Aim and Content

Aim:

The student should be able to explain theories and models for motor development, learning and movement control, and use this knowledge when analyzing function and to plan individual interventions in order to promote functional abilities, focusing on walk and balance.

Contents:

Movement science includes research based knowledge about development, learning and movement control. This is an interdisciplinary field of study, and includes functional anatomy, biomechanics, neuro- and muscle physiology, and physiological, pedagogical and cultural aspects of movement. In this course, the theory basis is connected to clinical practice, focusing on balance, gait, mobility and fine motor skills. Movements are understood as the result of cooperation between person, task and surroundings.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

After completing the course, the students should be able to explain

- concepts and theories regarding development, learning and movement control in a lifetime perspective

- proactive and reactive control strategies and relations that contribute in controlling balance and walk

- current methods for analyzing balance and gait

Skills

After completing the course, the students should be able to critically discuss

- implications of different theories regarding movement science for physiotherapy practices

- studies that concern motor skills in a healthy perspective, especially focusing on balance and gait

General skills

After completing the course, the students should be able to:

- choose clinically useful methods and conduct limited studies to evaluate balance and gait

Course offered (semester)

Spring

Course Unit Level

Master

Teaching Methods

Lectures

Student presentations of scientific articles

Laboratory exercises in methods to evaluate balance and gait

Seminar related to written assignments

Students` and teachers` comments to written assignments.

Three assemblies, 2-3 days each. 1-2 weeks (7 days), 40-45 hours in total

Compulsory Requirements

All compulsory assignments must be completed

Assessment methods

Portfolio assessment based on written assignments

Internal and external examiner

Grading Scale

Grading scale A-F

Reading List

Recommended literature will be posted at Studentportalen (My Space) and provide a basis for learning activities