OT 534 APPLIED KINESIOLOGY: MOVEMENT FOR PARTICIPATION Course Syllabus - Primary Instructor: Logan Fields, OTD, OTR/L; Lab Instructors: Logan Fields & Alex Hotalen

Term
Spring 2026
Section
M1
Course Delivery
ln person­[FTF]
Class Program

OT 534:

Credits 3
Description

This course includes a comprehensive study of human movement. An application of the biomechanical frame of reference is used to evaluate force, torque, range of motion, strength, endurance, and sensation is included. Laboratory experiences include the analysis of movements, strength, palpation, and performances of functional tasks/occupations.

Meeting Times, Location, & Course Delivery Details

Meeting Days:
Wednesday
Meeting Times:
9:00-12:00 & 1:00-3:00
Location:
CSS 012 Classroom B

Contact Information

Instructor:
Primary Instructor: Logan Fields, OTD, OTR/L; Lab Instructors: Logan Fields & Alex Hotalen
Instructor Email:
logan.fields@wilmington.edu
Office Location:
CSS 015
Phone Number
937-481-2336
Office Hours:
Mondays and Thursday and By appointment
Course Learning Outcomes

Upon Successful completion of this course...

OT 534 Applied Kinesiology: Movement for Participation

B.1.1 Demonstrate knowledge of: • The structure and function of the human body that must include the biological and physical sciences, neurosciences, kinesiology, and biomechanics. • Human development throughout the lifespan (infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults). Course content must include, but is not limited to, developmental psychology. • Concepts of human behavior that must include the behavioral sciences, social sciences, and science of occupation.

Course Materials

Textbook: Required
Name: Musculoskeletal Assessment: Joint Range of Motion, Muscle Testing, and Function
Edition: 4th 
ISBN: 9781975112424
Author: Clarkson, H.
Publisher: Wolters Kluwer

Textbook: Recommended
Name: Trail Guide to Movement: Building the Body in Motion
ISBN: 9780998785059
Author: Biel, A.
Publisher: Books of Discovery

Instructor's Course Objectives

Occupational Therapy Program Mission: The mission of the Occupational Therapy program at Wilmington College is to prepare exceptional occupational therapy professionals that recognize and respond to the unique needs of rural communities with a focus on evidence and occupational-based practices that are client centered. 

Upon completion of the Occupational Therapy program, students will... 

1. Use critical reasoning to recognize health care needs, especially those in rural contexts, and provide evidence-based occupational therapy services to a variety of populations employing a variety of service delivery models, in different health care settings, and within community-based systems. 

2. Provide services within a client-centered, occupational-based theoretical foundation with consideration of the underlying factors including, but not limited to, the culture and contexts that influence the individual’s ability to engage in meaningful occupational tasks and roles. 

3. Clearly articulate, document, and apply professional principles and ethics, in advocacy of the client’s and family’s needs, as well as the needs of the OT profession. 

4.Provide direct and indirect services to promote and sustain health, facilitate typical growth and development, prevent deficits, and maintain, restore, or enhance function through compensation, adaptation, and participation in appropriate therapeutic methods, environmental modifications, use of adaptive equipment, and assistive technologies to enhance meaningful occupational engagement. 

5. Demonstrate the ability to manage and evaluate the efficacy of occupational therapy services including client care outcomes, departmental operations, documentation and reimbursement, and the supervision of appropriate personnel, including fieldwork students, within the guidelines of professional practice. 

6. Initiate and participate in collaborative and cooperative interactions with intra-disciplinary and interdisciplinary professionals, clients, families, significant others, and caregivers to achieve the desired occupational therapy outcomes. 

