Term 10 ( Course Objectives for NERO)

Learning Outcomes and Objectives _____________________________________________________________________________

Neruo 3

Course Learning Outcomes / Objectives (from syllabus)

● CLO 1: Select and perform advanced assessments and interventions for specialty areas of neurological physical
therapy utilizing the international classification for functioning, disability, and health (ICF) framework.
○ 1.1. Describe custom wheelchair assessment and wheelchair seating systems for individuals with
neurologic health conditions.
○ 1.2. Explain how to teach power mobility training and manual wheelchair skills training for individuals
with neurologic conditions.
○ 1.3. Select and perform functional skill training activities for individuals with complete and incomplete
SCI.
○ 1.4. Discuss the medical and psychosocial considerations for individuals with SCI
○ 1.5. Select appropriate assessments and interventions for respiratory dysfunction in individuals with
neurologic health conditions
○ 1.6. Perform examination and evaluation of individuals with vestibular disorders.
○ 1.7. Select and perform vestibular rehabilitation interventions in individuals diagnosed with vestibular
disorders.
○ 1.8. Perform appropriate examination, evaluation, and interventions for individuals with persistent
symptoms of concussion. 1.9. Select locomotor training paradigms for individuals with various neurologic
health conditions.
● CLO 2: Utilizing evidence-based tests and measures, develop a patient-centered plan of care for adults with
common and rare neurologic health conditions that is consistent with the Guide to PT Practice.
○ 2.1. Describe the natural course of disease and patient management for individuals with rare
neurodegenerative disorders (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, progressive cerebellar
ataxia, post-polio syndrome, brain tumor, Charcot Marie tooth disease).
○ 2.2. Select, administer, and analyze clinical tests and standardized outcome measures within the ICF
framework and use the data TO formulate a diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care for individuals with
neurologic health conditions.
○ 2.3. Identify and discuss the role of each member of the health care team in providing patient-centered
holistic care for individuals with neurologic health conditions and refer patients to others when needed
care is outside scope of practice or personal expertise.
○ 2.4. Interact and communicate with patients and families in a manner that is sensitive to differences in
race/ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
○ 2.5. Demonstrate accurate written documentation skills for individuals with neurologic health conditions.
● CLO 3: Critically appraise the literature and integrate research findings into the decision-making process for
patient care.
○ 3.1. Conduct a critical review of current literature (access, review, analyze, and critique) and apply the
results to clinical practice for patients with neuromuscular conditions.
○ 3.2. Develop a plan of care based on a review of the research literature.
○ 3.3. Discuss emerging interventions for neurologic conditions.
UNIT 1:

● Introduction to SCI
○ Discuss the medical management of persons with spinal cord injury.
○ Select appropriate assessments and interventions for respiratory dysfunction in individuals with
neurologic health conditions.

● SCI-Specific Out Measures and SCI Movement Strategies

○ Select, administer, and analyze clinical tests and standardized outcome measures within the ICF
framework and use the data to formulate a diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care for individuals with SCI.
○ Select and perform functional skill training activities for individuals with complete and incomplete SCI.

● Wheelchairs
○ Describe custom wheelchair assessment and wheelchair seating systems for individuals with neurologic
health conditions.
○ Explain how to teach power mobility training and manual wheelchair skills training for individuals with
neurologic health conditions.

● Gait Training in SCI

○ Discuss locomotor training paradigms for individuals with various neurologic health conditions.
○ Choose the appropriate bracing and assistive device for gait training a client with SCI.

● Bowel, Bladder, Sexual Function, and Psychosocial Aspects of SCI

○ Describe the bowel, bladder, and sexual functioning issues affecting persons with SCI.
○ Discuss the psychosocial aspects of SCI.

UNIT 2

● Structure and Function of the Vestibular System

○ Identify anatomical structures of the peripheral and central vestibular system and discuss their respective
functions.

● Vestibular System Disorders and BPPV

○ Define the primary and secondary symptoms of vestibular pathology.
○ Explain the difference between reduced, distorted, and fluctuating vestibular pathology and the specific
diagnosis that fall under each category.
○ Differentiate the etiology, symptoms, course, assessment, and treatment of BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal
Positional Vertigo).

● Examination of Vestibular System Disorders

○ Identify the components of the clinical and diagnostic vestibular examinations that are used to establish a
diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care.

