40110 - FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

Subject type: Mandatory

Coordinator: Marc Terradellas Fernández

Trimester: First term

Credits: 9

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 1

• Catalan

The subject is taught in Catalan and Spanish. 

The subject of Fundamentals of Physiotherapy is a compulsory training of the degree of Physiotherapy.

It will develop the foundations of Physiotherapy throughout history, both in its most procedural part and in basic theoretical aspects. The essential elements of the future physiotherapist's intervention are described, taking into account the physical therapeutic principles, their application, the benefits and adverse effects, as well as the duration and frequency of the treatment interventions proposed by the physiotherapist.

This subject consists of a theoretical block and a practical block:

• Theoretical block (4 ECTS credits): fundamentals and procedures of physiotherapy
• Practical block (5 ECTS credits): passive kinesitherapy and massage therapy

The distribution of the theoretical and/or practical content of the subject can be consulted in the schedule and sections of the corresponding virtual classroom before it starts. 

This subject aims to introduce the gender perspective in its content and development. In addition, the objectives are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations.

The classroom (physical or virtual) is a safe space, free of sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic and discriminatory attitudes, either towards students or towards teachers. We trust that together we can create a safe space where we can make mistakes and learn without having to suffer prejudice from others.

Theoretical block:

• Fundamentals and Procedures of Physiotherapy

Conceptual bases of physiotherapy

Professional profiles and fields of action

Principles of human communication

International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)

Intervention method in physiotherapy

Physical agents in physiotherapy

Hospital physiotherapy

Patient safety

Ergonomics, postural hygiene and prevention

Clinical history in physiotherapy

Physiotherapy interview (ROMP-P)

Code of ethics in physiotherapy

Practical block:

• Massage therapy

1. Generalities of massage therapy

            1.1. Hygiene standards

            1.2. Postures of the physiotherapist and the patient

2. Main maneuvers

2.1. Superficial and deep effleurage

2.2. Sliding pressure

2.3. Palm frictions

2.4. Kneading (digital, palmar digit, thumb, knuckle and forearm elbow)

2.5. Percussions

2.6. Vibrations

2.7. Rolled clamp

2.8. Inhibitions

Topic 3: Back massage sequence

Topic 4: Lumbar / abdomen massage sequence

Topic 5: Craniocervical facial massage sequence

Topic 6: EESS massage sequence

Topic 7: EEII massage sequence

• Passive kinesitherapy

Topic 1: Generalities of Kinesitherapy

             1.1. Fundamental considerations of joint anatomy and physiology

             1.2. Effects of kinesitherapy

             1.3. Passive kinesitherapy: Types of passive mobilizations

             1.4. Basic principles of passive mobilizations

Item 2: Passive kinesitherapy applied to the upper extremity

2.1. Passive mobilizations of the glenohumeral joint

2.2. Passive mobilizations of the thoracic scapular joint

2.3. Passive mobilizations of the elbow joint complex 

2.4. Passive mobilizations of the wrist joint complex 

2.5. Passive mobilizations of the joints of the hand and fingers 

Item 3: Passive kinesitherapy applied to the lower extremity

             3.1. Passive mobilizations l of the hip joint

             3.2. Passive mobilizations of the knee joint

             3.3. Passive mobilizations of the ankle joint

             3.4 Passive mobilizations of the joint complex of the foot

This subject may consider the following indicators detailed in the following table in its evaluation proposal:

A system of quantitative (from 0 to 10) and qualitative (suspended, approved, notable, excellent, honorary registration) is used according to RD 1125/2003.

The subjects they will have assessment and recovery activities in accordance with the teaching guide and the subject's learning plan, published in their virtual classroom and that they will establish the necessary requirements to be able to compete.

In accordance with current UPF regulations, all students who, having participated in the learning and assessment activities during the term, have obtained a failing grade for the corresponding subject in the quarterly assessment may participate in the recovery process . Those who have not participated in the learning and assessment activities or who have waived the assessment will not be able to participate. If the grade is "not submitted", you will not be able to opt for recovery and therefore the subject will have to be taken again in its entirety in the following academic year.

In the event of copying or plagiarism in any assessment activity, please consult the TecnoCampus University Centre's Assessment Regulations for Undergraduate and Master's Degree Courses. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in this subject is regulated in the Learning Plan. Please consult it to find out the specific conditions of use. 

Health

It will be mandatory to attend 80% of the hours of the practical blocks in order to pass the subject. Failure to do so will result in the evaluation of Not Presented without the option of retake, so the subject will have to be taken again the following academic year.

Rules of conduct

Attending class without respecting the basic rules of hygiene and uniform dress may be sanctioned. 

During the class practices and especially during the assessment tests, students will not be able to wear objects that may interfere with the execution of the techniques, such as rings, watches, bracelets, long earrings, etc. Also, hand hygiene will be paramount, with short, clean, unpainted cut nails.

Given the practical nature of the classes and to facilitate and perform in a correct way the manual palpation procedures and the execution of the evaluation tests, it will be necessary to wear appropriate clothing such as shorts and top, considering that in many situations the evaluated anatomical region must be devoid of clothing to be able to observe and palpate the anatomical reliefs.

Génot. Kinesiotherapy volumes I, II, III, IV. Buenos Aires; Madrid etc. : Médica Panamericana, 1988

Galician Izquierdo, Tomás. Theoretical bases and foundations of physiotherapy. Pan American Medicine, cop. 2007

Viel, Éric. Physiotherapy diagnosis: conception, implementation and application in free and hospital practice. Barcelona etc. : Mason, hit 1999

Fernández de la Peñas, César. Cinesiterapia: physiological bases and practical application. Barcelona: Elsevier, 2013

Same Camacho, Celedonia. General physiotherapy: kinesitherapy. Madrid: Synthesis, 1996

Saved, Isabel; Lacomba, Maria Massage therapy guide for physiotherapists. Madrid Pan American Medicine. 2006