CQUniversity Unit Profile
PSIO13007 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 3
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 3
All details in this unit profile for PSIO13007 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit you will advance your knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of complex musculoskeletal conditions, with a focus on developing and refining your clinical reasoning and manual therapy skills. The unit will foster an evidence-based and client-centred approach to physiotherapy management of acute sporting injuries, orthopaedic surgery, complex spinal and peripheral conditions, chronic disease and persisting pain, across the lifespan. Complex clinical presentations will be explored in the context of biological, social and psychological factors that influence client recovery and participation.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

To enrol in this unit you must be enrolled in the CB85 Course and meet the following pre-requisites: PSIO12001 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1 PSIO12005 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2 ALLH12008 Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2021

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 20%
2. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 30%
3. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
Weighting: 50%
4. On-campus Activity
Weighting: Pass/Fail

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student Feedback (Have Your Say)

Feedback

While students appreciated the sudden transition to online teaching, it was generally recognised that it was not a suitable substitution for face-face teaching for this unit.

Recommendation

It is recommended that, subject to physical distancing guidelines, all practical classes return to face-face teaching in 2021.

Feedback from Student Feedback (Have Your Say)

Feedback

Some students were unhappy with the amount of feedback given on assessment tasks in this unit.

Recommendation

It is recommended that if online teaching was to continue in 2020, additional formats of student eedback on assessment be considered, including immediate feedback on online quizzes/tests responses.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate theoretical and applied knowledge of pathophysiology, symptomatology, clinical course and prognosis for complex musculoskeletal conditions
  2. Develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based assessment and treatment for clients with complex musculoskeletal conditions
  3. Explain how biological, social, and psychological factors inform a physiotherapy intervention plan for clients with complex musculoskeletal conditions
  4. Describe the role of the physiotherapist within an interprofessional team in the management of clients with complex musculoskeletal conditions
  5. Demonstrate acceptable professional and ethical behaviours consistent with a physiotherapy practitioner.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - In-class Test(s) - 20%
2 - In-class Test(s) - 30%
3 - Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) - 50%
4 - On-campus Activity - 0%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - In-class Test(s) - 20%
2 - In-class Test(s) - 30%
3 - Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) - 50%
4 - On-campus Activity - 0%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Principles of Musculoskeletal Treatment and Management: A textbook for therapists

Edition: 3rd edn (2018)
Authors: Nicola J Petty, Kieran Barnard
Elsevier
Sydney Sydney , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 978-0-7020-6719-8
Binding: Paperback

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Steven Obst Unit Coordinator
s.obst@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 08 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Introduction to Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 3

Patient interview and physical assessment for spinal pain

Chapter

Chapter 9 - Petty and Barnard (2018) Principles of musculoskeletal treatment and management (3rd Edition).

Events and Submissions/Topic

N/A

Week 2 Begin Date: 15 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Musculoskeletal Treatment: Spinal Mobilisations

Chapter

Chapter 3 - Petty and Barnard (2018) Principles of musculoskeletal treatment and management (3rd Edition).

Chapter 17 - Brukner and Khan (2017) Clinical sports medicine (5th Edition).

Events and Submissions/Topic

N/A

Week 3 Begin Date: 22 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Musculoskeletal Treatment: Soft Tissue Techniques

Chapter

Chapter 5 and 7 - Petty and Barnard (2018) Principles of musculoskeletal treatment and management (3rd Edition).

Events and Submissions/Topic

N/A

Week 4 Begin Date: 29 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Musculoskeletal Treatment: High Velocity Thrust Manipulations 

Chapter

Chapter 3 - Petty and Barnard (2018) Principles of musculoskeletal treatment and management (3rd Edition).

Events and Submissions/Topic

N/A

Week 5 Begin Date: 05 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Musculoskeletal Treatment: Therapeutic Exercise

Chapter

Chapter 10 - Petty and Barnard (2018) Principles of musculoskeletal treatment and management (3rd Edition).

Events and Submissions/Topic

N/A

Vacation Week Begin Date: 12 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

N/A

Chapter

N/A

Events and Submissions/Topic

N/A

Week 6 Begin Date: 19 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Complex Musculoskeletal: Peripheral musculoskeletal conditions (Tendinopathy and shoulder pain)

Chapter

Chapter 24  - Brukner and Khan (2017) Clinical sports medicine (5th Edition)

Events and Submissions/Topic

N/A
MID-TERM TEST (Online) Due: Week 6 Monday (19 Apr 2021) 8:00 am AEST
Week 7 Begin Date: 26 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Complex Musculoskeletal: Chronic lower back pain and persisting pain

Chapter

Chapter 8 - Petty and Barnard (2018) Principles of musculoskeletal treatment and management (3rd Edition).

Chapter 5 - Brukner and Khan (2017) Clinical sports medicine (5th Edition).

Events and Submissions/Topic

N/A

Week 8 Begin Date: 03 May 2021

Module/Topic

Complex Musculoskeletal: Sports Physiotherapy


Chapter

Chapter 20 - Brukner and Khan (2017) Clinical sports medicine (5th Edition).

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 10 May 2021

Module/Topic

Complex Musculoskeletal: Orthopaedic elective surgery and common paediatric conditions

Chapter

Chapter 35 - Brukner and Khan (2017) Clinical sports medicine (5th Edition).

Chapter 44 - Brukner and Khan (2017) Clinical sports medicine (5th Edition).

Events and Submissions/Topic

Reminder to complete the 'Have your say' Unit evaluations.

Week 10 Begin Date: 17 May 2021

Module/Topic

Complex Musculoskeletal: Occupational Physiotherapy

Chapter

N/A    

Events and Submissions/Topic

Reminder to complete the 'Have your say' Unit evaluations.

Week 11 Begin Date: 24 May 2021

Module/Topic

OSCE preparation

Chapter

N/A

Events and Submissions/Topic

Reminder to complete the 'Have your say' Unit evaluations.

END-TERM TEST (On Campus) (30%) - will be scheduled in Week 11.  The date, time and room for this assessment will be confirmed during the term.

Week 12 Begin Date: 31 May 2021

Module/Topic

OSCE preparation

Chapter

N/A

Events and Submissions/Topic

Reminder to complete the 'Have your say' Unit evaluations.

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 07 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

N/A

Chapter

N/A

Events and Submissions/Topic

OBJECTIVE STRUCTURED CLINICAL EXAMINATION (OSCE) (50%) - will be scheduled in either Exam Week 1 or Exam Week 2. See Moodle for updates.

Reminder to complete the 'Have your say' Unit evaluations.

Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

N/A

Chapter

N/A

Events and Submissions/Topic

OBJECTIVE STRUCTURED CLINICAL EXAMINATION (OSCE) (50%) - will be scheduled in either Exam Week 1 or Exam Week 2. See Moodle for updates.

Reminder to complete the 'Have your say' Unit evaluations.

Term Specific Information

Due to COVID-19 impact at the time of preparing this unit profile, modifications to this units assessments for Term 1 2021 may need to be updated at a later date. Further details will be made available on the Unit Moodle site, if and when, modifications are required.

Assessment Tasks

1 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
MID-TERM TEST (Online)

Task Description

The Mid-Term Test is a 1.5 hr (i.e. 90 min) open book written test that will be held online via Moodle. The Mid-Term Test will assess all content covered from weeks 1 to 5, inclusive, including all lecture, practical and required reading material.

The test will include some, or all, of the following question types:

  • Multiple choice
  • True/False
  • Short answer
  • Case studies


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Monday (19 Apr 2021) 8:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Results will be accessible on Moodle within two weeks of the submission date.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

All questions will be marked numerically and an overall percentage mark will be awarded.



Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The Mid-Term Test will held online via Moodle. Please see Moodle for more details.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate theoretical and applied knowledge of pathophysiology, symptomatology, clinical course and prognosis for complex musculoskeletal conditions


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

2 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
END-TERM TEST (On Campus)

Task Description

The End-Term Test is a 2.5 hour (i.e. 150 min) closed book, paper-based, written test that will be held on-campus (Bundaberg and Rockhampton campuses only). Access to books, notes and electronic devices are prohibited during the test. The End-Term Test will examine all content covered from weeks 1 to 10, inclusive, including all lectures, practicals and required readings.

