Course date: 28 September to 1 October 2001

Location: Parker Institute, Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark

Aim: The participants will be trained in the assessment of patients with degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the joints and back. In all examinations emphasis will be on distinguishing between normal and abnormal, and which abnormalities may be measured and of use in research. The reproducibility and validity of the methods used will be thoroughly discussed. There will be opportunities for hands on experience, and a control of the clinical observation will be performed by ultrasound measurements, sway analysis, and isokinetic muscle strength testing. By the end of the course the participants will have an updated set of methods for the identification and measurement of clinical findings in musculoskeletal disease.

Preparation: There will be recommended literature in the various fields of examination to be used in preparation for the course.

Practical issues: During the course the participants will often be asked to examine each other in groups. Practical clothes (shorts, bikini, or similar) should be worn for these occasions. The participants will be divided into subgroups and asked to prepare a report on a given subject during the course. Instructions in finding relevant publications will be given for this purpose.