Overview
This unit will provide you with the foundational components of neurological physiotherapy to prepare you for the clinical management of patients with neurological conditions. You will develop an understanding of neuroanatomy, neuroscience, and neurodevelopment and realise how health theories and frameworks (e.g., motor learning, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)) guide neurological rehabilitation. You will learn to conduct assessments that define impairments and limitations in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), select and apply outcome measures that monitor functional limitations and impairments, and use clinical reasoning for the basis of treatment planning. The interventions you implement will be effective, evidence-based, and directed at the re-education of functional movement.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
To enrol in this unit you must be enrolled in the CB85 Course and meet the following pre-requisites:BMSC11007 Medical Anatomy and Physiology 1 BMSC11008 Medical Anatomy and Physiology 2 PSIO11004 Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice 1 PSIO11003 Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice 2ALLH11006 Life Course Development for Health Professionals
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE
More time dedicated to practical skills during tutorials.
It is recommended that the time dedicated to practical skills during tutorials be reviewed to ensure students have time to embed these skills in preparation for clinical practical skills assessment.
Feedback from SUTE
Additional video examples of techniques and hand placements.
It is recommended that additional videos resources related to clinical practical skills be developed and made available via Moodle.
Feedback from SUTE
OSCE marking and criteria need to be reviewed.
It is recommended that rubrics and descriptors for OSCEs are reviewed.
Feedback from SUTE
Exam questions to be more clear.
It is recommended that exam question wording is reviewed so that students have a clear understanding of what is being assessed.
- Describe basic concepts of neurosciences, including organisation and function of the nervous system, neurodevelopment and signs and symptoms in neurologic lesions
- Select and apply appropriate assessment tools, including observational analysis and outcome measures, to identify functional limitations and impairments in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and contemporary healthcare practice
- Demonstrate competency in the selection (rationale) and execution of evidence-based neurological rehabilitation techniques to address sensorimotor dysfunction and promote the re-education of functional movement
- Demonstrate acceptable professional and ethical behaviours consistent with a physiotherapy practitioner.
Learning outcomes and assessment tasks have been mapped against and aligned with the Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
1 - In-class Test(s) - 25% | ||||
2 - In-class Test(s) - 25% | ||||
3 - On-campus Activity - 0% | ||||
4 - Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) - 50% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
1 - Communication | ||||
2 - Problem Solving | ||||
3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
4 - Information Literacy | ||||
5 - Team Work | ||||
6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
8 - Ethical practice | ||||
9 - Social Innovation | ||||
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures |
Textbooks
Neuroanatomy: An illustrated colour text
Edition: 6th edn (2019)
Authors: Crossman, A. & Neary, D.
Elsevier Churchill Livingstone
Edinburgh Edinburgh , UK
ISBN: 9780702074622
Binding: eBook
Physical management for neurological conditions
Edition: Fourth ediition (2018)
Authors: Lennon, Sheila,; Ramdharry, Gita,; Verheyden, Geert
Elsevier
Edinburgh Edinburgh , Scotland
ISBN: 0-7020-7723-2; 9780702071744
Binding: eBook
Neurological Assessment: A Clinician's Guide
(2014)
Authors: Jones, K
CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE
London London , UK
ISBN: 978-0-7020-6302-2
Binding: eBook
Umphred's Neurological Rehabilitation
Edition: 7th (2020)
Authors: Lazaro, RT
Elsevier
St Louis St Louis , Missouri , USA
ISBN: 9780323676984
Binding: Hardcover
Additional Textbook Information
Please select either ebook or print versions of each prescribed textbook based on your needs, learning style, and study habits.
Not sure how to decide? Ebooks are often preferred due to affordability, convenience of access and navigation, and ease of purchasing. However, they do have physical limitations (e.g., require access to laptop, power, and internet), more distractions, and cannot be resold. Students using print textbooks often report increased engagement (easier to focus and study for longer periods), reliable access, and offset of some costs by purchasing and reselling of used books.
Before purchasing, check the library for full text availability (online and physical locations).
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
s.job@cqu.edu.au
s.randall@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Nervous system development and overview
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Cerebral cortex
Spinal cord, somatosensory, and motor systems
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Basal ganglia and cerebellum
Brainstem and cranial nerves
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Visual and vestibular systems
Neuroscience of pain
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Foundations of motor control
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Motor learning and movement re-education
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Hurdle 1a (TRAIN module) Due: Week 6 Wednesday (21st August) 4:00pm AEST
Module/Topic
Balance and gait
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Falls
Physical activity and exercise
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Hurdle 1b (Social Prescription module) Due: Week 8 Wednesday (4th September) 4:00pm AEST
Module/Topic
Neuromuscular techniques for movement facilitation and pain management
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Assistive technology
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Assessment
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Hurdle 2 (Attendance) Due: Week 12 Friday (4th October) 4:00pm AEST
Module/Topic
Assessment
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical Assessment Due: this assessment will be scheduled in Review/Exam Week or Exam Week following confirmation of the centrally timetabled exam after Week 6
Module/Topic
Assessment
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical Assessment Due: this assessment will be scheduled in Review/Exam Week or Exam Week following confirmation of the centrally timetabled exam after Week 6
Teaching Team
Bundaberg
- Sasha Job
- Unit coordinator, lecturer, tutor
- s.job@cqu.edu.au
Rockhampton
- Samantha Randall
- Lecturer, tutor
- s.randall@cqu.edu.au
Pre-clinical Requirements
This unit has a practical session that includes attendance at a physiotherapy falls and balance class and a practical session that includes visiting an assistive technology showroom. For the falls and balance class you will be required to attend one one-hour class that is scheduled outside of regular timetabled sessions that is held in any physiotherapy setting (e.g., hospital, private practice, community rehabilitation). For the assistive technology showroom visit you will be required to attend a two-hour session that is scheduled within regular timetabled sessions at a local mobility supplier. All pre-clinical requirements must be completed prior to attending these sessions.
Please see moodle for further details.
1 In-class Test(s)
In-class Test 1 constitutes 25% of the overall grade. It will assess content (lectures, tutorials, and required readings) from weeks 1-4 inclusive. This test will consist of up to 45 questions (worth up to 60 marks) and will have a time limit of up to 90 minutes . The questions will be identical for all students, however they will be randomly generated from a question bank so that the test may appear differently for each student. The test is a closed book assessment which will be supervised by a CQUniversity staff member and must be completed at the scheduled time on either the Rockhampton or Bundaberg campus. Access to all resources other than the quiz itself is prohibited (e.g. books, notes, electronic devices or websites other than the quiz itself). It is recommended that a laptop be used for this assessment, however a tablet is permitted. The use of a mobile phone is not permitted for this assessment item.
In-class Test 1 will consist of multiple question categories, including:
- Multiple choice
- True/ false
- Matching
- Short answer
- Long answer
- Calculations
- Fill in the missing word(s)
- Questions relating to multimedia material (e.g. images, videos)
The test must be completed at the due time below. The closing time displayed in Moodle reflects an administrative and technological timeframe, not a task completion window of time.
Refer to Moodle for further information and additional resources.
Week 5 Thursday (8 Aug 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Results will be accessible on Moodle within two weeks of the due date.
- Describe basic concepts of neurosciences, including organisation and function of the nervous system, neurodevelopment and signs and symptoms in neurologic lesions
2 In-class Test(s)
In-class Test 2 constitutes 25% of the overall grade. It will assess content (lectures, tutorials, and required readings) from weeks 5-10 inclusive. This test will consist of up to 45 questions (worth up to 60 marks) and will have a time limit of up to 90 minutes . The questions will be identical for all students, however they will be randomly generated from a question bank so that the test may appear differently for each student. The test is a closed book assessment which will be supervised by a CQUniversity staff member and must be completed at the scheduled time on either the Rockhampton or Bundaberg campus. Access to all resources other than the quiz itself is prohibited (e.g. books, notes, electronic devices or websites other than the quiz itself). It is recommended that a laptop be used for this assessment, however a tablet is permitted. The use of a mobile phone is not permitted for this assessment item.
