Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

Other teachers

• Vinicius Rosa De Oliveira
• Anna Andreu Povar
• Josep Arimany González
• Bernat Planas Pascual

Objectives

This subject develops the basic aspects of the professional fields of pulmonology and cardiology, which have many points in common.

During the course of this subject, the student learns about the pathologies and pathophysiology of the most relevant respiratory and cardiac conditions, and works on knowledge of pulmonary rehabilitation programs and, more specifically, respiratory physiotherapy (RF): "The art of applying physical techniques based on knowledge of respiratory pathophysiology, together with the patient's psychoemotional knowledge, to prevent, cure or, sometimes, just stabilize alterations that affect the thoracopulmonary system." (Sangenis, 1994)

In the subject we focus more on learning the application of physical, manual and mechanical techniques in the osteotenosmuscular and visceral structures that intervene in the respiratory movement and physiology of the patient's cardiopulmonary system, based on clinical and stethoacoustic exploration according to the scientific method and the mechanistic paradigm and this knowledge is integrated with clinical cases.

On the other hand, work is also being done on the knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation programs, in which the physiotherapist is responsible for physical preparation and improving physical activity in these types of patients.

The general objectives of this subject are:

• Know and understand the anatomy and physiology of the cardiorespiratory system and the biomechanics of ventilatory movement.
• Know and understand the pathologies and pathophysiology of the most relevant pulmonary and cardiac diseases for the physiotherapist.
• Learn and apply tools for exploring and detecting biophysical alterations that affect the cardiorespiratory system and ventilatory movement.
• To train the student to establish a coherent cardiorespiratory physiotherapy action process in the alterations detected in each patient.
• Know the basic aspects of physiotherapy and respiratory and cardiac rehabilitation and its application in all related areas of medicine (preventive and family medicine, pediatrics, pulmonology, surgery, neurology, geriatrics, cardiology, etc.).

Learning outcomes

• LO1. Describes and analyzes the different physical properties of the thoracopulmonary system, respiratory physiology and cardiorespiratory clinic. (B01)
• LO2. Identifies the framework of action of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy and explains the effects of the main cardiorespiratory physiotherapy techniques in high prevalence cardiorespiratory pathology. (G1, E10)
• LO3. Apply the main internationally validated assessment tools in cardiorespiratory disorders with a biopsychosocial approach. (E4, E5)
• LO4. It applies the physiotherapeutic methods, scientifically validated, in the approach of cardiac and respiratory pathology. (B02, E1, E5)
• LO5. Evaluates the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and describes the changes produced in the patient's quality of life and functionality in a cooperative work environment with other health science professionals. (T01, T04, T06, G1, E7, E10)
• LO6. Solves clinical cases susceptible to physiotherapeutic treatment in the field of cardiorespiratory conditions. (B02, T04, T06, E1, E8)
• LO7. Shows sensitivity for equitable and equal professional practice between men and women. (T08)

Competencies

General skills

• Demonstrate commitment to the profession and its values​​, seeking sustained improvements in practice and excellence in the care of individuals, families and the community.

Specific skills

• Build and implement a physiotherapy intervention plan based on diagnosis, input from other professionals, available scientific evidence, and with the participation of the user/patient and their context, taking into account personal, relational and methodological aspects, and safety and efficiency.
• Collect, analyze and critically interpret relevant information on the user/patient and their context, within a biopsychosocial approach, to evaluate and make a clinical assessment of functional impairment, activity or participation.
• Communicate with patients/users, with significant others in their context or family, and with other professionals and managers. Use a register and channel of communication that is suited to their needs and characteristics, and the communicative context.
• Critically assess and reflect on the physiotherapy intervention plan and make adjustments as necessary based on dialogue with users/patients and on their context.
• Design, implement and evaluate risk prevention and health promotion actions that have an impact on factors determining health (lifestyle, social and community networks, work environment, etc.), on the basis of development, maintenance and improvement in activity and movement, within a biopsychosocial framework.
• Make physiotherapy diagnoses based on analysis and critical interpretation of the relevant information and assessment, using internationally recognized classifications of functionality, disability and health, and clinical reasoning as a basis for decision making.
• Participate as a physiotherapist in an interdisciplinary context, coordinating with other professionals and routinely participating in work teams in practice.

Basic skills

• Students can apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and have competencies typically demonstrated through drafting and defending arguments and solving problems in their field of study.
• Students have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds on general secondary education with the support of advanced textbooks and knowledge of the latest advances in this field of study.

Core skills

• Communicate orally, in writing and audiovisually, in one's own language and in foreign languages, with proficiency in form, content and use.
• Develop strategies for promoting gender equality and equity for all.
• Make use of professional skills in multidisciplinary, complex, networked environments, whether on-site or online.
• Reflect critically on knowledge of all kinds, with a commitment to professional rigor and quality.

Content

1. Pathology and pathophysiology of the respiratory system
2. Pathology and physiopathology of the cardiovascular system
3. Respiratory rehabilitation (most relevant concepts)
4. Assessment and diagnosis in respiratory physiotherapy (RF)
5. Intervention in respiratory physiotherapy
   1. Breathing control techniques
   2. Airway patency techniques
   3. Retraining techniques for effort and therapeutic physical activity
   4. Relaxation techniques
6. Cardiac rehabilitation (most relevant concepts)
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Evaluation

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Important

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Methodology

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Bibliography

Key references

• Blandine, C.-G. (2006). Anatomia para el movimiento (T. IV): El gesto respiratorio. La Liebre de Marzo.
• Main, E., Denehy, L. (2016). Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy: Adults and Paediatrics : formerly Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiac Problems (5 ed.). Elseviere.
• Postiaux, G. (2000). Fisioterapia respiratoria en el niño. McGraw-Hill Interamericana.
• Seco, J. (2018). Sistema respiratorio: Métodos, fisioterapia clínica y afecciones para fisioterapeutes. Médica Panamericana.
• Varis (2024). Normativas SEPAR. Retrieved from https://www.separ.es/?q=node/196

Further reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.