PHT 2220 - Therapeutic Exercise in Physical Therapy

Health Science Department

Credit(s): 2
Contact Hours: 32
Effective Term Summer 2025 (650)

Requisites

Prerequisite PHT 1801L with a minimum grade of C and
Pre- or Co-requisite PHT 2220L with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the neurophysiological and cardiovascular basis for application of therapeutic exercise. The rationale for and functional basis of therapeutic exercise is correlated with selected patient pathologies.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. Upon completion of this course, the student will investigate Evidence Based Practice (EBP) and how it informs physical therapy practice.
    1. Describe Evidence Based Practice (EBP) and its relevance to physical therapy.
    2. Identify the level of hierarchy of evidence given a physical therapy research journal article.
    3. Integrate appropriate evidence based-resources to support clinical decision-making for progression of the patient within a mock plan of care
  2. Upon completion of this course, the student will examine basic elements of motor control and motor development.
    1. Differentiate between normal and abnormal body reflexes and assess their role in facilitating and inhibiting muscle tone and motor control to include primitive reflexes, spinal cord reflexes and righting and equilibrium reactions.
    2. Describe the normal progression of developmental postures.
    3. Describe the steps of development of motor control within each posture.
    4. Distinguish the stages in the development of motor control.
    5. Identify major milestones for fine motor skills.
  3. Upon completion of this course, the student will examine aspects of implementing selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
    1. Apply appropriate use of developmental postures and motor control sequences in physical therapy interventions to achieve goals as identified in a mock plan of care.
    2. Describe sensory input techniques used to facilitate/inhibit muscle tone/movement to include: stroking, tapping, approximation, stretch (quick, slow and prolonged), resistance, movement (slow and rapid).
    3. Identify indications, contraindications and precautions for physical therapy interventions as they relate to the conditions covered in this course.
    4. Select the appropriate course of action in an emergency situation given a case scenario related to a neurologic condition.
    5. Describe neurophysiological approaches commonly utilized in physical therapy to include: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), Brunnstrom, Rood, Motor Re-learning.
    6. Compare and contrast neurophysiological treatment approaches that are appropriate to use as related to a patient scenario.
    7. Choose appropriate neurophysiological approaches in patient treatment based on a mock plan of care.
    8. Apply appropriate neurophysiologic techniques for management of body/structure impairments and functional limitations to meet goals commonly associated with patients with CVA, SCI, and Parkinson’s Disease.
    9. Describe neurophysiologic approaches that can be utilized in orthopedic diseases/disorders.
    10. Describe the functional status of patients with cerebral vascular accidents, spinal cord injuries, Parkinsonism, and developmental disorders.
      1. Determine a simulated patient’s safety, status and ability to progress as related to balance (Berg Balance Test)
      2. Determine a simulated patient’s safety, status and ability to progress as related to gait & locomotion (6 minute walk test)
    11. Recognize relevant changes in a patient’s status and report any changes to the supervising physical therapist given a clinical scenario.
  4. Upon completion of this course, the student will recognize selected pathologies that affect individuals across the lifespan and common physical therapy management of the impairments and activity limitations associated with those diseases and disorders.
    1. Describe the incidence, etiology, pathology, clinical picture, signs and symptoms, and prognosis of pediatric diseases and disorders commonly encountered in physical therapy. To include:
      1. Cerebral Palsy (CP)
      2. Down’s Syndrome
      3. Spina bifida
      4. Developmental Delays
      5. Torticollis
    2. Describe common medical and surgical management of neurologic diseases and disorders covered in the course.
    3. Identify physical therapy interventions typically used for diseases and disorders covered in this course. To include:
      1. Positioning and handling techniques/strategies
      2. Assistive/adaptive equipment
      3. Neurophysiologic approaches
    4. Identify common medications, their effects, side effects and potential interactions with physical therapy interventions used in the management of CVAs, SCIs, Parkinsonism and Developmental Disorders.
  5. Upon completion of this course, the student will choose appropriate physical therapy management of patients with a disease or disorder of the cardiovascular system.
    1. Identify the normal response of the cardiovascular system to exercise stress.
    2. Describe the response of a diseased cardiovascular system to exercise stress.
    3. Describe physical therapy management and interventions associated with each stage of cardiac rehabilitation for patients recovering from an MI and /or CABG.
    4. Describe the effects, side effects and potential interactions with physical therapy interventions of common cardiac medications.
    5. Assess the changes in status of a patient with a cardiovascular disease or disorder and report changes to the supervising physical therapist given a case scenario.
  6. Upon completion of this course, the student will describe the signs of abuse and the responsibility to report to appropriate authorities suspected cases of abuse of vulnerable populations.
    1. Recognize a clinical situation involving abuse.
    2. Give an example that would illustrate abuse.
  7. Upon completion of this course, the student will explain the patient management of a patient with respiratory conditions and complications.
    1. Describe a patient's cough and sputum characteristics.
  8. Upon completion of this course, the student will examine the profession of physical therapy and the scope of the physical therapist assistant in the application of therapeutic exercise:
    1. Describe the history of the physical therapy profession and the role of the PTA.
    2. Participate in a professional and/or community organization that provides opportunities for volunteerism, advocacy and leadership.
    3. Identify career development and life-long learning opportunities for the PTA.
    4. Reflect on your previous clinical education experience and describe the role of the Clinical Instructor in the development of your clinical skills.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 78% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

DBT 5/16/85, Effective Session 19851 DBT 12/12/85, Effective Session 19861 DBT 12/11/86, Effective Session 19871 Revised 7/88. DBT 5/18/89, Effective Session 19891 DBT 5/18/93, Effective Session 19931 3 Year Review 9899 C&I 4/23/02, BOT 5/14/02, Effective yrtr 20021. 3 Year Review 2006, effective 20061. “C” grade added, eff 20081(0400). C&I Approval: 09/16/2011, BOT Approval: 10/20/2011, Effective Term: Spring 2012 (450). C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Spring 2016 (510). C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Spring 2017 (525). C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Spring 2018 (540). C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Fall 2018 (550).
C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Summer 2025 (650)

Related Programs

  1. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA-AS) (640) (Active)