The course aims to provide Physiotherapy students with the theoretical and clinical foundations of physiatric assessment in the main adult neurological conditions, with particular attention to functional evaluation, the use of validated assessment scales, and the definition of rehabilitation goals.
The course contributes to the professional development of the physiotherapist by fostering the ability to understand physiatric clinical reasoning, accurately interpret neurological conditions, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team.
Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
Describe the principles of physiatric assessment in the neurological field.
Recognize the main signs and symptoms of neurological conditions relevant to rehabilitation (stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathies, spinal cord injuries).
Apply the main scales for the assessment of autonomy and disability (e.g., ADL scales, gait assessment scales, balance scales, spasticity scales).
Analyze the patient’s functional profile according to the bio-psycho-social model and the ICF framework.
Argue the rationale underlying assessment and rehabilitation choices in relation to the presented neurological condition.
Course Prerequisites
The student is expected to have basic knowledge of:
Anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous system
Neuromuscular physiology
Basic neurological semiotics
Fundamentals of kinesiology and biomechanics
No additional formal prerequisites are required
Teaching Methods
The course is structured as follows:
Lectures supported by multimedia presentations
Discussion of illustrative clinical cases
Guided analysis of assessment scales
Possible simulation of clinical reasoning based on case scenarios
The lectures aim not only to provide theoretical knowledge, but also to develop students’ ability to interpret clinical findings and integrate functional data.
Teaching materials (slides and supporting documents) will be made available on the University’s e-learning platform.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is carried out through a written examination consisting of a multiple-choice test.
Structure of the examination:
16 questions
4 answer options for each question
Only one correct answer for each question
Contents
General principles of physiatric assessment in neurological conditions
Bio-psycho-social model and ICF classification
Clinical and functional assessment of the neurological patient
Assessment of muscle tone, strength, and motor control
Assessment of sensation and perceptual functions
Assessment of balance, gait, and functional independence
Functional and autonomy assessment scales
Physiatric assessment in stroke
Physiatric assessment in Parkinson’s disease
Physiatric assessment in multiple sclerosis
Physiatric assessment in peripheral neuropathies
Physiatric assessment in spinal cord injuries
Course Language
Italian
More information
The lecturer is available for clarification by appointment via institutional email.
Students with specific needs (learning disabilities, disabilities, or other certified conditions) are invited to contact the lecturer in advance to agree on any appropriate compensatory or supportive measures, in accordance with University guidelines.
