PTA-122: Exercise Techniques Lab

School
Health and Human Services
Division
Health Careers
Department
Physical Therapy Assistant
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Physical Therapist Assistant
Course Number
122
Course Title
Exercise Techniques Lab
Credit Hours
2.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
PTA-102, PTA-110, PTA-132, and PTA-168
Co-requisites
PTA-118
Catalog Course Description

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

Core Course Topics
  1. Review of Bony Landmarks and Muscle Actions
  2. Against Gravity/Gravity Eliminated Motions
  3. Use of Manual Contacts
  4. Hip Assessment and Exercise
  5. Knee Assessment and Exercise
  6. Ankle Assessment and Exercise
  7. Foot Assessment and Exercise
  8. Scapula/Shoulder Assessment and Exercise
  9. Elbow/Forearm Assessment and Exercise
  10. Wrist/Hand Assessment and Exercise
  11. Cervical assesment and exercise
  12. Lumbar Assessment and Exercise
  13. Balance and Coordination
  14. Aerobic Exercise
  15. Isokinetics
  16. Biofeedback
  17. Aquatic Exercise
  18. Relaxation Training
  19. Obstetrical Exercise
  20. Post-Amputation Exercise
  21. Postural Dysfunction Intervention
  22. Body Composition
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Measure range of motion (including muscle length) both functionally and by using a goniometer, tape measure, flexible ruler, and inclinometer.
  2. Measure muscle strength, power, and endurance both functionally and by manual muscle testing or dynamometry.
  3. Identify the various states of muscle tone and mass and the impact of pain and soreness during ROM/strength assessment and therapeutic exercise.
  4. Demonstrate an acceptable level of skill in the application of a biofeedback unit.
  5. 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.
  6. Use of various types of therapeutic exercise equipment, with appropriate rationale.
  7. Measure perceived exertion, dyspnea, or angina during activity using Rated Percieved Exertion (RPE) scale, dyspnea scale, anginal scale, or visual analog scale.
  8. Measure anthropometric characteristics of height, weight, and body fat composition.
  9. Identify factors affecting patient motivation during treatment and with home exercise programs.
  10. Modify exercise instruction based on patient’s ability to process commands.
  11. Manage barriers in environment, home, or work that may impact exercise instruction and make recommendations for modification.
  12. Identify compensatory head, trunk and/or limb movement during ROM/strength assessment and therapeutic exercise.
  13. Measure residual limb and/or adjacent segment for range of motion and strength.
  14. Demonstrate an acceptable level of skill in the application of compression bandages.
  15. Develop interventions to address muscle impairments based on postural assessment.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Students will be assessed through a series of lab practicals, class demonstrations, and a final comprehensive lab practical.

General Course Requirements and Recommendations

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.

Texts

To be determined by the Program Faculty

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Effective Term
Winter 2022