In-class Test 2 will consist of multiple question categories, including:
- Multiple choice
- True/ false
- Matching
- Short answer
- Long answer
- Calculations
- Fill in the missing word(s)
- Questions relating to multimedia material (e.g. images, videos)
The test must be completed at the due time below. The closing time displayed in Moodle reflects an administrative and technological timeframe, not a task completion window of time.
Refer to Moodle for further information and additional resources.
Week 11 Thursday (26 Sept 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Results will be accessible on Moodle within two weeks of the due date.
Grading of Assessment
All questions will be marked numerically and an overall percentage mark awarded. For multiple choice questions where multiple answers can be selected, incorrect answers are weighted as the negative value of a correct response (the minimum value awarded for a question overall is zero - you cannot receive a negative mark).
Late Arrival to Assessment
You should aim to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the official assessment commencement time. In the extraordinary circumstance that you are late, you will be permitted late entry to your assessment of up to 10 minutes after the official commencement time. The period of lateness will be deducted from your overall assessment time. If you are denied access to the assessment due to lateness (i.e. arriving beyond the permitted late entry period), you should make an application for deferred assessment, which may or may not be approved in line with CQU policy. If the application for deferred assessment is denied, you will receive a grade of zero percent (0%) for the assessment item.
- Select and apply appropriate assessment tools, including observational analysis and outcome measures, to identify functional limitations and impairments in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and contemporary healthcare practice
- Demonstrate competency in the selection (rationale) and execution of evidence-based neurological rehabilitation techniques to address sensorimotor dysfunction and promote the re-education of functional movement
3 On-campus Activity
There will be two hurdle assessments:
Hurdle 1: e-learning Modules
Hurdle 1 requires the completion of two e-learning modules (TRAIN and Social Prescription) and their corresponding quizzes as outlined below.
Hurdle 1a: TRAIN e-learning Module
- Complete the TRAIN e-learning module (Link: TRAIN Program: A Clinician’s Guide to Effective Task Specific Training).
- Complete a short knowledge quiz that is external to the module (Link: TRAIN Qualtrics Survey) You must complete and achieve at least 80% for this multiple-choice quiz. Multiple (3) quiz attempts are permitted. If retaking the survey, please clearly indicate the response number next to your name.
- The are no other submission requirements for this module - your completed quiz is the submission.
Due: Week 6 (Wednesday 21st August) 4:00pm AEST.
Hurdle 1b: WHO Social Prescribing e-learning Module
- Complete the WHO Social Prescribing e-learning module (Link: WHO Social Prescribing).
- Complete embedded quizzes. You must complete all quizzes embedded within the module and achieve at least 80% of the maximum grade for each quiz to obtain a Record of Achievement.
- Submit your Record of Achievement on Moodle.
Due date: Week 8 (Wednesday 4th September) 4:00pm AEST.
Hurdle 2: Attendance
A minimum attendance rate of 85% for practical and tutorial sessions is required in order to be eligible to PASS this unit. This minimum attendance requirement is recommended by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and thus has been integrated as a requirement into the CB85 Physiotherapy course. If there is a genuine reason for being absent, you must inform the unit coordinator as soon as possible and submit a medical certificate or other supporting documentation via email within five days of missing the session.
The monitoring of attendance will take into consideration legitimate requests for absence such as those outlined in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (5.21 and 5.22) (e.g. medical or allied health, compassionate, misadventure and exceptional circumstances). You will be notified by the unit coordinator when you reach the 85% threshold. If you require a prolonged absence (>3 sessions) for a health-related condition, you will be required to have a face-to-face discussion with the unit coordinator and Head of Course to discuss your progression in the unit. Attendance rates for this hurdle will be calculated in week 12.
