activities and the environment, the process of acquiring skills
|
-
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
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
4
|
Topics
|
Body position analysis using 5-point score
|
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
4
|
Topics
|
Interactions between human activities and the environment. Classification of activities by A. Gentile
|
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
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
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fundamentals of human bone biomechanics
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fundamentals of human cartilage biomechanics
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fundamentals of the biomechanics of human connective and muscle tissue
|
-
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
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theory of motor control. Motor development in children
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interactions between human activities and the environment, the process of acquiring skills
|
-
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
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
4
|
Topics
|
Body position analysis using 5-point score
|
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
4
|
Topics
|
Interactions between human activities and the environment. Classification of activities by A. Gentile
|
-
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
|
-
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
|
-
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. Basic biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. Philadelphia, PA [etc.] : 2021
2.
Norkin, Cynthia C., White D. Joyce Measurement of Joint Motion: a Guide to Goniometry. 5th ed., Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company, 2016., pp 1. - 408.
3.
Shumway Cook - Anne, Woollacott Marjorie H. Motor Control : translating research into clinical practice. 5th ed. Wolters Kluwer : 2017, pp. 1.- 79.
4.
Kisner, Carolyn; Colby, Lynn Allen. Therapeutic Exercise, Foundations and Techniques. 6th ed., 2018. 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. Anatomy, Skeletal Muscle. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537236/
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. Zīdaiņa attīstība un attīstības traucējumi- Zvaigzne ABC, 1999.
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