Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PHT2015

 
TITLE Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Physiotherapy

 
DESCRIPTION Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation is a specialised form of exercise that requires a sound understanding of anatomy, basic neurology and muscle re-education. The study-unit is a mix of theory driven lectures and focused practical sessions that allows the student to identify the pathology and select the appropriate PNF exercises to rehabilitate the patient.

Study-unit Aims:

This study-unit is intended to support the student’s knowledge in Anatomy, Applied Anatomy and Physiology. It is intended to introduce students to some of the pathologies associated with muscle weakness and reduced range of movement. PNFs are specialized exercises that can be used to treat such conditions. They consist of different patterns and techniques that are first introduced theoretically, followed by practical demonstrations and practical sessions. Students will be taught how and when to choose the most appropriate PNF to help in the rehabilitation of the patient’s condition.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Apply normal movement to equip them to correct or decrease the effects of movement deficits;
- Analyse basic principles of handling and use of exercise therapy;
- Comprehend the basic principles of handling;
- Analyse the physical principles underlying the physiology of exercise therapy;
- Discuss the physiological principles underlying normal movement;
- Demonstrate the importance of an effective exercise regime;
- Identify patient safety in movement therapies.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Assess a patient and recognise a pathological condition;
- Communicate to the patient the findings of this assessment;
- Apply mechanical principles to the human body to rehabilitate the patient;
- Analyse the muscle control and limiting factors involved in static and dynamic posture, in terms of defined movement terminology;
- Apply physiological principles underlying normal muscle function to the measurement and recording of muscle power, relating it to functional levels;
- Design a PNF exercise programme to improve range of movement;
- Design a PNF programme to aid a patient to regain co-ordination;
- Design a PNF programme of exercises to increase muscle power.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts

- Adler,S, Beckers, D and Buck, M. (2014) PNF in Practice, Springer.
- Sharma, K, N. (2012) Handbook of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation: Basic concepts and techniques.

Supplementary Readings

- Hollis, M. and Fletcher Cook, P. (1999) Practical Exercise Therapy, Blackwell Scientific Publications.
- Voss, D.E.,(1985) Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Harper and Row publications.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture, Independent Study and Practical

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Logbook SEM2 Yes 20%
Competencies SEM2 Yes 80%

 
LECTURER/S Nadine Spiteri Gingell

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit