Guide in PDF format

The Foundations of Physiotherapy

Code: 104099
Credits: 6

2026/2027

Degree programme	Type	Course
Physiotherapy	OB	1

Contact lecturer

Name :: Sandra Torrell Vallespin
Email :: sandra.torrell@uab.cat

Teaching staff

: Nico Moreno Fortes
: Ana V. Lobato Bonilla
: Míriam Herrera Llamas
: Eduard Coll Del Cura

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

None

Objectives

The subject is taken in the first semester of the first year of the Physiotherapy degree and forms part of the group of compulsory subjects. The subject is part of the necessary scientific grounding of the graduate in Physiotherapy and has the following aims.

- To know the historical evolution of physical, natural and complementary therapies and their professional independence within the framework of the biomedical sciences

- To learn the theoretical bases and the development of methods and procedures of physiotherapy care.

- To analyse and synthesize the information about the patient collected during the anamnesis.

- To carry out the recording of data, the clinical history

- To organize and plan the physiotherapy treatment according to the objectives.

- To track the patient’s progression correctly and prepare the discharge report.

- To locate by palpation the different musculoskeletal structures of the human body.

- To describe and carry out correctly the evaluation of muscle strength through muscle balance.

- To learn sufficient vocabulary to express oneself fluently, coherently and in accordance with the established rules, both orally and in writing.

- To acquire problem-solving strategies.

This subject is complemented by other basic and compulsory subjects, such as Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics.

Learning outcomes

Suitably record all steps taken, from reception of the patient to the physiotherapy discharge report, in accordance with each clinical specialisation.
Locate the different muscles through surface palpation.
Describe and apply advanced evaluation procedures in physiotherapy in order to determine the degree of damage to the musculoskeletal system and possible functional repercussions.
Explain and apply the theoretical principles behind physiotherapy methods and procedures.
Explain the concept, evolution and fundamental principles of physiotherapy from both the scientific perspective and that of the professional practitioner.
Explain the general theory of functions, disability and health and their international classification, and models for physiotherapy interventions in healthcare practice.
Enumerate and describe the different elements that conform the typical physiotherapy records that form part of the case history.
Describe the manual and instrumental methods and procedures used for assessment in physiotherapy.
Identify the methodology necessary for determining the physiotherapy diagnosis.
Enumerate and describe the elements that make up a high-quality physiotherapy report.
Express ideas fluently, coherently and correctly, both orally and in writing.
Work in teams.
Display critical reasoning skills.
Describe and analyze the methods of analysis of human movement.
Apply methods, procedures and basic physiotherapy performances in the therapy of injuries and / or diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system, with emphasis on manual therapy.
Elaborate the clinical history of physiotherapy including all necessary information for it to be a valid instrument of intra and interdisciplinary communication.
Apply appropriate physiotherapy assessment procedures, in order to determine the degree of involvement of the musculoskeletal and its possible impact functional system.
Identify situations in which a change or improvement is needed.
Analyse a situation and identify its points for improvement.
Propose new methods or well-founded alternative solutions.
Weigh up the risks and opportunities of suggestions for improvement: one's own and those of others.
Propose new ways to measure success or failure when implementing innovative proposals or ideas.
Explain the explicit or implicit code of practice of one's own area of knowledge.
Critically analyse the principles, values and procedures that govern the exercise of the profession.
Communicate using language that is not sexist.
Weigh up the impact of any long- or short-term difficulty, harm or discrimination that could be caused to certain persons or groups by the actions or projects.
Propose projects and actions in accordance with the principles of ethical responsibility and respect for fundamental rights, diversity and democratic values.
Analyse the sex- or gender-based inequalities and the gender biases present in one's own area of knowledge.