Relationship to Curriculum Design and Themes 

The Wilmington College Occupational Therapy Program has a rural focus with three themes woven throughout the curriculum. The three themes reflect aspects of current occupational therapy practice and care and are as follows: 

  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Occupation-Based Practice
  • Client-Centered Car
Course Schedule

Week 1

Topics

Assignments

Jan 5-9

 

Lecture – Syllabus Overview and Introduction (What is Kinesiology?), Introduction to Musculoskeletal Assessment

Lab – Getting familiar with the equipment.

Syllabus Quiz

Readings: Musculoskeletal Chp 1-2

Assignments: N/A

Week 2

Topics

Assignments

Jan 12-16

 

*Monday 1/15 OFF for MLK day*

Lecture – Connective Tissue

Lab – Palpation Introduction

Quiz over Week 1

Readings: N/A

Assignments: Clinical Scenario #1

Week 3

Topics

Assignments

Jan 19-23

 

Lecture – Nerves

Lab – Brachial Plexus Creation

Quiz over Week 2

Readings: N/A

Assignments: Clinical Scenario #2

Week 4

Topics

Assignments

Jan 26 – 30

 

Lecture – Biomechanics and the Hip

Lab – Goniometry/Palpation of the Hip/Pelvis

Quiz over Week 3

Readings: Musculoskeletal Chp 6

Assignments: ROM Competency #1: Hip/Pelvis

Palpation Competency: Hip/Pelvis

Clinical Scenario #3

 

Week 5

Topics

Assignments

Feb 2-6

 

Lecture – Joints and the Knee/Ankle/Foot

Lab – Goniometry/Palpation of Knee/Ankle/Foot

Quiz over Week 4

Readings: Musculoskeletal Chp 7-8

Assignments: ROM Competency #2: Knee/Ankle/Foot

Palpation Competency Knee/Ankle/Foot

Clinical Scenario #4

Week 6

Topics

Assignments

Feb 9-13

Lecture – Posture and Gait

Lab – Posture/Gait Analysis

Quiz over Week 5

Readings: N/A

Assignments: Clinical Scenario #5

Clinical Scenario #6

Week 7

Topics

Assignments

Feb 16-20

 

 

Lecture – Review Day

Readings: N/A

Week 8

Topics

Assignments

Feb 23- 27

 

 

Midterm Week

Written and Practical

N/A

Week 9

Topics

Assignments

March 2-6

 

Lecture – Muscles 1 & 2

Nerves Lab -TBD

Readings: N/A

 

Assignments: Clinical Scenario #7

 

 

Topics

Assignments

March 9-13

 

 

SPRING BREAK

N/A

Week 10

Topics

Assignments

March 16-20

 

Lecture – Motor Control and Shoulder

Lab – TBD

Quiz over Week 9

Readings: N/A

Assignments: Clinical Scenario #8

Week 11

Topics

Assignments

March 23-27

*Friday 3/29 OFF for Good Friday*

Lecture – The Shoulder

Lab – Goniometry/Palpation of shoulder

Quiz over Week 10

Readings: Musculoskeletal Chp 3

Assignments: ROM Competency #3: Shoulder

Palpation Competency: Shoulder

Clinical Scenario #9

Week 12

Topics

Assignments

March 30 – April 3

Lecture – The Elbow and Forearm

Lab – Goniometry/Palpation of Elbow/Forearm

Quiz over Week 11                 

Readings: Musculoskeletal Chp 4

Assignments: ROM Competency #4: Elbow/Forearm

Palpation Competency: Elbow Forearm

Clinical Scenario: #10

Week 13

Topics

Assignments

April 6-10

 

Lecture – The Wrist and Hand

Lab – Goniometry/Palpation of Wrist/Hand

Quiz over Week 12                 

Readings: Chp 5

Assignments: ROM Competency: Wrist/Hand

Palpation Competency: Wrist/Hand

Clinical Scenario #11

Week 14

Topics

Assignments

April 13-17

 

Lecture – Review/Beacon Ortho**

Lab – TBD       

Quiz over Week 13           

Readings:  N/A

Assignments:  Clinical Scenario #12

Week 15

Topics

Assignments

April 20-24

 

Review and Final WrittenReadings:  N/A

Week 16

 

 

April 27- May 1

 

 

Finals WEEK

Practical

N/A

***Reasonable changes to the course may be made by the faculty or instructor of record at any time during the semester***

Subject to change during the semester. Adequate notice of changes will be given.