The test will include some, or all, of the following question types:

  • Multiple choice
  • True/False
  • Short answer/essay
  • Case studies


Assessment Due Date

The End-Term Test will be held in Week 11 - the exact date, time and room for this assessment will be confirmed during the term.


Return Date to Students

Results will be accessible on Moodle within two weeks of the submission date.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

All questions will be marked numerically and an overall percentage mark will be awarded.


Late Arrivals: You should aim to arrive at least 15-minutes prior to the official assessment commencement time. In the extraordinary circumstance that you are late you will be permitted late entry to your assessment of up to 10 minutes after the official assessment commencement time. The period of lateness will be deducted from your overall assessment time. If you are denied access to the assessment due to lateness (i.e. arriving beyond the permitted late entry period), you should make an online application for deferred assessment (which may or may not be granted in line with CQU policy). If your application for deferred assessment is denied, you will receive a score of zero percent (0%) for your assessment item.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Submission Instructions
The End-Term Test will be an in-class paper-based written test held on-campus (Bundaberg and Rockhampton campuses only).

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate theoretical and applied knowledge of pathophysiology, symptomatology, clinical course and prognosis for complex musculoskeletal conditions
  • Explain how biological, social, and psychological factors inform a physiotherapy intervention plan for clients with complex musculoskeletal conditions
  • Describe the role of the physiotherapist within an interprofessional team in the management of clients with complex musculoskeletal conditions


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Cross Cultural Competence

3 Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)

Assessment Title
OBJECTIVE STRUCTURED CLINICAL EXAMINATION (On Campus)

Task Description

The Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) is intended to assess your theoretical knowledge and practical application of physiotherapy assessment, treatment and clinical reasoning. The OSCE will be held in either Exam Week 1 or Exam Week 2. A timetable for the OSCE will be published on Moodle during term.


The OSCE will be based on two (2) written clinical scenarios and will last 60 minutes (i.e. 20 min preparation time and 40 min examination time). You will be given 20 minutes before the formal OSCE to prepare for both clinical scenarios. When the OSCE commences you will be given 20 minutes to complete each clinical scenario. Your performance on each clinical scenario will be assessed by a single examiner. For each scenario you will be required to plan, discuss and perform relevant aspects of physiotherapy assessment, treatment and overall management.


You may be requested to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the presenting condition, including relevant pathophysiology, pathoanatomy, and symptomatology.
  • Identify and act upon any precautions and/or contraindications to assessment and/or treatment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and clinical reasoning in the selection of assessment, treatment and/or overall management.
  • Demonstrate clear, effective and thorough communication.
  • Demonstrate safe and effective application of clinical assessment, treatment and/or overall management.
  • Explain and interpret the findings of a clinical assessment and/or treatment, including progression and regression of selected treatment techniques.
  • Demonstrate accurate and appropriate documentation of your clinical assessment and/or treatment findings.

All material relevant to musculoskeletal physiotherapy assessment and treatment covered in the following pre-requisite units is also examinable in the OSCE: Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice 1 (PSIO11004), Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice 2 (PSIO11003), Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics (ALLH12008), Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1 (PSIO12001) and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2 (PSIO12005).


You need to be appropriately attired in your full clinical uniform for the examination. If you are required to be a 'simulated patient' for another student's examination please bring additional clothes suitable for a clinical assessment.


Assessment Due Date

The Practical Assessment (OSCE) will be held in either Exam Week 1 or Exam Week 2.


Return Date to Students

Results will be accessible on Moodle within two weeks following completion.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
In order to PASS the OSCE you must: 1) PASS the PASS/FAIL component of Risk Management/Safety for each of the two clinical scenarios, and 2) achieve 50% or higher for each of the two clinical scenarios. Refer to 'Assessment Criteria' for further details.

Assessment Criteria

The assessment rubric for this assessment task is based on the Australian Standards for Physiotherapy, the Accreditation Standard set by the Australian Physiotherapy Council, and The Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice Instrument. These quality frameworks are mapped against the CQUniversity Graduate Attributes and are intended to give a holistic understanding of standards expected for the assessment task.