Refer to Moodle for further information and additional resources.
Hurdle 1a due Week 6 Wednesday 4:00pm AEST. Hurdle 1b due Week 8 Wednesday 4:00pm AEST. Hurdle 2 due Week 12 Friday 4:00pm AEST.
Results will be accessible on Moodle within two weeks of the due date.
Hurdle 1: A quiz result of 80% for both Hurdle 1a and Hurdle 1b is required to PASS this hurdle. You must PASS this hurdle in order to be eligible to PASS this unit.
Hurdle 2: An attendance rate of 85% at practical and tutorial sessions is required to PASS this hurdle. You must PASS this hurdle in order to be eligible to PASS the unit.
- Demonstrate acceptable professional and ethical behaviours consistent with a physiotherapy practitioner.
4 Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
The Practical Assessment will be in the format of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and is intended to assess your theoretical knowledge, practical application of neurological physiotherapy assessment and treatment skills. The OSCE will be scheduled for either week 1 or week 2 of the university's examination period. The weighting of the Practical Assessment is 50% of the overall unit grade. All content from PSIO12004 and prerequisite units is examinable in this assessment task.
The OSCE will include eight (8) equally weighted stations:
- Somatosensation
- Muscle strength
- Cranial nerves
- Coordination
- Reflexes and muscle tone
- Bed mobility, sitting balance, sit-to-stand (STS), and stand to sit (SIT)
- Reach, grasp, and manipulation
- Standing balance and gait
Your OSCE will have a total time limit of 40 minutes (10 minutes preparation, 30 minutes examination). For each station, you are expected to:
- Answer all knowledge questions correctly using appropriate terminology
- Position the patient optimally for a safe, effective and efficient intervention
- Position yourself as the therapist optimally for a safe, effective and efficient intervention
- Perform intervention safely, effectively and efficiently
You must come appropriately attired for the Practical Assessment (full clinical uniform). When being patient, please change into appropriate casual clothes.
A timetable for the Practical Assessment will be published on Moodle by the end of week 12.
Refer to Moodle for further information and additional resources.
This assessment will be scheduled in Review/Exam Week or Exam Week following confirmation of the centrally timetabled exam after Week 6
Results will be accessible on Moodle within two weeks of the due date.
The assessment rubric for this task is based on the Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand . This quality framework is mapped against the CQUniversity Graduate Attributes and is intended to give a holistic understanding of standards expected for the assessment task. The rubric for this assessment will be based on the following categories and weightings:
- Safety, risk management, and professional behaviour (P/F)
- Communication (20%)
- Knowledge and practical application of techniques (80%)
Refer to Moodle for the assessment rubric.
You should aim to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the official assessment commencement time. In the extraordinary circumstance that you are late, you will be permitted late entry to your assessment of up to 10 minutes after the official commencement time. The period of lateness will be deducted from your overall assessment time. If you are denied access to the assessment due to lateness (i.e. arriving beyond the permitted late entry period), you should make an application for deferred assessment, which may or may not be approved in line with CQU policy. If the application for deferred assessment is denied, you will receive a grade of zero percent (0%) for the assessment item.
- Describe basic concepts of neurosciences, including organisation and function of the nervous system, neurodevelopment and signs and symptoms in neurologic lesions
- Select and apply appropriate assessment tools, including observational analysis and outcome measures, to identify functional limitations and impairments in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and contemporary healthcare practice
- Demonstrate competency in the selection (rationale) and execution of evidence-based neurological rehabilitation techniques to address sensorimotor dysfunction and promote the re-education of functional movement
- Demonstrate acceptable professional and ethical behaviours consistent with a physiotherapy practitioner.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.