Course Assignments
AssignmentCourse Grade (Percentage)
Clinical Scenarios

10%

Lab Competencies

20%

Midterm (Written)

15%

Midterm (Practical)

15%

Final  (Written – Comprehensive)

15%

Final (Practical – Comprehensive)

15%

Quizzes

10%

1. Clinical Scenarios (ACOTE B.1.1)
Purpose: Students will receive a case story that depicts occupational performance
deficits, functional performance pattern deficits, and/or performance skills deficits.
Students will analyze client factors and contexts within the case story to identify
occupations that may be impacted by the client’s condition. Students will research
answers to probing questions about the case and use clinical reasoning to guide
potential interventions. The student will document their responses in written form.
(Kinesiology topics included in the case stories: hip, lower leg/foot, spine, shoulder, arm,
and wrist).

2. Lab Competencies (ACOTE B.1.1)
Purpose: Students will demonstrate their understanding of client assessment using
AROM, PROM, Goniometry measurement, MMT, and functional skills for learning
modules related to 1.) The hip, 2.) The lower leg, 3.) The shoulder, 4.) The arm, and 5.)
The hand. Students will also demonstrate their understanding of correct
palpation techniques, anatomical terminology, and the location of various anatomical
features and techniques through lab application activities.


3. Midterm (Written) (ACOTE B.1.1)
Purpose: Students will express their understanding of the movements of the
human body and functional outcomes that impact human occupation through a multiple
choice exam that covers content covered in the first half of the semester.


4. Midterm Practical (ACOTE B.1.1)
Purpose: Students will demonstrate manual skills related to MMT/ROM/Measurement in
content covered in the first half of the semester.


5. Final (Written) (ACOTE B.1.1)
Purpose: Students will express their understanding of the movements of the
human body and functional outcomes that impact human occupation through a multiple
choice exam that covers content covered throughout the semester.


6. Final Practical (ACOTE B.1.1)
Purpose: Students will demonstrate manual skills related to MMT/ROM/Measurement in
content covered throughout the semester.


7. Quizzes (ACOTE B.1.1)
Purpose: Students will complete quizzes covering information discussed in the previous
week.

***Please note: A minimum of a “B” is required to pass a class in Occupational Therapy. If the student does not receive a minimum of a “B” in the course, he/she will have one opportunity to re-take the course and pass it when it is offered in the next year to continue to progress through the program. Two failures may result in dismissal. 

Class assignments are designed to ensure that students are building the skills needed to become competent, entry-level practitioners by graduation. Each class uses a variety of evaluation methods to meet diverse student learning styles. Students are expected to fully prepare for each class and meet all assigned due dates. Late submissions are not permitted. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.

Course Final Exam
Any midterm or final assessment CANNOT be rescheduled for an unexcused absence. Time allotted for exams and quizzes will vary between courses. In general, students are allowed two hours for examinations and thirty minutes for quizzes.
Evaluation of Work

The grading scale will be as follows:

Letter Grade (Equivalents)

A = 90-100

B = 89-80

F = 79-0

Instructional Strategies: Check all that apply

Case Analysis   XRole Play  X
Roundtable Discussion Clinical Simulations  X
Discussion Questioning/Interviewing Community Integration Experience 
Experiential Learning  XMultimedia Activities 
Fieldwork Experience Other 
Group Presentation  X  
Lecture  X  
Lab Activities   X  

Methods of Assessment: Check all that apply 

Case Study XPresentation 
Exams  XDemonstration  X
Group Projects Individual Project 
Assignments/Papers Essay Test 
EBP Literature Analysis Objective Test/Quiz  X
Lab Performance/Competency  XLab Practical  X
Journaling Participation/In-Class Activities   X
Fieldwork Performance Evaluation Other 

Out-of-Class Work Expectation: A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work is expected for each hour of in-class time for traditional face-to-face courses. For online and hybrid courses, the combination of face-to-face time and out-of-class work should be equal to 3 hours per credit hour per week.

