Models and Measurement in Disability

This course will introduce students to the World Health organization's International Classification of Function and discuss its implications for models and measurement of disability. Discussion will focus on defining and measuring disability based on the enabling-disabling process with both temporal and spatial dynamics. Temporal dynamics will include both short cycle dynamics (days to weeks) as well as longer range cycles (i.e. the life cycle). Spatial dynamics will include multi level - bidirectional interactions that emerge through cell, organ, system, organism, and environmental scales. The multi level structure will be emphasized as mechanism to link disciplines and the need for diverse strategies required for examining, evaluating and intervening for reducing disability. There will be an emphasis on the important recurrent feedback loops between human and environment in long-term health trajectories and transitions from health to disability and from acute disturbances to chronic conditions. These discussions will occur in two primary areas: musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system dynamics. Open to: Undergraduate Seniors and Graduate Students It is recommended that students have completed at least a year of upper division exercise physiology, biological science, engineering or psychology coursework. In addition, a year of general physics and a semester of statistics or research methods is recommended but not required.