Heartland Community College
Master Course Syllabus
Division HHS
PTA 210
Physical Agents in Rehabilitation II
DATE PREPARED: 2/27/2013
DATE REVIEWED:
DATE REVISED:
PCS/CIP CODE: 12-510806
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FIRST CLASS: Fall 2015
CREDIT HOURS: 3
CONTACT HOURS: 3
LECTURE HOURS: 3
LABORATORY HOURS: 0
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Prerequisites: Admission to PTA program, completion of
PTA 100, PTA 101, PTA 102, PTA 110, PTA 111, PTA 120, PTA 121 & PTA 140 with a
grade of C or better and completion with a C or better, or concurrent enrollment in PTA 211,
PTA 220, PTA 221 & PTA 230. This is the second unit of study concerning physical agents
utilized in physical therapy. Foundational information regarding electrical stimulation is
presented to prepare the student to explore the clinical application of electrical stimulation
for the treatment of pain, edema, tissue damage, impaired joint mobility and muscle disuse
atrophy. In addition this course reviews the integumentary system and provides information
regarding assessment and treatment of wounds. Documentation guidelines for the
interventions are also discussed.
TEXTBOOKS:
REQUIRED:
Cameron, M. (2013). Physical Agents in Rehabilitation: From Research to Practice, 4th
Edition. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND
TRANSFERABILITY:
PTA 210 was designed to meet the specific needs of an Associate of Applied Science degree
and not necessarily as a transfer course, particularly in relation to the Illinois Articulation
Initiative. This course may transfer to various institutions in a variety of ways. Please see an
academic advisor for an explanation concerning transfer options.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: After successfully completing the course, students should be
able to:
Course Outcomes
Program
Outcomes
(POs)
1. Explain the role of the PTA in
implementing treatment interventions
regarding electrical stimulation and
wound management, within the
physical therapist’s plan of care.
2. Associate the goals established by
the physical therapist with selected
interventions.
3. Organize sequence of interventions
and/or determine how to combine
physical agents to optimize patient
outcomes and maximize efficiency.
4. Identify appropriate patient
positioning for PT intervention.
5. Describe appropriate questions to ask
the patient to collect subjective data
regarding patient status.
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6. Describe the various pain-control
theories
7. Discuss the various electrical current
parameters and their clinical
significance.
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8. Explain the purpose of PT
interventions involving electrical
stimulation.
9. Describe the physiological effects of
electrical stimulation and differentiate
between normal/abnormal responses.
10. List and describe indication(s),
precaution(s), contraindication(s) and
safety consideration(s) related to
electrical stimulation.
11. Compare and contrast various
electrode placements for optimal
treatment outcome.
12. Describe appropriate application of
electrical stimulation based on the
physical therapist plan of care.
13. Compare and contrast various
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Range of
Assessment
Methods
Throughout the
semester, the
following
assessment
methods may be
used to measure
the course and
POs outcomes:
Classroom
Assessment
Techniques
(CATs)
Exams
Quizzes
Homework
Projects
Written
Assignments
Presentations
protocols/rationale for administering
electrical stimulation for pain.
14. Compare and contrast various
protocols/rationale for administering
electrical stimulation for tissue damage,
impaired joint mobility, and muscle
disuse atrophy.
15. Describe protocols/rationale for
administering medication through
means of iontophoresis.
16. Explain how physical therapy
utilizes electromyography, biofeedback,
and neuromuscular retraining in the
clinical setting.
17. Describe appropriate data collection
methods for integumentary integrity
used by the physical therapist assistant.
18. Describe the phases of wound
healing and the factors which impede it.
19. Discuss the signs of infection.
20. Describe positions, postures and
equipment that may produce or relieve
trauma to the skin.
21. List various types of LE ulcers and
compare and contrast their clinical
features and physical therapy
management.
22. List the types of wound
debridement and dressings currently
utilized and compare and contrast the
advantages and disadvantages of each.
23. Compare and contrast the various
physical therapy interventions utilized
in the treatment of wounds.
24. Describe the necessary components
needed for the documentation of data
collected and interventions performed,
utilizing proper medical terminology,
abbreviations and format.
25. Compare and contrast
characteristics of granulation tissue
versus necrotic tissue.
26. Display professional behaviors
complimentary to the profession and
within the guidelines of the APTA’s
Standard of Ethical Conduct.
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COURSE/LAB OUTLINE:
Basic Concepts in Electrical Stimulation
Clinical Application of Electrical Stimulation
Types of Electrical Stimulators
Electrode Types, Configuration and Placement Sites
Electrical Laws
Indication/contraindications/Precautions and Electrical Safety
Electrical Stimulation for pain
Wound Management
Electrical Stimulation for tissue Repair
Iontophoresis
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation For:
Impaired Joint mobility
Protective muscles spasm
Correction of Contractures
Inhibition of Spasticity
Strengthening
Endurance
Power
Disuse Atrophy
Biofeedback
Functional Electrical Stimulation
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
Instructors may determine the most appropriate methods of evaluation for their course.
These methods of evaluation might include but are not limited to exams, homework, term
papers, and oral reports.
To facilitate attainment of professional behavior students will also be graded on a conduct
rubric. This rubric will be completed by the instructor at the end of the semester and has the
potential to add or deduct one point from his/her course average.
GRADING SCALE:
93-100%
84-92%
75-83%
67-74%
Below 67%
A
B
C
D
F
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
On average, students will be expected to read 40 pages each week* and complete one 1-3
page writing assignment throughout the course.
*estimate is based on a 16 week course schedule. Please note if your class is not a 16 week
class your weekly reading assignment will be increased.