Instructor Course Policies

Instructor's Course Attendance Policy

Instructor's Course Attendance Policy 

The following professional behaviors will be expected and enforced in and out of class in the WC Occupational Therapy Program at the discretion of the instructor: 

Participation 

Daily participation is a key part of this course and students are expected to attend all programmed portions of the course. Students are encouraged to communicate with the instructor before class time if any issue arises that may interfere with their ability to participate or require them to step out of the class during unscheduled breaks. Active participation in all daily discussion, community outings, and class/laboratory experiences in this course will be noted by instructors during each session. Students deemed to be disinterested, unengaged, or otherwise occupied, will not receive participation points at the discretion of the instructor with no recourse on the part of the student. Students should arrive prepared for class to discuss, answer questions, and participate in all class lectures, meeting times and activities. Students should make every effort to use the bathroom during scheduled breaks offered approximately once per hour during instruction. If a student leaves the class at other times, it is their responsibility to communicate to the instructor ahead of time of an issue that my prevent them from sitting in class for approximately 60 minutes. Any student who is not engaged in the class, completing other activities not related to the course or the assigned activity, or completing assignments such as studying for another course will be asked to leave the class. Absence, tardiness, and participation points can all be affected by each incident. 

Absences 

Instructors reserve the right to determine whether an absence is excused or unexcused. Absences result in 1% off the overall final grade each day the student is absent (e.g., If a student is absent 4 days over the semester, 4% of the overall final grade is deducted resulting in an overall course grade of 96% vs. 100%. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion. Excused Absences An excused absence is defined as a student’s unexpected illness/health with a medical note, bereavement for immediate family (e.g., spouse, children, grandparents, grandchildren, parents, siblings), or an unexpected life event (e.g. Emergencies, hospitalizations, and legal obligations). An excused absence will result in the student’s ability to make-up assigned work/assignments and submit within two days for full credit. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion. 

Unexcused Absences 

An unexcused absence is defined as 1.) birthdays, 2.) holidays that are not approved on the Wilmington College graduate calendar, 3.) weddings, 4.) vacations/trips, 5.) absence due to illness without a medical note, or 6.) work. Unexcused absences will result in a student’s inability to submit assigned inclass work on the day of absence. Regular assignments (those that are not completed in-class), and that are due for submission on the same day that a student is absent, MUST be turned in by the due date regardless of whether the student is present for class to avoid a zero grade. In the case of ALL absences, whether excused or unexcused, you are expected to contact your instructor to get information and materials missed. If a student has unexcused absences of 3 or more days of any single course, they can be considered for failure of the course and possible dismissal from the program. 

Tardiness 

Students are expected to arrive to class or learning session on time including arriving on time after a break in class or learning session. After one late arrival, the instructor contacts the student if the student did not communicate ahead of time regarding the late arrival. Upon the second late arrival, whether excused or unexcused, the instructor notifies the student’s faculty advisor to request the development of an action plan to prevent further occurrences. The student is responsible for any missed material and assignments resulting from tardiness. Failing to notify the instructor of tardiness or absence before class starts, or consistent tardiness may impact your overall grade. Tardiness over five minutes will result in 1% off theoverall final grade each day the student is tardy. (e.g. If a student is tardy 4 days over the semester, 4% of the overall final grade is deducted resulting in an overall course grade of 96% vs. 100%. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.

