Course Description

Ambulation is one of the most important activities of functional mobility for the hemiplegic patient. Both occupational and physical therapists engage in early ambulation activities because of the changes in healthcare delivery leading to a new focus in rehabilitation: functional mobility at the highest possible level prior to discharge. However, teaching the skill of ambulation is often viewed as a physical therapy task. Yet, activities of daily living, which are seen as an occupational therapy task, require some mobility outside of the wheelchair, incorporating gait. Furthermore, inadequate motor return forces early compensation patterns to reach functional outcomes within a shorter length of stay as well as less treatment time per session. Since the focus is on function, occupational and physical therapists (assistants included) need to be adept in gait utilizing a total body approach to accomplish daily living skills.

This course will focus on the neuromuscular and musculo-skeletal approach of gait analysis incorporating the trunk, upper and lower extremity. Motor control and motor learning principles; neuro-developmental treatment; proprioceptive training; electrical stimulation; taping; mental imagery; therapeutic exercise; and ankle foot orthosis intervention will be discussed as therapeutic interventions to improve gait. For this course, neurological gait dysfunction as a result from stroke and brain injury will be used as the platform for assessment and treatment.

Course Level (As defined by the APTA): Intermediate – Assumes that participants have a general familiarity with topic (gait).  The focus is on increased understanding and application of information (analysis and implementing specific neurorehabilitation strategies based on impairment).

Participants

Occupational and Physical Therapists; Certified Occupational Therapist; and Physical Therapist Assistants

Course Objectives

After completing this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe basic synergy patterns and pathological reflexes which may compromise gait.
2. Analyze normal gait.
3. Recognize common abnormal gait patterns.
4. Develop strategies to alleviate antalgic gait patterns associated with the trunk, UE & LE.
5. Apply motor control & motor learning principles; and other neurorehabilitation techniques as treatment strategies to alleviate gait dysfunction.
6. Discuss the rationale for using the dynamic ankle foot orthosis.

Continuing Education Units

A certificate of attendance will be issued & fifteen (15) contact (clock) hours or 1.5 CEUs of continuing education. The contact hours or CEUs will vary in each state according to licensure boards, state associations, or sponsoring entities.