THEORETICAL PART (10h)

LECTURER: Sandra Torrell (Sandra.Torrell@uab.cat)

1. INTRODUCTION TO PHYSIOTHERAPY

1.1 What is physiotherapy?

1.2 Physiotherapy versus rehabilitation

1.3 Competence framework of physiotherapy

1.4 Areas of activity of physiotherapy

2. PHYSICAL AGENTS

3. PROCESS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY CARE (PPC)

3.1 Stages of the PPC

3.2 Methodology of action

4. CLINICAL HISTORY IN PHYSIOTHERAPY

4.1 Concept of clinical history

4.2 Parts of the clinical history

4.2.1 Anamnesis

4.2.2 Patient examination

- Systems exploration

- Valuation scales

- Supplementary tests

4.2.3 Physiotherapy diagnosis

4.2.4 Physiotherapy treatment

- Therapeutic goals

- Improvement indicators

- Establishment of physiotherapy treatment

4.2.5 Evolutionary course

4.2.6 Discharge report

PRACTICAL PART (42.5h)

LECTURERS:

Sandra Torrell (Sandra.Torrell@uab.cat)

Eduard Coll del Cura (eduard.coll@uab.cat)

Miriam Herrera Llamas (miriam.herrera@uab.cat)

Ana Lobato Binilla (anavictoria.lobato@uab.cat)

Nicolás Moreno (nicolas.moreno@uab.cat)

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE MUSCLE BALANCE TECHNIQUES

2. MUSCLE BALANCE OF THE UPPER LIMBS

2.1 Shoulder

2.2 Elbow

2.3 Wrist

2.4 Hand and fingers

3. MUSCLE BALANCE OF THE LOWER LIMBS

3.1 Hip

3.2 Knee

3.3 Ankle

3.4 Foot andfingers

Learning activities and methodology

Title	Hours	ECTS	Learning outcomes
THEORY	11	0.44	5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 25, 26, 27
SELF STUDY, READING ARTICLES, REPORTS OF INTEREST	90	3.6	4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 26
LABORATORY PRACTICALS	42	1.68	5, 7, 8, 9, 17, 20, 25, 27

The subject is based on theoretical and practical classes.

ATTENDANCE at laboratory practicals (PLAB) is COMPULSORY.

The use of MOBILE PHONES, SMARTWATCHES, HEADPHONES or other ELECTRONIC DEVICES is not allowed during the theoretical and PLAB classes, nor during the exams. The PLAB dossiers must be printed on paper.

NO PHOTOGRAPHS OR RECORDINGS (audio and video) during the CLASSES are allowed. All material is subject to copyright and will be posted on the Campus Virtual platform. Doing business with the material posted on the Campus Virtual will automatically lead to failing the subject and it will be the lecturer’s decision to take legal action against the student through the legal services of the UAB.

Students arriving 10 or more minutes late for a class will NOT be allowed to enter the classroom and will be counted as absent without justification.

It is mandatory to attend the PLAB with the appropriate clothing: bikini, large towel or pareo, eyeliner pencil and make-up remover wipes or similar.

It is ESSENTIAL to take care of PERSONAL HYGIENE.

Watches, rings, bracelets, earrings, or any other element that may be detrimental to the comfort and safety of the student during the execution of the physiotherapy techniques, may not be worn in PLAB sessions. Students’ hair must be tied back and their nails short and unpainted.

Any INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR by a student during the classes that may be a nuisance to the lecturer or to the other students entitles the lecturer to remove the student from the classroom. Each expulsion willbe treated as an unjustified absence and will deduct 0.25 points on the exam.

Eating and drinking during classes is prohibited.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title	Weight	Hours	ECTS	Learning outcomes
Structured oral tests	90%	5.5	0.22	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 25, 26, 28
Objective test of multiple-choice questions	10%	1.5	0.06	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

This subject does not provide the single assessment system

The evaluation of the theoretical part of the course is equivalent to 1 points (out of 10) of the overall grade of the subject and will be carried out by means of a exam of 15 true/false questions with 1 only correct answer and with a penalty of a correct question for each erroneous answer. It will be necessary to score at least 5 in this test for it to be taken into account when calculating the overall grade.

The assessment of laboratory practicals is equivalent to 9 points (out of 10) of the overall grade for the subject. It will be carried out by means of two oral theoretical-practical exams. Each of these interim exams is equivalent to 4.5 points (out of 10) of the overall grade for the subject. A mark of at least 5 must be obtained in each of the interim exams for them to be taken into account when calculating the overall grade. Attendance at laboratory practicals is mandatory. Each absence will subtract 0.25 points.

The final score will be the sum of the points obtained in the evaluation of theoretical knowledge (10%) and laboratory practicals (90%). It will be necessary to obtain a final grade of at least 5 to pass the subject.

