Outline

Overview

Students will develop knowledge and skills required to provide occupational therapy for people whose occupational performance is compromised by biomechanical and sensory motor impairments. A variety of theoretical perspectives used to guide practice will be covered. Students will learn how to evaluate performance, design occupation-embedded therapy programs, clearly articulate the theoretical and evidence-based rationale for their programs, and select methods to evaluate outcomes from therapy.

Details

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Unit code	OCCP5208
Unit name	Biomechanical and Sensorimotor Strategies
Session, year ?	Semester 2, 2021
Attendance mode	Normal day
Location	Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Credit points	6

Enrolment rules

Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	BIOS1168 or BIOS5090
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Musculoskeletal anatomy knowledge
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff and contact details

Coordinator	Bronwyn Simpson Simpson, bronwyn.simpson@sydney.edu.au
Administrative staff	SHS Education Support: shs.ltadmin@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Skills-based evaluation	Skill demonstration and discussion Skill demonstration and discussion of an assessment or intervention	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 26 Nov 2021 at 23:59	10 minutes (dates in week 15 TBA)
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Quizzes Online quizzes	15%	Please select a valid week from the list below	5 questions ea, Wk 2-4, 6-12, 23:59 Sat
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Discharge report Written assessment	45%	Week 12 Due date: 07 Nov 2021 at 23:59	2500 words
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Quizzes: Ten online quizzes on lecture and tutorial content. Students must complete the quiz by the Saturday following the relevant lecture. Questions will be randomly assigned to each student from a question bank. Students must complete the quizzes individually.
Discharge report: Students will be provided with information about a case study client. Students are to imagine they are an occupational therapist who has just finished working with this client. Students to submit a discharge report outlining their input (using the template on Canvas).
Viva: Practical assessment of theory and practical skills taught during the lectures and tutorials. A selection of written case studies and the category of skill to be demonstrated will be provided to students 3 weeks before the Viva. Students will be randomly allocated one of these case studies at the commencement of the viva, and told the specific skill to be demonstrated. 100% tutorial attendance (or completion of make-up activities) required to sit Viva. A second attempt is permitted following a failed Viva, with a maximum score of 50%. Barrier/hurdle task: must be passed to pass the unit of study.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Special consideration

If you experience short-term circumstances beyond your control, such as illness, injury or misadventure or if you have essential commitments which impact your preparation or performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic honesty, academic dishonesty, and the resources available to all students.

The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic dishonesty or plagiarism seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of dishonesty, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Unit overview; 2. Occupational performance: focused practice; 3. Movement analysis	Online class (2 hr)
Week 01	Upper limb actions used during occupational performance	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Biomechanical and sensorimotor impairments 2. Analysing impaired movement	Online class (2 hr)
Week 02	Analysing impaired movement	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Goal setting; 2. Assessing range of motion	Online class (2 hr)
Week 03	Assessing range of motion	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Assessing arm use, dexterity and strength	Online class (2 hr)
Week 04	Assessing strength	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Task-specific motor training	Online class (2 hr)
Week 05	Stroke - asynchronous module	Online class (2 hr)
Week 06	Other interventions to address motor impairments	Online class (2 hr)
Week 06	Motor training interventions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Assessment and management of sensory impairment	Online class (2 hr)
Week 07	Assessment and management of sensory impairment	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Spinal cord injury - asynchronous module	Online class (2 hr)
Week 08	Orthopaedic conditions - asynchronous module	Online class (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Orthotic intervention, 2. Guest speaker	Online class (2 hr)
Week 09	Orthotic intervention	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Compensatory/adaptive techniques and assistive technology	Online class (2 hr)
Week 10	Orthotic intervention	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Progressive neurological conditions - asynchronous module	Online class (2 hr)
Week 11	Orthotic intervention	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	1. Assessment and management of dysphagia, 2. Functional electrical stimulation	Online class (2 hr)
Week 12	Functional electrical stimulation, dysphagia	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	1. Cardiopulmonary conditions, 2. Conditions affecting muscle tone - asynchronous modules	Online class (2 hr)
Week 13	Extra practice session	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: OCCP5208 is one of the ‘toolbox’ units of study in which you will learn specific assessment and intervention methods. These methods may cause harm if administered incorrectly. While it may be possible to learn about these methods from reading the professional literature, skill development requires that you have an opportunity to practise under the supervision of an experienced professional. For this reason, you are required to attend ALL scheduled classes for the entirety of each session. Attendance includes participation in on-line tutorials. If unable to attend face-to-face you will be required to complete activities in lieu of attendance (and/or an on campus workshop). Failure to attend 100% of the scheduled tutorials without complying with these amendments for absence will result in a Fail grade. Attendance will be recorded at tutorials.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available in the Canvas site for this unit.

The key textbook (and requried reading) is Dirette, D. P., & Gutman, S. A. (2021). Occupational therapy for physical dysfunction (Eighth edition.). Wolters Kluwer.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University’s graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. identify and describe the major upper limb impairments that impact on occupational performance, and personal experience in adults and children
LO2. measure upper limb range of motion, strength, sensation, coordination, and arm/hand use using informal methods, structured observation, and standardised assessments
LO3. interpret assessment data, establish therapy aims, and set hypothetical occupational performance goals for selected case histories
LO4. identify, describe, and develop skill in applying methods used by occupational therapists to increase or preserve range of motion, strength, coordination, and endurance capacities that enable arm and hand use
LO5. demonstrate knowledge and skill in embedding upper limb strategy application training techniques within the performance of daily life occupations
LO6. articulate supporting rationales for therapy programs developed that take into consideration client preferences, critiques of evidence, and core theories
LO7. synthesise learning by developing and justifying occupational therapy programs for selected clients whose occupational performance is compromised by upper limb impairment.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.10		Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise
1.13		Manages resources, time and workload accountably and effectively
1.14		Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice
1.17		Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients.
1.8		Adheres to all work health and safety, and quality requirements for practice
2.1		Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
2.2		Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making
2.3		Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making
2.9		Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and
3.1		Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement
3.10		Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes
3.11		Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice
3.12		Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning
3.13		Uses appropriate assistive technology, devices and/or environmental modifications to achieve client occupational performance outcomes, and
3.2		Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals
3.3		Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
3.4		Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals
3.5		Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client
3.8		Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment
4.1		Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively
4.11		Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.
4.2		Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context
4.7		Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian
4.9		Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others

Closing the loop

The unit has been refined over the years. Changes in 2021 include additional time (and time estimates) given for the on-line modules, which students valued but reported took more time than anticipated. Some activities will be provided prior to tutorials to maximise opportunities for skill practice during the tutorials.

Additional information

This unit of study may require you to attend a teaching activity timetabled in teaching venues installed with the University’s Clinical Recording and Observation System (CROS) in the Susan Wakil Health Building. Students should be aware of the privacy and information management implications of this system. For more information, please refer to the University’s Privacy Statement.

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Current students

Overview

Details

Enrolment rules

Teaching staff and contact details

Assessment

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Special consideration

Academic integrity

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Closing the loop

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

OCCP5208: Biomechanical and Sensorimotor Strategies

Overview

Details

Enrolment rules

Teaching staff and contact details

Assessment

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Special consideration

Academic integrity

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Closing the loop

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect