MEDICINA FISICA E RIABILITATIVA E PSICOLOGIA CLINICA

Module MEDICINA FISICA E RIABILITATIVA

D1 – Knowledge and understanding

The course provides knowledge of rehabilitation principles in neurological, neuropsychiatric, degenerative, and chronic disabling conditions, with particular focus on global functioning, social participation, and independence in activities of daily living. Special attention will be given to cognitive and neuropsychological disorders (apraxia, attention deficits, neglect), developmental milestones, disability across the lifespan, and rehabilitation tools including assistive devices, prostheses, and reimbursement systems.

D2 – Applying knowledge and understanding

Apply functional, cognitive, and behavioral assessment tools to identify rehabilitation needs and levels of autonomy. Design individualized rehabilitation interventions in neurological, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative settings using compensatory strategies, cognitive-behavioral training, environmental adaptations, and assistive technologies.

D3 – Making judgements

Develop individualized rehabilitation programs integrating clinical, cognitive, relational, and environmental aspects. Critically evaluate rehabilitation outcomes in neurological, cognitive, and psychiatric disorders and adapt interventions according to patient evolution and family needs.

D4 – Communication skills

Use appropriate technical-scientific terminology in neurological and psychiatric rehabilitation. Communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams to promote adherence, inclusion, and social participation.

D5 – Learning skills

Develop independent learning skills through the use of guidelines, scientific literature, and evidence-based rehabilitation tools in neuropsychiatric and neurological rehabilitation.

• Lectures with clinical and rehabilitation insights
• Discussion of clinical cases
• Analysis of assessment scales and rehabilitation tools
• Practical simulations of multidisciplinary interventions 

• Basic knowledge of central and peripheral nervous system anatomy and physiology
• Fundamentals of neurology, psychiatry, and child neuropsychiatry
• Basic knowledge of cognitive, behavioral, and relational functioning
• Fundamentals of disability and autonomy assessment

• Mandatory attendance to ensure adequate acquisition of theoretical and practical skills.

1. Disability, Functioning, and Rehabilitation Planning

Aim: Understanding disability and global functioning in different life contexts.

• ICF classification and biopsychosocial model
• Physical, cognitive, and relational disability
• Activities of daily living (ADL and IADL)
• Functional and cognitive assessment scales
• Individual rehabilitation planning and multidisciplinary teamwork

2. Neuropsychomotor Developmental Milestones

Aim: Recognition of physiological development and developmental disorders.

• Motor, cognitive, and relational development
• Developmental milestones in childhood
• Development of autonomy and social participation
• Neurodevelopmental disorders and functional impact
• Clinical observation and assessment tools

3. Cognitive and Neuropsychological Disorders

Aim: Identification of cognitive deficits and their impact on daily functioning.

• Attention and attentional deficits
• Apraxia
• Unilateral spatial neglect
• Executive dysfunction
• Cognitive and behavioral rehabilitation strategies
• Attention training and environmental compensation

4: Development and pediatric disabilities

Aim: Understanding developmental processes and pediatric conditions.

• Neuromotor developmental milestones
• Cerebral palsy
• Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

5. Rehabilitation in Acquired Neurological Disorders

Aim: Recovery of autonomy and social reintegration in neurological conditions.

• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke
• Neurological and cognitive sequelae
• Motor, cognitive, and behavioral disorders
• Rehabilitation of personal and social autonomy
• Psychoeducational interventions and caregiver support

6. Rehabilitation in Degenerative Neurological Disorders

Aim: Maintenance of residual abilities and improvement of quality of life.

• Multiple sclerosis
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Dementia
• Management of progressive disability
• Multidisciplinary approach and continuity of care

7. Rehabilitation in Chronic Pain and Dysfunctional Syndromes

Aim: Promoting participation and managing the psychosocial impact of chronic illness.

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue and functional limitations
• Coping and adaptation strategies
• Therapeutic education and quality of life

8. Assistive Devices, Prostheses, and Environmental Adaptations

Aim: Enhancing autonomy and social participation.

• Mobility and personal independence aids
• Prostheses and orthoses
• Assistive technologies
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Environmental adaptations and accessibility
• National reimbursement system and prescription of assistive devices 

• De Lisa J.A., Gans B.M., Walsh N.E. Medicina fisica e riabilitazione
• Braddom R.L. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

• Oral and/or possible written examination with open-ended and/or multiple-choice questions
• Discussion of clinical cases
• Analysis of individualized rehabilitation programs
• Practical simulations of rehabilitation interventions
• Active participation during lectures 

• Describe the ICF model and its role in rehabilitation planning.
• Analyze a clinical case of stroke with neglect and propose a rehabilitation intervention.
• Describe the main cognitive and behavioral manifestations of traumatic brain injury.
• Explain the role of assistive devices in promoting autonomy in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Describe the main clinical features of fibromyalgia and their functional impact.