Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The evidence provided by gait analysis technology is quantitative and facilitates sound clinical decision making. In order to select appropriate treatment interventions it is necessary to evaluate gait and determine the musculoskeltal and neurological factors which influence foot and leg disorders. The process of data collection, data selection and case evaluation in gait analysis is therefore fundamental and underpins the greater part of podiatry practice. It is important that these skills are acquired early in the course.

Aims

This unit aims to develop competency in the use of the key gait technologies and procedures used in podiatry practice. You will develop your decision making skills by using published scientific findings and clinical evidence in order to and judge the quality of the data you collect.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Apply principles of basic biomechanics to develop your understanding of the human gait cycle as relevant to podiatry practice
2. Recognise normal and pathological gait patterns and describe using correct clinical terminology
3. Use gait analysis equipment independently and safely to measure and evaluate gait parameters in a practical setting
4. Interpret and communicate findings from research papers underpinning our current understanding of human gait

Content

1. Knowledge
   
   • Fundamental descriptions of gait cycle
     
   • Terminology of gait
     
   • Neurophysiological basis of gait
     
   • Development of gait (childhood to old age)
   
   
   
2. Technology (skills)
   
   • Digital photography
     
   • Video photography and video based software
     
   • Pedoscopes
     
   • Treadmills
     
   • Pressure plates
     
   • In-shoe pressure systems
     
   • Gait mats
     
   • Goniometry
     
   • Miscellaneous (force plates, Vicon, IMUs etc)
   
   
   
3. Professional context (attributes)
   
   • Paediatrics
     
   • Geriatrics
     
   • Balance and falls
     
   • Sports medicine
     
   • Diabetes
     
   • Rheumatology
     
   • Surgery
     
   • Neurological

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal mode. The unit's Blackboard page will be used for teaching and learning materials and important messages from the unit coordinator. You will be required to utilise the various gait analysis systems in the University podiatry clinic. Strict health and safety policies and procedures must be followed in all practical laboratory sessions.

Assessment

There are three assessments to be completed by the end of the semester.Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. You will be provided with feedback on all your assessments as you progress through the unit. You will receive formative and summative feedback from Assessment Items 1 and 2. You will also receive formative feedback through online practice activities e.g. quizzes.

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: You will be required to complete skills acquisition through activity based sessions and reports e.g. gait analysis system reports and interpretations.
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral)
Description: You will be required to complete a presentation on topics relating to gait analysis in the professional context.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 4
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You will be required to complete a written, invigilated theory exam.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required text

Clinical Gait Analysis: Theory and Practice (Kirtley) Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier (ISBN 0 4431 0009 8)

Additional texts

Gait Analysis: An Introduction (Whittle) Butterwoth Heinemann, Elsevier (ISBN 10: 0 7506 8883 1 or 13: 9 780 7506 8883 3)

Human Walking (Rose & Gamble) Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (ISBN 0 7817 5954 4)

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit

Substantial computer-based work will be required and you will need to take care that you are working in a safe and ergonomically-sound environment (that is, avoidance of eyestrain, headaches, and physical stress on neck, back, arms and hands). Please consider your seating (heights, angles and distances) and the lighting in your work area (to avoid glare). The physical placement and organisation of peripheral devices, cables and extension cords should be managed to reduce danger to persons or property. Do not use unsafe electrical cords.

Students will be required to work in the QUT Podiatry Clinic and will be required to comply with the clinic policies and procedures at all times.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 07-Feb-2013