The qualification of Honor Matriculation will be given to those students who obtain a grade of 10 in each of the partials

Students who do not attend any of the 3 assessment tests will be graded as Non-Assessable in their academic record.

Students who have failed the exam on theory and/or exams on laboratory practicals, may take the resit exam. However, this cannot be allowed under any circumstances in the case of students graded as Non-Assessable in their academic record.

If any irregularity is detected in an evaluation act (academic fraud, plagiarism or improper use of AI, unless this use is expressly authorized in the teaching guide), which could lead to a significant variation in the grade, it is assumed that this act will be graded with a 0. In the event that the teaching guide foresees that in order to pass the subject several irregularities are required in the assessment acts of the same subject, the final grade for this subject is 0. Apart from that, may initiate disciplinary proceedings against the student who incurs any of these irregularities

Students arriving 10 or more minutes late for a class will NOT be allowed to enter the classroom and will be counted as absent without justification.

The two theoretical-practical oral exams will audio- and/or video-recordedfor correction and subsequent review. In order to take them, it is mandatory for students to have given their written consent to this recording if they are of legal age, or for their parents or legal guardians to have done so if the student is a minor. Without the signed consent the students will not be able to carry out the theoretical-practical exams and will be graded as Non-Assessable in their academic records.

Self-certification of absences through documents written and/or signed by the students themselves or by their parents or other family members is not allowed. Certifications of absence must be send by mail, if not, it must m¡be considered an absence with a substract of 0.25 points.

Bibliography

Most of this bibliography can be consulted in digital format through the library portal of the UAB.

Gallego T. Bases teóricas y fundamentos de la fisioterapia. Madrid: Editorial Médica Panamericana. Colección Panamericana de fisioterapia. 2007

Alcántara S et al. Fundamentos de fisioterapia. Madrid: Síntesis. 1995

Sirvent Ribalda E, Comelles JM. La fisioteràpia a Catalunya 1957-2025. Etnografia d'una professió. Col·legi de Fisioterapeutes de Ctalunya. 2025

Viel, E. Diagnóstico fisioterápico. Concepción, realización y aplicación en la práctica libre y hospitalaria. Barcelona: Elsevier Masson; 1999

Meadows JT. Diagnóstico diferencial en fisioterapia. Madrid: McGraw-Hill Interamericana 2000

Palmer ML et al. Fundamentos de las técnicas de evaluación músculoesqueléticas. Barcelona: Paidotribo. 2003

Kendall. Músculos: pruebas y funciones. Barcelona: Jims. 1984

Daniel & Worthingham. Técnicas de Balance muscular. 9a. Ed. Madrid: Elsevier Saunders. 2014

Hoppenfeld S. Exploración física de la columna vertebral y las extremidades. Mèxic: Manual Moderno. 1979

Daza J. Evaluación clínico-funcional del movimiento corporal humano. Bogotá: Panamericana. 2007

Kaltenborn FM. Fisioterapia manual. Madrid: McGraw-Hill Interamericana. 2004

Plaja J. Analgesia por medios físicos. Madrid: McGraw-Hill Interamericana; 2003

Rodríguez Martín JM. Electroterapia en fisioterapia. Madrid: Médica Panamericana; 2000

Miangolarra JC. Rehabilitación clínica integral: funcionamiento y discapacidad. Barcelona: Masson; 2003

French S et al. Fisioterapia: un enfoque psicosocial. Madrid: McGraw-Hill Interamericana; 2006

OMS. Clasificación internacional del funcionamiento, la discapacidad y de la salud (CIF). Madrid: Ministerio deTrabajo y Asuntos Sociales, Instituto de Migraciones y Servicios Sociales; 2001

WHO. International Classification of Impairments, Disabilitiesand Handicaps (ICIDH). A manual relating to consecuences os diseases. Ginebra: WHO

Gonzalez M. Usos de la clasificación internacional de deficiencias, discapacidades y minusvalías (CIIDM). Instituto nacional de Servicios Sociales.Perspectivas de rehabilitación internacional. Madrid: Ministerio de

Asuntos Sociales. Instituto Nacional de Servicios Sociales

Asociación Española de Fisioterapeutas. Reglamento Nacional. Concepto de fisioterapia y de fisioterapeuta. Funciones y código deontológico. Madrid;1992

;1992

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