Instructor's Academic Integrity Policy

Instructor's Academic Integrity Policy 

Academic misconduct may result in a failing grade, and a letter regarding the incident may be placed in the student’s permanent file in the Office of Academic Affairs. Academic misconduct includes all types of scholastic dishonesty and includes, but is not limited to, cheating on examinations or assignments, interfering with another student’s work, representing work done by another as your own, and plagiarizing. 

Scholastic Dishonesty 

Any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable to another person. Examples of scholastic dishonesty include: 

Cheating 

  • Copying from the test paper of another student
  • Communicating with another student during a test
  • Giving or seeking aid from another student during a test
  • Possession and/or use of unauthorized materials during tests (i.e., notes, books, apps, etc.)
  • Substituting for another person to take a test
  • Falsifying research data, reports, academic work offered for credit 

Plagiarism 

  • Using someone’s work in your assignments without the proper citations
  • Submitting the same paper or assignment from a different course, without direct permission of instructors 

Collusion 

  • Unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing academic assignments 

Plagiarism 

Plagiarism is not tolerated and can result in dismissal from the program. Resources are available to help students understand how to avoid plagiarism. Faculty may require students to submit their written assignments through plagiarism software prior to submission. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for help if needed. See the college catalogue and website for further information. 

Artificial Intelligence  

You are not permitted to use generative AI tools for any work in courses. This includes the use of popular tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, GitHub Co-Pilot, as well as all other tools built on generative AI technologies. Due to the nature of this program, work can only be fairly and accurately evaluated if student writing has NOT been assisted by generative AI. Use of generative AI for assignments in this course will be considered a violation of the College’s academic integrity policies. Assigned reading and corresponding written assignments in this program are designed to develop independent skills and thoughtful perspective through reflective technical writing. Use of AI undermines that work, its purpose, and ultimately any benefit that it could provide towards students’ learning experience. Therefore, the use of any generative AI to help with any assignments will be considered cheating/ plagiarism and will be graded and handled accordingly. 

Professional Behaviors 

Students are also expected to be professional in all interactions associated with the school and program. Professional behavior is expected to be maintained in all classrooms and campus buildings, and when in the community for assigned class activities. Unprofessional behavior will be addressed immediately, and the student will be held accountable for immediate resolution of the issue. A process for development and monitoring of professional behaviors has been incorporated into the program. Students will meet (at minimum) each semester with their faculty advisor to review progress towards goals. Students will develop skills in self-reflection and self-evaluation that will support life-long professional development. Behaviors which detract from students learning will not be tolerated. These behaviors include but are not limited to talking during class when an instructor or other student has the floor, attire that distracts from students learning, entering, and exiting during instruction, and incoming messages on electronic devices

Additional Course Policies

Americans with Disabilities Act 

It is the policy of Wilmington College to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Person with disabilities – any person who has a physical or mental condition which substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such a condition, or is regarded as having such a condition. (ADA, 1990) Major life activities include caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. Basically, any function that is performed routinely by individuals is considered a major life activity. If you have a documented disability that requires accommodations, contact Spencer Izor, the Associate VP for Compliance: spencer.izor@wilmington.edu, 937-481-2365, or visit her office in College Hall, Room 306.” If it is a class in the Prison Education Program, refer them to the Site Coordinator rather than to Spencer. 

Cell Phones 

All phones will be turned off/silenced and put away during class and only accessed during break times. If an emergency occurs and the professor is informed appropriately, an exception may be made. Faculty approval is required for any exceptions to cell phone and electronic device use and is at the discretion of the individual instructor. 

Dress Code 

Students are expected to be always clean and neat. Students are expected to wear polo shirts/collared shirts and khaki, black or casual pants in dark colors during class. No jeans, leggings, or sweatpants are allowed. All clothing must be loose enough to allow free movement through all ranges, especially during 8 Wilmington College Undergraduate Catalog lab activities. When participating in anatomy and kinesiology labs students may be asked to change into appropriate lab clothing as designated by instructors. Rubber-soled, close-toed shoes are required. No clogs, flipflops, or sandals are allowed. Jewelry, perfumes, and after shave scents must be kept to a minimum. When guest speakers or other visitors are present, students must wear their Wilmington College OT Student name tags. Pajamas or tank tops will not be permitted during class, including courses delivered in an online format. 

