421307 - GERIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY

Subject type: Mandatory

Coordinator: Jordi Sanchez Degree

Trimester: Third term

Credits: 4

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 3

• Catalan

Classes will be taught in Catalan and Spanish.

Some articles and/or bibliographical references may be in English. 

The subject of Geriatric Physiotherapy is part of the compulsory training of the Degree in Physiotherapy of the subject Physiotherapy in Clinical Specialties. This subject aims to bring the students closer to the issues related to the health of the elderly, in order to obtain the knowledge and skills for a comprehensive approach to the care of aging.

The main objective of the subject is to acquire the basic and specific knowledge to attend to, evaluate and treat from the field of Physiotherapy, the different acute and chronic pathologies associated with the aging process, as well as to know the different clinical manifestations and syndromes geriatrics of this stage of life. Students will have to understand and treat the different problems related to the health of older people with the aim of preventing and treating disability, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle and achieving the global challenge of active aging of the population.

The theoretical and practical content of the subject aims to provide an insight based on the guidelines of good clinical practice and based on the current published scientific evidence.

   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.  

THEORY IN GERIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY

• Introduction to Geriatrics and Gerontology. The physiological and pathological aging process.
• Geriatric syndromes from a medical, physical and functional point of view.
• Comprehensive geriatric assessment.
• Physical activity and exercise in elderly people with chronic diseases.
• Comprehensive attention focused on the person. Contentions
• Gender perspective in geriatric homes.
• Physiotherapy in palliative care and care at the end of life.
• Home rehabilitation for the elderly.

PRACTICE IN GERIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY

• Introduction to the method of supporting people and postural changes.
• Transfers and mobilizations of the elderly with different levels of dependency. Technical aids for the mobilization of patients.
• Physical and functional assessment scales for the elderly.
• Prevention and treatment of falls in the elderly.
• Review of recent literature in Geriatric Physiotherapy.
• Bandage for circulatory and vascular disorders in the elderly.
• Re-education and support for gait disorders in the elderly. Technical aids for autonomous travel.
• Physical activity and group dynamics of physical exercise for the elderly.

This subject may consider the following indicators detailed in the table in its assessment 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 will have evaluation and recovery activities in accordance with the teaching guide and the subject's learning plan, published in their virtual classroom and which will establish the necessary requirements to be able to participate.  

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, plagiarism or illegitimate use of generative artificial intelligence in any assessment activity, you must consult the TecnoCampus University Center's Undergraduate and Master's Course Assessment Regulations.  

The final mark of the subject is the result of the sum of the percentages of all the grades obtained during the subject. 

The different evaluable parts of the practices and continuous evaluation will be weighted average for the final percentage of the corresponding grade. To pass the subject, it is necessary to obtain a grade equal to or higher than 5 in all the sections that are evaluated. In the case of continuous assessment activities (if any) where the student does not show up, there will be a "0" in that section, and the rest of the continuous assessment activities can be averaged.

In the case of suspension during the Ordinary Call, the grades obtained in the continuous assessment will be kept with the same weighting for the Recovery Call as part of the final grade of the subject (both passed and failed) to preserve the criteria of the continuous evaluation.

In order to pass the subject, a mandatory minimum of 80% of the practical classes will be required. In the case of not complying with the mandatory percentage of the practices, it will be considered as a "not presented". According to current regulations, you can only opt for recovery if the subject has been suspended. If the grade is "not presented", 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.

The evaluation system and recovery period are detailed in the Learning Plan available in the virtual classroom at the beginning of the subject.

Any form of academic fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with the center's assessment regulations. If signs of fraud are detected, including the improper use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the subject's teaching staff may call the student for an individual interview with the aim of verifying their authorship.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in this subject is regulated in the Learning Plan. It should be consulted to find out the specific conditions of use.

Manual of good practice in the care of the elderly. Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology

Maria Antonia delgado Ojeda; Francisco Javier Castillo Montes. (2021). Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy in Geriatrics. 4 ed. Alcalá formation

SEGG Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (2017). Therapeutic Manual in Geriatrics (2nd ed.). Madrid: Panamericana.

Carolyn Kisner and Lynn Allen Colby. (2005) Therapeutic exercise. Fundamentals and techniques. Editorial Padiotribo

Practical handbook of postural changes. Benilde Martínez and Carme Macià. College of Physiotherapists of Catalonia. Physiotherapy Commission in Geriatrics.

Paul Dotte. (1999 and 2001) Method of manual maintenance of the sick. Volume I and II: generalities and specific gestural education and clinical applications. (5th ed.). Barcelona mason