MCCCD Program Description

Musculo-Skeletal Assessment Techniques

Course: PTA104

First Term: 2010 Summer I

Laboratory 1.5 Credit(s) 4.5 Period(s) 3.6 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: Theory and principles of goniometry and manual muscle testing. Normal range of motion of the spine and extremities. Normal posture and common postural deviations. Palpation and identification of pertinent bony and soft tissue structures. Documentation in goniometry, muscle testing, and posture assessment

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Define goniometry. (I) 2. Describe the principles of goniometric measurement of joint motion. (I) 3. Define passive, active, active-assisted, and resisted range of motion as used in physical therapy. (I) 4. List normal ranges for joint motion extremities. (I) 5. List normal ranges for motion of the spine. (I) 6. Measure joint motions of the spine and extremities using proper goniometric techniques. (I) 7. Document goniometric measurements using appropriate nomenclature and abbreviations. (I) 8. Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills. (I, II, III, IV) 9. Demonstrate the ability to follow verbal and written directions. (I, II, III, IV). 10. Appropriately utilize terms related to position, planes of motion, and palpation. (I, IV) 11. Describe select methods of muscle testing used in physical therapy. (II) 12. Define the 0-5 grading system in manual muscle testing. (II) 13. Perform strength testing of muscles of the trunk and extremities using manual muscle testing. (II) 14. Assign appropriate strength grades for tested muscles. (II) 15. Document manual muscle test results with appropriate nomenclature and abbreviations. (II) 16. Describe normal standing and sitting postures. (III) 17. Describe common postural deviations. (III) 18. Examine normal and abnormal postures. (III) 19. Describe the impact of postural deviations on the body. (III) 20. Describe some common causes of postural deviations. (III) 21. Document postural assessment with appropriate nomenclature and abbreviations. (III) 22. Palpate and identify specific bony and soft tissue structures in the trunk, neck and extremities. (IV)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Range Of Motion A. Definitions 1. Active 2. Active-Assisted 3. Passive 4. Resisted B. Goniometry 1. Definition 2. Principles 3. Techniques C. Anatomical Motions of Spine and Extremities D. Documentation II. Muscle Testing A. Principles B. Methods of Testing C. Grades D. Techniques 1. Spine 2. Upper extremity 3. Lower extremity E. Documentation III. Posture A. Normal Postural Alignment B. Postural Deviations 1. Kyphosis 2. Lordosis 3. Scoliosis 4. Shifts 5. Scapular/Iliac Positions C. Examination D. Causes for Deviations E. Documentation IV. Palpation A. Bony Structures B. Soft Tissue Structures

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 2/23/2010

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.