Detailed marking criteria will be available on the unit Moodle site, and will be based on the following rubric categories:

  • Communication (20%)
  • Selection, application and interpretation of assessment (40%)
  • Selection, application and interpretation of treatment/management (40%)
  • Risk Management/Safety and Professional Behaviour (PASS/FAIL)


In order to PASS the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) you must:

1) achieve a PASS result for the PASS/FAIL component of Risk Management/Safety and Professional Behaviour for each of the two clinical scenarios (i.e. PASS for clinical scenario one and PASS for clinical scenario two).

AND

2) achieve 50% or higher in the graded component for each of the two clinical scenarios (i.e. a minimum of 50% for clinical scenario one and a minimum of 50% for clinical scenario two).


If you do not meet the above criteria for each clinical scenario, you will be eligible for one opportunity to re-sit the entire OSCE assessment task, provided you have achieved an overall mark equal to, or higher than 44.5% for your original OSCE.


OSCE re-sit conditions:

1) If you meet the eligibility criteria for a re-sit, you will be given only one re-sit opportunity.

2) The re-sit will be conducted during the Term 1 University Vacation period.

3) The re-sit will be assessed by up to two examiners and will be of an equivalent format to the original assessment task.

4) The assessment criteria of the re-sit will be identical to the original OSCE.

5) If you pass the re-sit you will receive a mark of exactly 50% for the OSCE (i.e. 25% of the Total Unit mark), irrespective of your achievement for the graded component of the re-sit. This is to ensure equity to those students who only had one attempt.

If you do not meet the requirements for a re-sit, you will receive a mark equal to your original OSCE mark, and may be offered a supplementary assessment in line with CQUniversity Policy.

If you do not meet the requirements to PASS the re-sit, you will receive a mark equal to your re-sit OSCE grade, and may be offered a supplementary assessment in line with CQUniversity Policy.


Late Arrivals: You should aim to arrive at least 15-minutes prior to the official assessment commencement time (i.e. when your preparation time starts). In the extraordinary circumstance that you are late you will be permitted late entry to your assessment of up to 10 minutes after the official assessment commencement time. The period of lateness will be deducted from your overall assessment time. If you are denied access to the assessment due to lateness (i.e. arriving beyond the permitted late entry period), you should make an online application for deferred assessment (which may or may not be granted in line with CQU policy). If your application for deferred assessment is denied, you will receive a score of zero percent (0%) for your assessment item and will not be eligible for a re-sit, but may be eligible for a supplementary assessment in line with CQU policy.


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based assessment and treatment for clients with complex musculoskeletal conditions
  • Explain how biological, social, and psychological factors inform a physiotherapy intervention plan for clients with complex musculoskeletal conditions
  • Describe the role of the physiotherapist within an interprofessional team in the management of clients with complex musculoskeletal conditions
  • Demonstrate acceptable professional and ethical behaviours consistent with a physiotherapy practitioner.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

4 On-campus Activity

Assessment Title
ATTENDANCE HURDLE (On Campus)

Task Description

A minimum attendance rate of 85% for all scheduled tutorial an practical sessions is required to PASS this unit. This minimum attendance requirement is recommended by the Australian Physiotherapy Council. The monitoring of attendance will take into consideration legitimate requests for absence, such as those outlined in the CQUniversity Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework) document, and these will not be counted as absence for the purpose of this attendance requirement.


Assessment Due Date

Attendance rate will be determined at the end of term (i.e. Week 12)


Return Date to Students

Attendance rate will be determined at the end of term (i.e. Week 12)


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
In order to PASS the Attendance Hurdle you must attend at least 85% of all scheduled practicals for this unit.

Assessment Criteria

Your attendance at each scheduled practical session will be recorded by the tutor using an attendance spreadsheet. The monitoring of attendance will take into consideration legitimate requests for absence, such as those outlined in the CQUniversity Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework) document, and these will not be counted as absence for the purpose of this attendance requirement.


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate acceptable professional and ethical behaviours consistent with a physiotherapy practitioner.


Graduate Attributes
  • Ethical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?