PHTY20030 Application of Physical Agents

Academic Year 2020/2021

The module enables students to gain a theoretical and evidence-based knowledge in the safe, practical and effective application of electro-physical agents relevant to physiotherapy, adhering to infection control and safety standards, in preparation for the management of patients in clinical practice. It encourages student to apply knowledge gained in other modules (anatomy, physiology, functional anatomy and kinesiology, physics and professional practice), to understand the electro-physical and therapeutic principles underlying the utility of various electro-physical modalities. Topics covered included:
• Physiological and therapeutic principles underpinning selected electro-physical modalities e.g. therapeutic heat, cryotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, low level laser therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, interferential current, transcutaneous electrical stimulation.
• Introduction to evidence based practice with focus on literature critique and appraisal.
• Review of the theoretical and physiological concepts of tissue healing and the inflammatory process.
• The role of electro-physical agents in tissue healing, and safe and effective electro-physical agent application.
• Introduction to theoretical and physiological concepts of pain modulation.
• The role of electro-physical agents in pain modulation, and safe and effective electro-physical agent application.
• Introduction to theoretical and physiological concepts of muscle re-education.
• The role of electro-physical agents in muscle re-education, and safe and effective electro-physical agent application.
• Introduction to clinical reasoning through the use of case-studies involving: pre treatment assessment (through use of basic outcome measures e.g. visual analog scales, range of motion, muscle strength), formulation of a treatment plan, selection and justification of appropriate treatment parameters based on best available evidence, safe and effective application of electro-physical agent, post treatment evaluation of treatment effectiveness (using basic outcome measures) and modification if necessary.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should be able to:
1. Describe the theoretical and physiological concepts underpinning tissue healing, pain modulation, and muscle re-education.
2. Understand the theoretical and physiological mechanisms and risk analysis involved in the application of electro-physical agents for tissue healing, pain modulation and muscle re-education.
3. Demonstrate safe and effective practice in the application of electro-physical agents.
4. Demonstrate basic competency in the physiotherapy assessment and evaluation of electro-physical agent effectiveness.
5. Analyze assessment findings and devise safe and effective electro-physical agent treatment plans.
6. Modify treatment in response to outcome measures and reflect on practice.
7. Critically evaluate the literature relevant to the evidence base for electro-physical agent application.
8. Present literature accurately, concisely and coherently.

Indicative Module Content:

Stages of tissue healing and repair and the role of physical agents
Pain and pain modulation with physical agents
Basic neuromuscular physiology for electrical muscle stimulation
Evidence-based practice in relation to therapeutic application of physical agents
Physical therapeutic agents: Heat; Ice; Therapeutic Ultrasound; Low-level laser therapy
Electrotherapy agents: Interferential current, Transcutaeous electrical muscle stimulation (TENS); Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Small Group

22

Autonomous Student Learning

78

Total

124

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module employs
Content teaching by lecture (Online 2020_21)
PBL for evidence-based practice
Clinical skills based laboratory / practical classes
On line tutorials and MCQs to support practical skills development and clinical reasoning 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

This module is only suitable for students registered to the B.Sc Physiotherapy Programme


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
ANAT10110 - Clinical Human Anatomy I, PHTY10080 - Applied Physics Principles, PHTY10100 - Physio Practice I(Clinic Ed I)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Practical Examination: This involves the demonstration of the safe application of an electrophysical modality Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

60

Presentation: Group oral presentation based on critical appraisal of scientific literature Week 9 n/a Graded No

30

Attendance: Attendance at small group practical sessions and engagement with online materials is mandatory Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

10


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

In practical class you will receive verbal feedback related to your techniques from both the instructor and from your peers Mock practical examination scenarios will be conducted in class with formative feedback. Summative feedback will be provided after exam completion. Formative feedback will be provided directly during the group presentations by examiners, summative feedback will follow.