Module Title: Neurological Practice Module Code: 02 21129
Level: I
Credit Value: 20
Year and Term: Year 2, Term 1 and 2
Programme in which the Module is available: BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy. This Module may only
be commenced if the student has undertaken learning in the Patient-Centred Practice 2 Module.
This Module is NOT available outside the main discipline of Physiotherapy.
Related Modules: Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Total Contact Hours: 80 hours staff/student contact
Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, seminars, practical skills workshops, learning
communities, visiting clinical specialists. E-learning activities
Delivery: Daytime on campus. E-learning activities will be available on-line at other times.
Module Description:
The module is designed to prepare students for clinical practice within the field of neurology. A
case study approach will be used where emphasis will be given to the clinical manifestations and
resultant problems experienced by individuals occurring as a result of damage to, or impairment
of, the nervous system. Students‟ clinical reasoning ability will be developed together with
capability to apply appropriate therapeutic interventions, underpinned by the principles of
evidence-based practice. The contribution of physiotherapy to the management of patients
presenting with neurological impairment will be considered with respect to inter-professional
working.
Learning Outcomes: At the end of the module
the student should be able to:
Identify mechanisms by which tissues may be
damaged, explaining the effects on structure
and function.
Explain the clinical effects of damage to the
central and peripheral nervous system in adults
and children.
Explain the theoretical and evidence base
underpinning physiotherapeutic techniques
used within neurological rehabilitation.
Discuss the alteration in posture, mobility and
gait that occurs as a result of neurological
deficit.
Demonstrate a knowledge of, and ability to
apply, assessment procedures undertaken with
the patient having neurological deficit.
Demonstrate appropriate skills to facilitate
rehabilitation of the patient with neurological
deficit.
Adapt manual handling techniques to develop
safe therapeutic handling skills.
Use C&IT to investigate current research
supporting therapeutic interventions used in
managing patients with neurological deficit.
Demonstrated or Assessed by
Assessed by web-based examination
supported by Treatment Toolkit
Assessed by web-based examination
supported by Treatment Toolkit
Assessed by web-based examination
supported by Treatment Toolkit
Assessed by web-based examination
supported by Treatment Toolkit
Assessed by web-based examination
supported by Treatment Toolkit
Demonstrated in practical sessions supported
by Treatment Toolkit
Demonstrated in practical sessions supported
by Treatment Toolkit
Demonstrated within the learning community
Discuss the roles of multidisciplinary team
members involved in managing patients with
neurological deficit.
Discuss alterations in function arising from
pathology or injury, demonstrating
understanding of the impact of neurological
deficit on the lives of patients and their
carers/families.
Assessed by web-based examination
supported by Treatment Toolkit
Assessed by web-based examination
supported by Treatment Toolkit
Indicative Content:
 Applied neurophysiology including neuroplasticity

Overview of theories of neurological rehabilitation

Pathological basis of specialist conditions e.g. CVA, Guillain Barre, Multiple Sclerosis,
head injury

Changes in tone Hyper/hypo, flaccidity, rigidity

Movement analysis related to neurological status

Assessment and treatment planning related to neurological status

Appropriate outcome measures

Therapeutics for tonal changes, including ice, Orthotics, FES

Neurological changes seen in Gait, sit to stand, shoulder, foot, hand and trunk,
functional activities

SALT, Neuropsychology

PNF in neurology –trunk activities

Normal development, paediatric neurology, CP

Cranial nerves, Vestibular rehab,

Therapeutic handling

Psychosocial issues of neurological impairment

Neurosurgery

Neurophysiological assessments- CT, MRI, nerve conduction

Practical skills workshops supported by skills log showing evidence for the skills
outcomes for assessment and therapy.

Interprofessional working in neurological services

Health promotion
Summary of Method of Assessment
 3 Hour - Web-based examination (100% weighting) in Term 2