PTAS 1081 - Joint Structure & Function Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1.50

Objectives: The student will:

1. Describe the role of palpation in patient examination.
2. Demonstrate palpation techniques.
3. Discuss the use of inspection/observation.
4. Identify and palpate bony landmarks on the body surface.
5. Identify major joints of the human body.
6. Name and locate specific parts of the axial skeleton and appendicular skeletal.
7. Recognize common skeletal variations.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate and describe movements of the human body at selected joints of the extremities and spine.

Objectives: The student will:

1. Demonstrate and demonstrate anatomical position.
2. Identify cardinal planes of motion.
3. Identify the axis of motion for a given movement.
4. Describe the relationship of axes to planes of motion.
5. Demonstrate and describe all diarthrodial joint osteokinematic movements of the upper extremity, thorax and spine, and lower extremity.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe primary actions for selected major muscle groups of the extremities and trunk.

Objectives: The student will:

1. Identify origin and insertion of major muscle groups of extremities and trunk.
2. Demonstrate concentric, eccentric and isometric contractions of the trunk and extremities.
3. Demonstrate primary muscle actions for all the major muscle groups of the extremities and trunk.
4. Palpate muscle groups of the extremities and trunk.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate data collection techniques related to anthropometric and goniometric measurements appropriate to the role of the PTA.

Objectives: The student will:

1. Demonstrate proper alignment of a goniometer for a given joint movement.
2. Demonstrate ability to accurately measure joint ROM.
3. Recognize normal vs. limited range of motion.
4. Demonstrate technique for measurement of girth and length and volume of an extremity.
5. Demonstrate measurement of anthropometrical characteristics
6. Describe the role of data collection in the establishment, modification and progression of the established plan of care.
7. Discuss the role of the PTA in collecting, recording and using patient‐related data within the plan of care.

Outcome 5: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify selected postural abnormalities using a plumb line.

Objectives: The student will:

1. Identify normal postural features using a plumb line.
2. Identify postural abnormalities using a plumb line.
3. Describe the biomechanics of static and dynamic posture.

1. Anatomical Terms and Human Movement
   1. Methodology: how to analyze movement
   2. Anatomical position
   3. Terms of joint motion
      1. Spine
      2. Upper extremity
      3. Lower extremity
   4. Planes and axis for joint motion
2. Palpation/Inspection Concepts and Techniques
   1. Palpation
   2. Sensitive parts of hand
   3. Skin system and anatomical structures beneath skin
   4. Common errors
   5. Inspection/observation
3. Anatomical Bony Landmarks (Osteology)
   1. Cervical spine and thorax: anatomical structures
   2. Upper extremity: anatomical structures
      1. Shoulder and scapula
      2. Elbow and forearm
      3. Wrist and hand
   3. Lumbar spine and pelvis: anatomical structures
   4. Lower extremity: anatomical structures
      1. Hip and upper leg
      2. Knee and lower leg
      3. Ankle and foot
4. Topographical Study of Major Body Segments
   1. Shoulder girdle and shoulder
      1. Arthrology
      2. Osteokinematic movements
      3. Muscle actions
      4. Goniometric measurements
   2. Elbow, forearm, wrist and hand
      1. Arthrology
      2. Osteokinematic movements
      3. Muscle actions
      4. Goniometric measurements
   3. Selected anthropometric measurements of the upper extremity
      1. Scapula level
      2. Upper extremity circumference
      3. Upper extremity length
   4. Thorax and spine
      1. Arthrology
      2. Osteokinematic movements
      3. Muscle actions
      4. Goniometric measurements
   5. Pelvis and hip
      1. Arthrology
      2. Osteokinematic movements
      3. Muscle actions
      4. Goniometric measurements
   6. Knee, ankle and foot
      1. Arthrology
      2. Osteokinematic movements
      3. Muscle actions
      4. Goniometric measurements
   7. Selected anthropometric measurements
      1. Pelvic level
      2. Lower extremity circumference
      3. Lower extremity length
5. Posture
   1. Head/neck
   2. Shoulders
   3. Spine
   4. Knees
   5. Ankles