| Description |
This 2-hour webinar will identify significant changes in thoracic cage alignment, mobility, stability, and musculature activity and their influences on oral, pharyngeal, and respiratory function in typically-developing infants and in infants and young children with neuromuscular system challenges. The thoracic cage (i.e., the rib cage, shoulder girdle complex, and upper extremities) modifies in its alignment and musculature activity connecting the head and neck with the pelvis/hips/lower extremities while providing a foundation for oral and pharyngeal movements and greater respiratory depth and sustained control as well as their integration into functional activities (e.g., feeding, swallowing, sound production, play). When providing pediatric evaluation and treatment services, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists must include the thorough analysis of and the incorporation of strategies addressing impairments of thoracic cage alignment and musculature activity as a means for reaching each individual child’s functional outcomes.
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