Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Kingsborough Community College

Department of Allied Heallth, Mental Health, and Human Services







Kinesiology is the study of human movement. Human movement is complex and multifaceted. In order to better recognize departure from standard motion, improve movement performance, facilitate motion efficiency and recognize those factors that may alter or interfere with standard movement physical therapist assistants must be well-versed in recognizing and applying kinesiological concepts.



Kinesiology combines several disciplines that are applied to a fuller understanding of human motion. Those disciplines include:


Anatomy

Physiology

Physics/(Bio)Mechanics

Neurology

Geometry

Behavioral Science


As the youngster pictured to the left performs his best Spider-Man moves, many movement components are evident and include:


Motivation

Joint Range of Motion

Neuromuscular Maturation

Balance and Equilibrium

Fine and Gross Motor Control

Stability versus Mobility Needs

Muscle Strength

Contractile Synergies

Cognitive Requirements




Given its complexity, movement may be analyzed in many different ways. From simple observation to sophisticated technology driven procedures performed in the clinic or professional motion laboratories, the analysis of human motion is an important component of identifying pathology and monitoring progress.



Physical therapist assistants rely upon their knowledge of biomechanics when observing movement and gauging patient progress.









Arthrokinematics





Arthrokinematics observes and analyzes movement between joint surfaces.

These movements are typically defined as spin, roll and slide (glide)


Roll is defined as movement of one surface on another where new points on each surface make contact.

Slide is defined as movement one surface parallel to the other where new points one point of one surface contacts new points on the other.

Spin is defined as rotation of one surface on another where the same point of each surface make contact.

The convex-concave rule defines how surfaces glide. When a concave surface moves on a convex surface slide occurs in the same direction the osteokinematic motion.


When a convex surface moves on a concave surface slide occurs in the opposite direction the osteokinematic motion.




A Common Language
The Anatomical Position



To ensure that life scientists and clinicians have common points of reference when describing the human body, the anatomical position, as depicted to the left, is the reference position for locating structure on/in the human body and describing movement.


All movement is described as if occurring from the anatomical position.



A Common Language
Directional and Relational Terms



As you began to learn in your completed anatomy and physiology course(s), the medical, clinical, and scientific world comes with unique and specialized language that ensures a common and efficient communication.

Mastery of this clinical language is critical to your development as a physical therapist assistant. Rather than being called upon to memorize a particular vocabulary, throughout your PTA education you will have ample opportunity to use and apply clinical language in the most appropriate manners.



A Common Language
The Planes of the Body



A plane is an imaginary two-dimensional surface that passes through the body.

There are three planes commonly referred to in anatomy and medicine.


Sagittal Plane

Separates the body or body part into right or left portions


Frontal Plane

Separates the body or body part into anterior and posterior portions


Transverse Plane

Separates the body or body part into superior and inferior portions


When the prefix “mid” is added, it means that the plane separates the body or body part into appropriate halves.



A Common Language
Motion Occurs in Planes Around Axes



An axis is an imaginary line running through a joint around which rotation may occur.

Flexion and extension occur in the Sagittal plane around a frontal (medial-lateral) axis


Abduction and adduction occur in the frontal plane around a sagittal (anterior-posterior) axis


Rotation occurs in the transverse plane around a vertical (longitudinal) axis








-CHECKPOINT-



This is a good time to pause and assess your knowledge of key concepts. Below are links to a few learning activities that might assist your mastery of the material.


Completing some of the tasks may also earn you class participation credit! However, most importantly it will assist in your learning.

You should attempt to complete the assignments without using your text, notes, etc., as they are designed to test your knowledge—just like taking a test in class—but without the grade consequences.
​

Tasks include mock exams, games, clinical scenarios, and more. Click/tap on the activities and see how much you know!



Wordle
Cryptogram
Crossword Puzzle