OT General Knowledge

Kinesiology is the study of movement and all structures involved. Focuses on the forces that affect movement.  Biomechanics is one perspective of kinesiology that studies the action of internal or external forces on the human body.

Therapist creates voluntary activities that are graded and adapted to speciic muscles, movements and activities to encourage a return of function.

Taylor

Uses anatomy physiology kinesiology and pathology to devise treatemnts taht strengthen specivic mm or m groups or increase joint movement. 

Promotes activity analysis and adaptive equipment.  Breaks treatment into 4 steps

• 1) Outline and define musculoskeletal problems
• 2) Create exercises that restore and maintian function
• 3) Find and create adaptive equipment to reach functinoal activity goals
• 4) Measure functional musculoskeletal progress in treatment

Sensory Integration - theorized that small changes in sensory processing can lead to large adaptive changes.  

Emphasizes adaptations that work dowward functional activities rather than strictly the rehabilitation of a specific body part.  

• 1) level of independence
• 2) Level of effort
• 3) Degree of efficiency
• 4) Degree of safety 

Cervical Plexus

brachial plexus

Lumbar and sacral plexuses

Head and neck

Abdomen

Paralysis spasticity and increased mm tension

Flaccid paralysis and low MM tone

Neurons fire neurotransmitters in response to a proglonged m stretch 

Neurons fire neurotransmitters in response to rapid changes in the length of mm spindles

the brainstem

The fluid filled space between two bones that allows for the greatest movement.  Bones connected by ligaments.

Bones connected by cartilage allowing for limited movement.  

Fibrous interface between bones that allows for almost no movement.

a  range of movement regularly repeated in a particular movement or performance of a  function. 

all fibers of the m run directly from origin to insertion

healthy temporary shortening compared to a pathological permanent shortening of mm or skin

opposing force pulls on a mm as it contracts to slow or stop the effect of the opposing force (other mm, gravity, external forces)

MM fibers shorten to cause active movement.

opposing force = stabilizing contraction 

No movement 

goniometer

Sagital

Horizontal

Frontal 

mm tone and coordination

• no hip flexion beyond 90 degrees
• no internal rotation or hip adduction past the neutral position