OTA 135 - Neurological Foundations of Human Performance

Credits: 2
Lecture Contact Hours: 2
Lab Contact Hours: 2
Description: A clinical perspective of neuroscience is presented, including basic neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and pathologies commonly seen in occupational therapy practice. Movement planning and the underlying neural mechanisms are explored. Range of Motion (ROM) and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), as well as movement analysis, will be reinforced. Students will explore motor control theories and their applications to evidence-based practice. Motor disorders will also be discussed. In the lab portion of this class, students will be introduced to concepts of rehabilitation and task-oriented intervention planning treatment techniques of neurological disorders.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. BIOL 238 with a minimum grade of 3.0. MATH 102 or MATH 113 or MATH course higher thanMATH 113 . OTA 110 . PE 147 .
Corequisites: OTA 115 . OTA 120 . OTA 130 .
Recommended: None

Course Category: Occupational
This Course is Typically Offered: Fall
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Course Competencies
1. Differentiate micro and macro anatomical structures of the nervous system.

2. Examine general principles of motor control in the nervous system.

3. Investigate the neurological constraints on motor control.

4. Outline key aspects of neuroanatomy essential to the treatment of neurological conditions in clinical practice.

5. Examine the structure and function of the spinal cord and its major pathways.

6. Explore how the nervous system produces purposeful, coordinated movements through conscious and unconscious thought.

7. Analyze current research in motor control.

8. Validate the importance of applying motor control theory to clinical intervention.

9. Analyze the use of technology in motor function.

10. Describe the connections between anatomical structures that comprise the sensory and motor systems of the Central Nervous System (CNS).

11. Outline common Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and Central Nervous System (CNS) lesions and their etiology.

12. Outline the major components of the motor and sensory systems.