| Description |
Postural preparation, anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) and compensatory postural adjustments (CPAs) have been identified as components necessary to maintain balance when performing voluntary movement. Each of these postural
strategies has a different, yet significant role in postural control and each is associated with a specific time frame in relation to a focal movement. APAs are feedforward postural adjustments which are initiated approximately 100ms prior to a movement and serve to minimize and offset the effects of the postural perturbation. CPAs are feedback postural adjustments that fine tune postural perturbations based on tactile, visual, proprioceptive and vestibular feedback.
APA research in adults is well-established, but until recently little was known about the organization of APAs in children with typical development and children with cerebral palsy. Recent research describing APAs in children deepens our knowledge concerning this component of postural control. Examining the evidence provides us with information to translate research into clinical practice. CPAs have been more widely research in both adults and children including evidence to support the efficacy of training to improve compensatory postural control.
This purpose of this instructional course is to review the latest
research on compensatory and anticipatory postural adjustments in children with typical development and cerebral palsy (CP), discuss translation of CPA and APA research findings into clinical practice and present ideas for treatment based on the research evidence. Daily movement and handling practicums will supplement the didactic material as well as a client treatment practicum with discussion. The emphasis of the course is problem solving through lecture, discussion and handling to have practical ideas that you can use in your therapy sessions on Monday!
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