| Description |
This course is intended primarily for pediatric physical therapists, orthotists, orthopedic consultants and pediatricians. It is also useful to those working with adults. The course explores a fresh approach to the observation and analysis of normal standing, stepping and walking with full gait cycles and the management of gait disorders. The biomechanics of normal gait and the abnormal gait patterns of disabling conditions will be reviewed, with particular reference to orthotic management and rehabilitation program. The emphasis of patient cases will focus on cerebral palsy, myelomenigocoele and other neurological conditions. Participants will review the aims of orthotic management and how to achieve them through: the biomechanics of ankle foot orthoses, the influence of footwear, varieties of “AFO footwear combinations”, designing, aligning and tuning “AFO footwear combinations” in order to optimize standing and walking. Video vector gait laboratory examples and patient discussions in small and large groups will help participants refine their clinical decision-making skills involved in gait analysis and orthotic design. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to apply the principles directly into their working practice. A comprehensive manual accompanies the course.
Successful completion:
Participants will complete 4 hours of self study activities in advance of this three day course (earning 20.0 contact hours + 4.0 contact hours.) There is an option to attend a fourth laboratory day for the advanced course (earning an additional 6.5 contact hours.) These self study activities will consist of readings and an exercise to better understand terminology and definitions necessary to the fundamentals of the course. Participants will fill out an assessment of this material prior to the live course. During the on-site portion of the course, participants must sign in and complete an online evaluation.
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