AHPT 816: Theory and Practice I
Prerequisite: Admission to the doctor of physical therapy program or permission of
the Department
Credit Hours: (4)
The course will introduce students to basic therapeutic technique such as banding,
positioning, transfers, gait training, and the use of modalities
Detailed Description of Course
Content: The course will cover basic clinical techniques such as bandaging, positioning,
transfers, gait training, and wheel chair assessment and fitting, the use therapeutic
exercise, application of modalities heat/cold, ultrasound, and nerve and muscle stimulating
currents. The course is designed to prepare students to critically analyze a patient
case scenario and provide appropriate interventions to maximize patient outcomes in
the acute, sub-acute, and homecare environments. Theory and Practice I is a prerequisite
requirement for Theory and Practice II. This course prepares students to participate
in their first clinical internship experience.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Didactic and laboratory learning will occur in both laboratory and classroom environments.
Students must demonstrate clinical skill- based competencies and pass a clinical practical
examination to successfully pass course requirements. Students will participate in
small group and cooperative learning experiences. Students will participate in hands-on
methods and techniques related to therapeutic exercise, modalities, gait training,
and patient handling techniques. Students will analyze patient case scenarios and
develop appropriate intervention plans. Students will participate in didactic and
laboratory oral/ participatory demonstrates of patient care situations.
Goals and Objectives of this Course
Will require students to:
1) Explain the modes of transmission of infectious agents; 2) Demonstrate and apply
universal precautions; 3) Describe and demonstrate proper body mechanics; 4) Position
and drape a patient appropriately in prone, supine, and sideling positions; 5) Demonstrate
safe transfer techniques to and from wheelchair, to and from mat table, treatment
table, and sitting position according to specific patient needs; 6) Identify components
of and assemble a standard wheelchair; 7) Assess and fit patients appropriately with
assistive devices such as crutches, canes, and walkers; 8) Instruct patients in appropriate
weight-bearing status from non-weight bearing to full weight-bearing status; 9) Demonstrate
the ability to illustrate to a patient effective and appropriate ambulation with assistive
devices utilizing specific patterns of gait to maximize functional goals; 10) Demonstrate
proper wheelchair assessment and adjust to meet patient needs; 11) Demonstrate safe
and appropriate patient guarding techniques; 12) describe the physiological effects
of heat and cold; 13) Differentiate indications and contraindications for the use
of various modalities, such as heat, cryotherapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound;
14) Demonstrate safe application of modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation
(including nerve and muscle stimulating currents), iontophoresis, diathermy, whirlpool,
hot/ cold, biofeedback and mechanical traction; 15) After utilizing pain assessments,
compare and contrast various methods of assessing pain; 16) Prescribe appropriate
modalities based on evidence and theory of pain modulation; 17) Analyze PT Literature
in regards to clinical modalities in order to determine its clinical relevance; 18)
Demonstrate safe and competent clinical practice in laboratory competency testing
and practical laboratory examinations; 19) Demonstrate appropriate and effective hand
washing; 20) teach patients, faculty members, and care-givers principles of skin care
management for the prevention of wounds based on current research; 21) Assess an individual’s
safety and effective mobility using a wheelchair in both indoor and outdoor environments;
22) Based on observation of patient’s gait, indicate the appropriate assistive device
and gait pattern to improve patient's safety; 23) Given a hypothetical clinical situation,
critically analyze which modality would be most appropriate and provide rational for
that decision; 24) Demonstrate appropriate selection of electrotherapy including type,
dose, patient positioning, and accurate placement of electrodes based on current evidence
and practice; 25) Following the application of a modality including ultrasound, electrical
stimulation, diathermy, whirlpool, hot/cold therapies, and mechanical traction, assess
whether the modality intervention was effective; 26) Demonstrate proper application
of intermittent pneumatic compression pumps.
Assessment Measures may include
Examinations, Lab Practice Examination, Writing Assignments, and Quizzes.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
February 10, 2014