Neuroscience related to Osteopathy (5 cr)

Objective

The student is able to
• show awareness of key developments in neuroscience that have an impact on osteopathic practice, they are familiar with how these neuroscientific constructs can be used to enhance their clinical reasoning
• apply neuroscience principles in a clear and coherent manner as part of their patient management
• be conversant with various neuroscience approaches and theories and are able to communicate this knowledge, understanding and application to other healthcare professionals and diverse patient groups
• utilize key developments in multidisciplinary neuroscience to enhance their clinical reasoning and patient management

Content

• Review of key neuroanatomical features
• Interoception: introduction to the anatomy and its function as an integral part of the nervous system
• The role of neuroplasticity as part of motor control, learning new movements, and when adapting to injury and illness
• Brain maps and how emotions are constructed
• Placebo and nocebo and how these concepts manifest in practice
• Therapeutic neuroscience education and practical applications
• The neuroscience of touch e.g. CT fibres, peripersonal neurons, and application to practice

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student is able to use neuroscientific knowledge in osteopathic practice, to solve problems in osteopathic practice utilizing neuroscientific knowledge, to recognize and analyze the benefits of neuroscience in osteopathy.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student is able to gather, process, produce and evaluate neuroscientific knowledge; to use concepts of the area of expertise correctly, to solve problems in the field of neuroscience to osteopathic practice; to develop new viewpoints or solutions for osteopathy practice.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is able to create a consistent knowledge base for osteopathy practice by making use of neuroscientific knowledge in a critical and analytic manner; to use concepts of the area of expertise innovatively; to solve demanding problems in the field of neuroscience where new knowledge and competence is created; to apply and combine information from different fields; to develop innovative insights or technological solutions into patient use and practice; to communicate about subject convincingly both orally and in writing to patients, audiences within and exterior to the field.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Sufficient performance: has completed basic requirements to pass the course and has made an attempt to apply and articulate concepts and information both verbally and in writing but has not made enough effort overall, the assignments and/or team projects are weak and require further input. The student has demonstrated little effort, interest and motivation for class activities and course assignments.

Qualifications

Research methods and skills 5 ECTS credits or equivalent research and development studies. Osteopathic practice. Sufficient knowledge of neuroanatomy and -physiology.