OVERVIEW

 The course introduces elements of medical technologies (different recording and analysis techniques, with hints on possible clinical applications) of interest to the physiotherapist, inserted in the context of the training aims and objectives presented in the Study Manifesto. In particular, the notions coming from other courses on the disciplines concerning the sciences of human behavior, the physiopathology of motor functions and disability will be integrated with new "objective" and "quantitative" information.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Diagnostic methodologies and techniques will be discussed, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms involved in motility and locomotion, with special attention also to higher cortical functions (the functional magnetic resonance technique for the study of brain functions will be presented). The aim of the course will be to pass on the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and will insist on the need to implement a rehabilitation protocol based on scientific evidence (scientific research methodology will also be introduced), being aware of the need to carry out "measures" to verify the correspondence of the responses to the functional recovery targets, also evaluating for example the effectiveness of the adoption of prostheses and auxiliary implants. The physiotherapist will learn to enrich the acquired knowledge during the course of the study, with the aim of understanding how to integrate the best valid and relevant research available with clinical experience by adapting a state-of-the-art rehabilitation protocol taking into account the condition of the individual patient ("evidence based practice" and "tailored approach").

At the end of the course, the student will learn how to use spreadsheets and learn the tools for researching scientific articles of international literature, for the analysis of myoelectrical signal, posture, motor performance, and brain activation.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Diagnostic methodologies and techniques will be addressed, with particular regard to the mechanisms involved in motility and locomotion, with specific attention also aimed at higher cortical functions (the functional magnetic resonance technique for the study of brain functions will be presented).

Objectives and learning outcomes:

- ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

- understanding of the need to implement a rehabilitation protocol based on scientific evidence (the scientific research methodology will also be introduced), being aware of the need to carry out "measurements" to verify compliance with the functional recovery objectives, also evaluating, for example, the effectiveness of the adoption of prostheses and aids

- ability to integrate the knowledge gradually acquired in the course of study, with the final aim of understanding how to integrate the best valid and relevant research available with clinical experience, adapting a state-of-the-art rehabilitation protocol taking into account the individual condition ("evidence based practice" and "tailored approach").

- understanding of the physiological processes and the operating principles underlying instrumentation for the analysis of the myoelectric signal, postural control, motor performance, brain activation

- knowledge of tools for searching scientific articles in international literature

- ability to use spreadsheets

- ability to follow a research protocol and to acquire, analyze and represent experimental data

- ability to work in a peer group and describe a simple research study, briefly discussing the obtained results

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, simulations, theoretical-practical exercises: there will be the opportunity to attend laboratories for the analysis of movement and participate in a simplified research study, in order to understand the potential of suitable experimental tools and protocols aimed at obtaining useful indices for diagnostic and prognostic evaluations.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Electromyography

Posturography and Baropodometry

Motion capture systems

Innovative tools for the quantitative evaluation of movements

Instruments for "conventional" brain investigation: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Instruments for the study of brain functions: functional magnetic resonance imaging and functional near-infrared spectroscopy for the study of brain activation during movements (also taking into account possible interference from cognitive tasks)

Tools for scientific research

Tools for visualization and signal processing

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Material provided by the teacher: slides shown during the lessons and other in-depth material

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TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons will take place in the second semester of the first year

The timetable for all courses is available here: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is written; it will be mainly aimed at evaluating an appropriate knowledge of the topics covered in the module.

Exam sessions will be available for the winter session * (January - February) and for the summer session (June, July and September).

* For any out-of-course cases

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of depth of each topic will be communicated during the lessons.

The exam will mainly focus on the topics covered during the lectures and in any case on all those specified in the program and will aim to evaluate not only the achievement of an adequate level of basic knowledge, but also the acquisition of the ability to critically analyze the questions that will be asked. The knowledge of the basic principles, applications and possible problems of the technologies presented during the lessons will be evaluated.

The following elements will contribute to the final grade (out of 30, cum laude):

- knowledge of the physiological and operating principles, using the appropriate terminology, related to the methodology and instrumentation for the analysis of the myoelectric signal, postural control, motor performance, and brain activation

- ability to work in a peer group, to apply knowledge for problem solving, to describe a simple research study, briefly discussing the results obtained, also using tools for searching international scientific articles and spreadsheets.

In case of specific learning difficulties or other regularly certified special educational needs, please contact the teacher at least 10 days before the exam to evaluate the proper exam modality (written or oral) and possible advantage of 30% additional time.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The assessments reported in this Disciplinary module will complement those achieved in the final exam of the Integrated Course.

In case of certification of specific learning difficulties (SLD), disability or other special educational needs, please contact the Referent Professor of the DISABILITY and SLD Commission for DINOGMI: Prof. N. Girtler (nicolagirtler@unige.it) who, after evaluating the individual case, will send the teachers the necessary information both for the development of the lessons and the way in which the exam is carried out.

The Integrated Course is preparatory to the first year internship exam.