Exercise Therapy I Introduction to Body Movements

At the end of this course, the students should be able to: 1. discuss the Mechanics principles of Force, Tension, Mechanics of position; 2. explain Mechanics of movement: Axes and planes, scalar and vector quantity; Simple machines, Pendulums, Elasticity and General introduction to movement; 3. describe body levers and the force applied to it, types of movement and posture, types of muscle contraction, types of muscle work, strength of muscle contraction, group action of muscles, pattern of movement, and the nervous control of movement; 4. discuss the basic concepts of therapeutic exercise, techniques and clinical applications; 5. describe different breathing exercises techniques indications and contraindications; and 6. state approaches to patient problems and assessment of patient's conditions for therapeutic exercise.

Mechanics principles: Force, Tension, Mechanics of position (Gravity, base of support, equilibrium, fixation and stabilisation). Mechanics of movement: Axes and planes, scalar and vector quantity. Simple machines (Levers and Pulley). Pendulums, Elasticity. General introduction to movement: Body levers and the force applied to it, types of movement and posture, types of muscle contraction, types of muscle work, range of muscle work, strength of muscle contraction, group action of muscles, pattern of movement, timing of movement, rhythm of movement and the nervous control of movement. Introduction to exercise therapy: definition, aims of treatment by exercise therapy, the techniques of exercise therapy, starting positions. Introduction to breathing exercise (Chest physiotherapy): Localized breathing, general breathing, measurement of chest girth (chest expansion), vital capacity. Approach to patient problems and assessment of patient's conditions.