Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 401181

Coordinator Sean Sadler Opens in new window

Description This subject will introduce students to clinical/practical and theoretical foundations of human biomechanics of the foot and lower extremity, and the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of common foot and lower extremity pathologies. The subject consists of co-ordinated lectures and practical components to cover the theory and application of foot and lower extremity biomechanics and gait analysis, relevant physical examinations (bones, joints, soft tissues), diagnosing common foot and lower extremity conditions and related treatment options.

School Health Sciences

Discipline Podiatry

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Pre-requisite(s) NATS 1022 AND
REHA 1003

Co-requisite(s) -

Incompatible Subjects -

Restrictions

The subject is Podiatry specific and restricted only to students enrolled in programs 4708 Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine and 4709 Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (Honours).

Assumed Knowledge

Completion of all core subjects  to this semester/ year of study is assumed knowledge
Anatomy is particularly important for the successful completion of this subject.  An understanding of the structure and function of the lower extremity is needed as the focus of this subject is on pathologies of the foot and lower extremity and subsequent assessment, diagnosis and management.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Explain lower back, pelvic, leg, and foot biomechanics in relation to normal and abnormal function in static and dynamic environments.
2. Safely apply relevant skills required for static and dynamic biomechanical assessment of pelvic, lower extremity, and foot structures.
3. Identify and describe the aetiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of common musculoskeletal pathologies of the foot and lower extremity.
4. Employ an evidence-based approach to non-pharmacological and pharmacological management of common foot and lower extremity pathologies.
5. Describe and apply valid, reliable and appropriate health outcome measurement tools and technologies for diagnosis and management of lower extremity pathologies in different populations.

Subject Content

1. Biomechanics of the lower extremity

• Anatomy of the lower extremity
• Planes and axis of motion
• Gait analysis – static and dynamic joint position and muscle activation
• Introduction to other gait analysis modalities such as pedar, force plate data collection and software analyses
• Comparison of walking and running patterns

2. Assessment of structural and functional abnormalities

• Biomechanical history taking 

             Clinical evaluation of bones, joints and soft tissues

• Introduction to basic examination of the hip, knee, leg, ankle and foot
• Intrinsic foot abnormalities – includes forefoot and rearfoot positions and their effects on function and consequent foot changes
• Extrinsic foot abnormalities – includes lower limb changes, leg length differences and their effects on function and consequent foot changes
• Review of health outcomes to asses  and monitor the impact and progress of  musculoskeletal pathology

3. Management for osseous, synovial and soft tissue pathologies

• Physiological theories of pain and pain management strategies
• Nerve entrapments
• Osseous and synovial pathologies such as fractures, digital deformities
• Soft tissue pathologies such as plantar fasciitis, muscle pathology, tendon pathology
• Principles for mechanical treatment – indications, contraindications, practical use of orthoses, footwear and electrophysical therapies
• Introduction to footwear mechanics and modifications