CSB523 Podiatric Clinical Gait Analysis

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal

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:

1. Apply knowledge of biomechanics to develop your understanding of the human gait cycle as relevant to podiatry practice;
2. Recognise normal and pathological gait patterns and articulate using correct clinical terminology;
3. Demonstrate digital capabilities and technical skills to use gait analysis equipment independently and safely in measuring gait parameters; and
4. Source and utilise findings from research papers underpinning current understanding of human gait.

Content

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 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 develop and demonstrate a Standard Operating Procedure to implement gait analysis technology safely and effectively in a clinical setting, supported by relevant sources from the research literature. 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

This assessment has two parts. For Part 1, 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. For Part 2, you will be required to demonstrate and discuss the practical application of your procedure during your practical class, with reference to a simulated patient case, to evidence your achievement of the relevant learning outcomes.

Part 1 is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions. 

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in Part 1 of this assessment. See the relevant assessment details page for specific guidelines.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during Part 2 of this assessment.

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

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

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.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

Mandatory requirements for practical activities in QUT Health Clinics - failure to comply with these requirements will result in your exclusion from practical 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 the unit.

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

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Whittle, M. (2023). Whittle’s Gait analysis (D. Levine, J. Richards, & M. Whittle, Eds.; Sixth edition.). Elsevier.

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.

Course Learning Outcomes

CS44 Bachelor of Podiatry

1. Critically evaluate and integrate specialised discipline knowledge of body systems, pathology, podiatric medicine and therapeutics in real-world settings.
   Relates to: Theory Examination
2. Employ information literacy, evidence-based professional reasoning and shared decision-making to safely and effectively undertake person-centred management for diverse lower limb conditions through assessment, investigation, diagnosis and evaluation.
   Relates to: Standard Operating Procedure
3. Implement safe and effective assessment and management of patients, using highly developed clinical and technical skills, exercising reflexive, ethical, sustainable and culturally responsive practice, within regulatory and legal frameworks.
   Relates to: Standard Operating Procedure
4. Practice effective multimodal communication and collaboration, establishing inclusive partnerships with patients, health professionals and relevant stakeholders, leveraging digital capabilities and interprofessional referral pathways to positively impact individual and community health outcomes, applying the full scope of podiatric practice.
   Relates to: Standard Operating Procedure
5. Uphold, promote and advocate for the culture and practice of safety, quality assurance and risk management in diverse health care environments and populations, while recognizing personal accountability and responsibility for sustainable and culturally safe systems, and embracing diverse perspectives and innovative health care solutions.
   Relates to: Standard Operating Procedure

CS46 Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)

1. Critically evaluate and integrate advanced specialised knowledge of body systems, pathology, podiatric medicine and therapeutics in real-world settings.
   Relates to: Theory Examination
2. Employ research skills in parallel with evidence-based professional reasoning and shared decision-making to safely and effectively undertake person-centred management for diverse lower limb conditions through assessment, investigation, diagnosis and evaluation.
   Relates to: Standard Operating Procedure
3. Implement safe and effective assessment and management of patients, using highly developed clinical and technical skills, exercising reflexive, ethical, sustainable and culturally responsive practice, within regulatory and legal frameworks.
   Relates to: Standard Operating Procedure
4. Practice scholarly multimodal communication and effective collaboration, establishing inclusive partnerships with patients, health professionals and relevant stakeholders, leveraging digital capabilities and interprofessional referral pathways to positively impact individual and community health outcomes, applying the full scope of podiatric practice, including dissemination of research findings.
   Relates to: Standard Operating Procedure
5. Uphold, promote and advocate for the culture and practice of safety, quality assurance and risk management in diverse health care environments and populations, while recognizing personal accountability and responsibility for sustainable and culturally safe systems, embracing diverse perspectives and demonstrating emergent leadership of innovative health care solutions through research.
   Relates to: Standard Operating Procedure