Electronic Devices 

The use of electronic devices (including headphones) during class or any instructional activity or session for personal communication, private exploration, or any other purpose outside of the activities prescribed by the Professor for that session is not permitted. 

Exams and Quizzes 

Any midterm or final assessment CANNOT be rescheduled for an unexcused absence. Time allotted for exams and quizzes will vary between courses. In general, students are allowed two hours for examinations and thirty minutes for quizzes. Official time allotted for exams and quizzes is at the discretion of the individual instructor. In general, students are allowed one hour for multiple choice exams, 30 minutes for quizzes, and two hours for exams containing case studies, short answer items, or essay questions. Time frames for practical exams given individually or in pairs are determined by the amount of content involved and the expectation of the demonstration, at the discretion of the instructor.All students must submit an Early/Late Exam Request Form in order to change the time of their exam for any excused absence. *Free medical and mental health services are available from the Wilmington College Health and Wellness Center. The Health and Wellness Center can be utilized to obtain a medical note (937)-481-2217.

Food & Drink 

Any food must only be consumed in breaks, outside or in the student lounge. Students are allowed lidded drinking cups in the classroom. All students are responsible for their own clean up. All kitchen items must be washed and replaced immediately after use. Refrigerators must be emptied of all student items each Thursday before students can leave the building. The program is not responsible for items left in the department over weekends, holidays, or breaks. 

Inclusive Learning 

Wilmington College is committed to actively pursuing justice and equity for all and in providing an inclusive learning environment that is healthy, safe, and designed to support the success of all participants in their educational pursuits. 

Minimal Technical Standards 

A student is expected to meet these standards as outlined on the MSOT program’s Minimum Technical Standards document (Appendix B in Student Handbook). 

Online Netiquette 

Online communication can be challenging. It’s possible to miscommunicate what we mean or to misunderstand what our classmates mean given the lack of body language and immediate feedback. Therefore, please keep these netiquette (network etiquette) guidelines in mind. Failure to observe them may result in disciplinary action. · Always consider audience. All communication should reflect polite consideration of other’s ideas. · Respect and courtesy must be always provided to classmates and instructors. No harassment or inappropriate postings will be tolerated. · When reacting to someone else’s message, address the ideas, not the person. Post only what anyone would comfortably state in a face-to-face situation. 

Physical Contact Disclaimer: 

Due to the nature of occupational therapy practice, there may be physical contact with other classmates and instructors in order to fully comprehend and correctly perform specific evaluation and intervention techniques. By reading this statement and signing the syllabus attestation, you agree to fully participate and accept the necessity for physical contact by instructors, guest speakers, and other classmates for professional and educational purposes. 

Syllabus Attestation 

WILMINGTON COLLEGE MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM

 Student Syllabus Attestation Course Name and Number: ________________________________________________________ Semester and Year: _________________________________ 

My signature verifies that I have received, read, and understand the policies as stated in the course syllabus. I agree to abide by the policies and expectations outlined for this course.

Institutional and Program-Level Policies

Final Exam Schedule

All exams will follow the Final Exam Schedule. Students scheduled to take three or more final examinations on one day may request to arrange their examination schedule, so no more than two exams occur on one day.
Requests for early or late exams are considered only under extreme circumstances. Prior to the exam period, the student must file a written request on the Early/Late Exam Form available in the Student One Stop Center, Academic Records, and on the WC portal. The form must be signed by the Instructor and the Academic Dean, approving the alternate exam time. This process must be completed prior to the scheduled exam period.

Undergraduate:  SP25 Final Exam Schedule    Graduate: