CSB523 Podiatric Clinical Gait Analysis
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | CSB523 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | LSB235 |
| Equivalent(s): | PUB362 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,104 |
| International unit fee | $4,956 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | CSB523 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | LSB235 |
| Equivalent: | PUB362 |
| Coordinator: | Sheree Hurn | sheree.hurn@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The evidence provided by gait analysis technology is quantitative and facilitates sound clinical decision making. In order to select and evaluate appropriate treatment interventions it is necessary to measure gait and determine musculoskeletal and neurological factors that influence foot and leg disorders. The process of collection, selection, processing and case evaluation of gait analysis data is therefore fundamental and underpins the greater part of podiatry practice. It is important that these skills are acquired early in the course.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of biomechanics to develop your understanding of the human gait cycle as relevant to podiatry practice;
- Recognise normal and pathological gait patterns and articulate using correct clinical terminology;
- Demonstrate technical skills to use gait analysis equipment independently and safely in measuring gait parameters; and
- Source and utilise findings from research papers underpinning current understanding of human gait.
Content
- Knowledge
- Applied biomechanics
- Fundamental descriptions and terminology of the gait cycle
- Evidence-based gait assessment methodologies including temporal-spatial, kinematics, kinetics, plantar pressures, and muscle activity
- Technical and clinical skills
- Instrumented and observational gait analysis in a clinical setting
- Consideration of foot posture and footwear assessment
- Clinical protocols including informed consent, risk assessment, and safe use of equipment
- Application to clinical practice
- Application of gait research to clinical practice
- Recognition of common gait alterations, including those associated with early development, ageing or pathology
- Use of correct clinical terminology to describe altered gait
The learning outcomes address elements of AHPRA's professional capabilities for podiatrists. Students are registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia which recognises these competencies as the minimum standards for professional practice.
Learning Approaches
This unit will emphasise the application of gait analysis theory to clinical practice. Approximately half of the learning activities will be conducted in practical-based sessions using state of the art gait analysis equipment in purpose built gait and clinical laboratories. Skills developed will prepare graduates for the use of industry-relevant gait analysis technologies in clinical practice. Lecture material will outline the theory underpinning these practical activities. The unit Canvas page will be used for teaching and learning resources and feedback.
This unit requires participation in practical activities within the QUT Health Clinics, and any absence will reduce the opportunity for development of your professional capabilities. Mandatory requirements for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) must be met in order to participate in these practical sessions, as outlined in 'Unit requirements'.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. You will receive formative and summative feedback from completion of a mid-semester assessment item. You will also receive formative feedback from practical supervisors regarding your developing skills, and also through online practice activities (e.g. case studies and quizzes). You will be expected to reflect on feedback and your performance in order to continually improve and progress towards becoming a podiatrist.
Assessment
Overview
Each assessment item is designed to measure your ability to apply the knowledge and skills stated in the unit learning outcomes. Your first assessment task will be to create a Standard Operating Procedure to implement gait analysis technology safely and effectively in a clinical setting, supported by relevant sources from the research literature. Your second task will be to demonstrate technical skills to operate gait analysis equipment safely and interpret reports from gait analysis systems in a clinical setting. A final theory examination will assess your knowledge of biomechanics, normal gait cycle events and pathological gait patterns as relevant to podiatry practice.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Standard Operating Procedure
You will develop a standard operating procedure for one of the gait analysis technologies introduced to you in your practical sessions. You will be required to source and reference research papers relating to human gait analysis, demonstrating understanding of safe and repeatable gait assessment methodologies. A standard operating procedure of this kind would be considered best practice in your work as a registered podiatrist.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Objective Structured Clinical Examination
Working as a podiatrist in clinical practice, you will utilise a range of technologies to analyse normal and pathological gait patterns, and describe these using correct terminology to other health professionals. In this assessment you will complete a case-based practical examination, demonstrating safe and independent use of gait analysis systems, review of their reports and interpretation of gait data.
Assessment: Theory Examination
You will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the human gait cycle, pathological gait patterns and research papers underpinning the current understanding of human gait. In a written format, you will interpret and problem solve scenarios related to clinical gait analysis, samples of research and gait analysis equipment data.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
Mandatory requirements for practical placements in QUT Health Clinics - failure to comply with these requirements will result in your exclusion from placement activities:
Blue Card: A blue card confirms that you have passed a screening of your criminal history (Working with Children Check) and have been approved to work with children and young people. For more information on the blue card and how to apply please visit the QUT website (https://qutvirtual4.qut.edu.au/group/student/jobs-and-careers/get-work-experience/blue-cards).
Vaccine Preventable Diseases Evidence: It is a mandatory requirement for students to be vaccinated against a number of vaccine preventable diseases. For more information, please refer to Faculty of Health's website (https://qutvirtual4.qut.edu.au/group/health/faculty-of-health).
First Aid Certificate: You are required to have a current Senior First Aid Certificate before you begin your placement. There are a variety of First Aid certificate courses that are delivered by approved providers and duly authorised under the Ambulance Service Act 1991.
All documentation needs to be provided to Work Integrated Learning (mailto:health.wils@qut.edu.au) before the commencement of clinical placements.
Specific disclosure: Students will be required to disclose specific personal or medical information where:
A medical condition or medication use may increase the risk of injury to yourself or others (e.g. use of sedative medications or communicable disease).
Adjustments may be required for a disability, injury, health condition or pregnancy (e.g. access to facilities, manual tasks such as scalpel work or orthosis fabrication, working with chemicals).
Please seek advice about disclosure from your Disability Advisor. Refer to Disability Services for information.
Further information regarding policies and procedures, such as health and safety, risk management, confidentiality, intellectual property, disclosure and insurance, are available via the Health Students Placements site.
Blue Card
A blue card is required to complete this unit. A blue card confirms that you have passed a screening of your criminal history (the Working with Children Check) and have been approved to work with children and young people. For more information on the blue card and how to apply please visit the QUT website.
Costs
CS44
Bachelor of Podiatry
Bachelor of Podiatry (Graduate Entry)
Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations in addition to uniform and suitable footwear, First Aid and CPR Certificate that includes AED (Automated External Defibrillation) and anaphylaxis training, blue card and podiatry instruments kit.
$1000-$1500
Resources
The primary learning resource will be the textbook listed below. Additional learning resources will be provided throughout the semester via the unit Canvas site. Students are encouraged to curate and critically apply open educational resources from relevant and appropriate online sources.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Levine, D., Richards, J., and Whittle, M.W. (Eds.). (2012). Whittle's gait analysis. (5th Edition). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier. (ISBN 978-0-7020-4265-2)
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with this unit.
This unit will involve lab-based sessions in on-campus clinic facilities. You will be required to attend the induction sessions at the commencement of the semester where the safety precautions to be observed while working in the clinic will be outlined. You are required to read the Clinic Policies and Procedures documents, and sign forms indicating that you have read and understood the material contained in these manuals. Please direct any questions regarding safe working procedures to the unit coordinator. Closed in footwear and the clinic uniform must be worn at all times in the clinic environment. This unit involves risks associated with the clinical environment (e.g. potential exposure to people with a blood borne virus) which are outlined in the policies and procedures manuals for podiatry students. You are expected to comply with these procedures and guidelines at all times.
Computer-based work will be required to complete assessment items and you will need to take care that you are working in a safe and ergonomically sound environment.