● Scientific Basis and Treatment Principles for Vestibular Rehabilitation

○ Explain the scientific basis for vestibular rehabilitation.
○ Describe the evidence of treatment efficacy for vestibular rehabilitation.
○ Discuss the principles and evidence for vestibular adaptation, habituation, & substitution.
○ Apply knowledge and formulate treatment progression for unilateral hypofunction (UVH), bilateral
vestibular hypofunction (BVH), BPPV, & central dysfunction based on patient cases.
 ● Chronic Post-Concussion Syndrome Examinations and Interventions
○ Differentiate concussion from post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
○ Describe common symptom profiles post-concussion and identify where the PT can intervene.
○ Discuss the role of each health care member in the management of PCS and discuss when to refer out.
○ Describe essential examination components for a person with PCS.
○ Discuss and differentiate common vestibular, oculomotor, and vision impairments and prescribe
appropriate interventions for patients with PCS
○ Understand the goal of exertional testing and training.
○ Apply knowledge to clinical cases

UNIT 3:

● Overall Unit Objectives

○ Describe the basic etiology, pathophysiology, and presentation of various rare neuromuscular disorders,
including: Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Huntington’s Disease, Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis, Cerebellar ataxia,
and Post-polio syndrome.
○ Compare and Contrast less prevalent neuromuscular disorder and describe their similarities and
differences from other movement and neurological disorders.
○ Describe the most effective and current evidence-based rehabilitative treatment approaches for each
condition and discuss the prevention of secondary complications.
○ Discuss the PT clinical implications according to the WHO-ICF model and be able to identify any
contraindications to treatment specific to the progressive nature of each disorder.

● ALS
○ Describe the epidemiology and etiology of ALS. Identify risk factors of ALS.
○ Describe the pathophysiology of ALS in connection with the neuroanatomical locations & associated
impairments.
○ Describe the medical diagnosis & pharmacological management of ALS.
○ Describe the disease course and prognosis of ALS. Integrate the framework for rehabilitation into a plan
of care.
○ Describe the PT examination considerations, including outcome measures Safely.
○ Apply recommendations of exercise Rx in developing a plan of care related to stage of ALS.

● Huntington's Disease
○ Describe the epidemiology and etiology of Huntington’s Disease.
○ Describe the pathophysiology of HD in connection with the neuroanatomical locations & associated
impairments.
○ Describe the medical diagnosis & pharmacological management of HD.
○ Describe the natural history and prognosis of HD.
○ Discuss a framework for rehabilitation according to the WHO-ICF model.
○ Describe the PT examination considerations including outcome measures.
○ Describe the most effective and current evidence-based rehabilitative treatment approaches for the
prevention of secondary complications.

● Cerebellar Ataxia
○ Review and recall the anatomy and function of the cerebellum as it relates to motor control.
○ Identify various pathologies contributing to cerebellar damage
○ Hypothesize and assess impairments related to cerebellar pathology as it related to the PT examination.
○ Recognize special considerations of patient presentation related to progressive vs non progressive
cerebellar ataxia
 ○ Use current evidence to identify goals and interventions related to cerebellar ataxia

● Brain Tumor
○ Review and recall the anatomy and function of the cerebellum as it relates to motor control.
○ Identify various pathologies contributing to cerebellar damage
○ Hypothesize and assess impairments related to cerebellar pathology as it related to the PT examination.
○ Recognize special considerations of patient presentation related to progressive vs non progressive
cerebellar ataxia
○ Use current evidence to identify goals and interventions related to cerebellar ataxia
○ Identify various types of primary brain tumor
○ Recognize and interpret signs and symptoms of brain tumor specific to tumor location.
○ Recognize red flag symptomology indicating need for referral
○ Describe medical diagnostics and management of brain tumor
○ Recognize side effects related to treatment and impact on function, mobility and participation.
○ Account for multiple considerations in developing an intervention plan for patients with brain tumor

● Post-Polio
○ Understand the prevalence and pathophysiology of post polio syndrome
○ Analyze the challenges using the ICF model in patients experiencing post polio syndrome
○ Describe the framework for the examination and evaluation process for individuals with post polio
syndrome
○ Utilize the evidence to develop holistic intervention plans that encompass the unique challenges patients
with PPS present

● Charcot Marie Tooth Disease

○ Describe the epidemiology and etiology of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT).
○ Describe the pathophysiology of CMT in connection with the neuroanatomical locations & associated
impairments.
○ Describe the medical diagnosis & pharmacological management of CMT.
○ Describe the natural history and prognosis of CMT.
○ Discuss a framework for rehabilitation according to the WHO-ICF model
○ Describe the PT examination considerations, including outcome measures
○ Describe the most effective and current evidence-based rehabilitative treatment approaches for the
prevention of secondary complications

UNIT 4

● Formulate a neurological clinical question in PICO (Patient-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome) format

● Search for, and analyze clinical trials and systematic reviews to determine their quality and validity
● Synthesize physical therapy research to make clinical decisions and formulate an evidence-based plan of care for
a neurologic patient
● Present findings to the class in a professional digital format
● Review peer presentations and discuss the application of contemporary intervention approaches for the
neurologic patient