Using evidence -based resources, critically discuss the role of neuro rehabilitation technology in the physiotherapy management of gait.

Assessment task details and instructions

For the essay you should consider the following guidelines: –
Knowledge
• Identify and develop an appropriate theme/focus for discussion.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the background theory to your chosen theme
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic research methods
• Make clear links of theory to practice

Cognitive processes
• Group evidence that has similar views
• Identify the differences
• Compare and contrast the opinions expressed in the literature
• Draw appropriate conclusions from the evidence
• Evaluate sources in relation to the hierarchy of evidence
• Consider the applicability of the evidence to practice

Referencing and Using Evidence
• Source an appropriate range of literature (4-6 studies) to support your discussion. It is also expected that your work will be augmented by use of other general references e.g. guidelines, theoretical knowledge of the topic theme(s)
• Include search strategy in the appendix (this can be a screen shot of one of your database searches)
• Include brief details(search engines, key words, limitations, Booleans etc) in
• Correctly reference throughout the text in Harvard style
• Produce an accurate reference list in Harvard style

Communication
• Organise your work in a logical manner, structuring your argument with succinctness and clarity
• Write in a clear academic style
• Produce work with correct spelling and grammar

For the CAA you should consider the following: –
Students must adhere to the University ‘Examination Rules’. Further information regarding these rules can be found in the assessment section of NAM module site.

The CAA will include a variety of question types such as multiple choice (up to 4/5 responses), multiple answer, true/false, image labelling and matching questions.
The CAA will aim to assess the following cognitive levels of knowledge:

Blooms Taxonomy Question type (e.g.)
Recall Label the component parts of a nerve
Comprehension Which is the correct explanation for the gamma loop system
Application Which of the following options could you use to assess proprioception?
Analysis From your knowledge, identify from the following answer which correctly describes the pelvic position in a patient when moving from sitting to standing

Content areas to be covered will include:
• Anatomy/physiology of the spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum, cerebral hemispheres, autonomic nervous system, peripheral nervous system, neurotransmitters, nerve conduction, neuronal circuits and pools, muscle spindles.
• Pathological processes & clinical features in Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Head injury, Spinal Injury, Functional Neurological Disorder, Motor Neurone Disease and Peripheral Neuropathies.
• Systems approach to rehabilitation including Motor Re-learning and Bobath.
• Analysis of normal/abnormal movement of sitting to standing, reach & grasp and gait.
• Comprehensive assessment of Neurological disorders & application of appropriate physiotherapeutic techniques in the management of movement and soft tissue dysfunction including-positioning, seating, exercise/strengthening, movement and balance re-education, posture, gait, reach and grasp activity.
• Use of assistive technologies including Treadmill training, FES, Gait trainers, Robotics, Virtual Reality.
• Multidisciplinary /interdisciplinary team working in rehabilitation in a changing arena of health and social care provision and referral into community care.
• Psychosocial and economic considerations (including cognitive & perceptual problems).
• Compliance with rehabilitation including consent, goal setting, client centred control/self-management of long- term conditions, increasing physical activity.

Approximately 40 questions are to be completed in a time limit of 40 minutes.
It is intended that the CAA will be marked by Blackboard and that you will receive feedback on correct answers via this media.