Module: Neurological Physiotherapy

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Neurological Physiotherapy
Module Code	TRE1023
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Health & Human Performance
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module equips students to develop an in-depth understanding of neurological conditions relevant to physiotherapy practice, integrating anatomy, physiology and neuroanatomy knowledge and neuroscience principles with advanced clinical reasoning. It aims to enhance students’ ability to critically evaluate and apply contemporary evidence-based interventions for children and adults with neurological disorders. Students will develop detailed knowledge and skills in neurological rehabilitation, with a focus on research informed practice. Students will develop advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making in neurological rehabilitation, critical appraisal of research and translation into practice, effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical and patient-centred physiotherapy practice The module will integrate learning with clinical placements, where students will apply their knowledge and skills in a wide variety of healthcare settings. The focus will be on developing a comprehensive understanding of clinical reasoning, multidisciplinary collaboration, and effective assessment and treatment strategies for patients with neurological conditions taking into account the individual needs of patients and ensuring safe and holistic care delivery. The module aligns with the CORU Standards of Proficiency for Physiotherapists and upholds the CORU Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Physiotherapists to ensure ethical and high-quality professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

1. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of common neurological conditions and their impact on motor, sensory and cognitive function.
2. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Conduct comprehensive neurological assessments using standardized tools to evaluate motor, sensory, and functional impairments.
3. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Apply clinical reasoning knowledge and skills to formulate rehabilitation strategies for diverse and complex paediatric and adult neurological conditions.
4. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Apply evidence-based physiotherapy interventions and approaches, to optimize neurological recovery for children and adults.
5. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Critically evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, such as robotics, virtual reality, and neurostimulation, into neurological rehabilitation.
6. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Work effectively within the multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide holistic care for paediatric and adult neurological patients.
7. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Critically appraise current research and apply evidence to clinical decision-making to enhance patient outcomes.
8. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Facilitate patient education and empowerment, supporting self-management strategies for children and adults with neurological conditions and their families.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Interactive lectures
Clinical Skills/Practical Session	18	Practical workshops. Role-playing and motivational interviewing. MDT case conferences and care planning
Case-Based Learning	15	Case-based discussions. Small-group problem-based learning (PBL). Clinical reasoning exercises using video vignettes. Guided reflection on case scenarios. Literature appraisal and evidence-based discussions.
Simulation/Interactive Workshops	15	Simulation training (ICU and acute care). MDT case conferences and care planning. Literature appraisal and evidence-based discussions
Self Directed Learning	178	Developing critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and lifelong learning skills for evidence-based, patient-centred, and innovative physiotherapy practice.
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	12232	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Deirdre Murray	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Performance evaluation	The oral/practical exam assesses students' ability to apply clinical reasoning, evidence-based interventions, and practical physiotherapy techniques, covered in semester 1. It evaluates assessment skills, manual handling skills, treatment planning, and professional communication, ensuring competence in safe, patient-centred care	15%	n/a
In Class Test	This test will be 2 hours in length and will be held during the last weeks of semester 1.The written exam evaluates students' understanding of neurological pathophysiology, assessment techniques, and evidence-based physiotherapy interventions, covered in semester 1.	35%	n/a
Performance evaluation	The oral/practical exam assesses students' ability to apply clinical reasoning, evidence-based interventions, and practical physiotherapy techniques, covered in semester 2. It evaluates assessment skills, manual handling skills, treatment planning, and professional communication, ensuring competence in safe, patient-centred care	15%	n/a
Written Exam	This test will be 2 hours in length and will be held during the last weeks of semester 2.The written exam evaluates students' understanding of neurological pathophysiology, assessment techniques, and evidence-based physiotherapy interventions, covered in semester 2.	35%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	,
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, and Pathophysiology
· Lectures and Interactive Seminars · Advanced teaching sessions integrating neuroscience, pathology, and rehabilitation principles. · Discussions on contemporary issues in neurological physiotherapy. · Case-based learning sessions exploring complex clinical scenarios.

Neurological Assessment and Outcome Measures
· Practical Workshops and Skills Labs · Simulation for clinical decision-making in acute and chronic neurological cases. · Hands-on training in standardized neurological assessment tools.

Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Interventions in Neurological Rehabilitation
· Application of evidence-based rehabilitation techniques in simulated environments.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Interprofessional Learning
· Joint workshops with nursing students. · Role playing MDT case conferences and collaborative treatment planning exercises.

Advanced Clinical Reasoning and Individualized Rehabilitation
· Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Case-Based Discussions · Small-group analysis of complex neurological cases to develop expert clinical reasoning. · Small group discussions on treatment selection and intervention progression.

Emerging Technologies in Neurological Rehabilitation
· Interactive demonstrations of virtual reality, robotics, and neuromodulation interventions. · Discussions exploring the integration of digital health in neurological physiotherapy. · Critical appraisal of emerging technologies through literature reviews and debates.

Ethical, Legal, and Professional Considerations in Neurological Physiotherapy
· Reflection on ethical dilemmas and professional challenges in neurological rehabilitation. · Role playing MDT case conferences and collaborative treatment planning exercises.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Stokes, M., & Stack, E: 2020, Physical Management for Neurological Conditions, 5TH ed, Elsevier,
Turner-Stokes, L: 2015, Oxford Textbook of Neurorehabilitation, 2nd ed, Oxford University Press,
Gillen, G: 2015, Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach, 4th ed, Elsevier,
Shumway-Cook, A., & Woollacott, M. H: 2016, Motor Control: Translating Research into Clinical Practice, 5th ed, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: International Society for Neurorehabilitation (ISNR),
420073: 1, Stroke Rehabilitation in Adults,
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng236: 420074, 1, Multiple Sclerosis in Adults: Management
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng220: 420075, 1, Parkinson's Disease in Adults
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng71: