Provides the opportunity for application of the techniques learned in PTA 118. Focuses on therapeutic exercise procedures utilized by physical therapist assistants as well as assessment of joint motion and muscle strength, implications of range of motion (ROM) and muscle testing for exercise prescription, types of exercise, basic exercise programs, and the use of exercise equipment. Guided lab setting.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Review of Bony Landmarks and Muscle Actions
- Against Gravity/Gravity Eliminated Motions
- Use of Manual Contacts
- Hip Assessment and Exercise
- Knee Assessment and Exercise
- Ankle Assessment and Exercise
- Foot Assessment and Exercise
- Scapula/Shoulder Assessment and Exercise
- Elbow/Forearm Assessment and Exercise
- Wrist/Hand Assessment and Exercise
- Cervical assesment and exercise
- Lumbar Assessment and Exercise
- Balance and Coordination
- Aerobic Exercise
- Isokinetics
- Biofeedback
- Aquatic Exercise
- Relaxation Training
- Obstetrical Exercise
- Post-Amputation Exercise
- Postural Dysfunction Intervention
- Body Composition
- Measure range of motion (including muscle length) both functionally and by using a goniometer, tape measure, flexible ruler, and inclinometer.
- Measure muscle strength, power, and endurance both functionally and by manual muscle testing or dynamometry.
- Identify the various states of muscle tone and mass and the impact of pain and soreness during ROM/strength assessment and therapeutic exercise.
- Demonstrate an acceptable level of skill in the application of a biofeedback unit.
- Design and teach an exercise program, within the Physical Therapist (PT) plan of care, for a simulated patient, including selection of exercise, progression of exercise and assembling a home program.
- Use of various types of therapeutic exercise equipment, with appropriate rationale.
- Measure perceived exertion, dyspnea, or angina during activity using Rated Percieved Exertion (RPE) scale, dyspnea scale, anginal scale, or visual analog scale.
- Measure anthropometric characteristics of height, weight, and body fat composition.
- Identify factors affecting patient motivation during treatment and with home exercise programs.
- Modify exercise instruction based on patient’s ability to process commands.
- Manage barriers in environment, home, or work that may impact exercise instruction and make recommendations for modification.
- Identify compensatory head, trunk and/or limb movement during ROM/strength assessment and therapeutic exercise.
- Measure residual limb and/or adjacent segment for range of motion and strength.
- Demonstrate an acceptable level of skill in the application of compression bandages.
- Develop interventions to address muscle impairments based on postural assessment.
Assessment and Requirements
Students will be assessed through a series of lab practicals, class demonstrations, and a final comprehensive lab practical.
Students must pass this course with a “C” or better to remain in the PTA Program. They must also demonstrate competence on all lab practicals according to the PTA Program Student Handbook. Instructors (or their designees) reserve the right to require students to provide picture identification for test taking, graded papers or projects or other appropriate purposes.
To be determined by the Program Faculty