This presentation will describe and demonstrate common examinations for vestibular dysfunction in adults. Examinations will include Oculomotor control, VOR X 1, VOR X 2 and VORc assessment, and general standing balance and postural control assessment.

Persistent pain conditions are seen in all settings where clinicians practice. Knowing the mechanisms of persistent pain and centralized sensitization are an important step in formulating a plan of care for patients. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.

This presentation will describe and demonstrate common treatments for vestibular dysfunction in adults. Treatment of dysfunctional oculomotor control, hypofunctioning VOR, and BPPV will be included.

PTs can apply evidence-based interventions to improve dementia care. This session reviews the etiology of common behaviors. Cognitive-emotion, multi-sensory, animal-assisted, and exercise interventions to reduce agitation are discussed as well as specific strategies for improving task-related engagement. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.

This series consists of two courses, #3174 and #3175. Part 1 will build on the learner’s knowledge of normal gait kinematics and translate them into a comprehensive gait evaluation for patients with neurological disorders. Part 2 will use a comprehensive gait analysis as a foundation to create a plan of care with gait task-specific interventions for patients with neurological disorders.

This webinar will use a comprehensive gait analysis as a foundation to create a plan of care with gait task-specific interventions. The webinar will highlight current literature on effective elements of gait retraining in the most common neurological diagnoses, as well as give examples of specific exercises, activities, and specific orthotic and assistive device interventions to remediate the specific gait deviations and limitations identified in the gait analysis. Learners will have the opportunity to utilize this knowledge by working through problem solving activities with actual patient cases (video based).

When faced with limited time, resources, space, or information – how do clinicians decide the most optimal collection of balance tests for each patient? To make the best decision, therapists must consider many factors. Are you using the best decision-making process when examining a patient with imbalance? A short list of what will be covered in this course includes clinical decision-making for an imbalance examination, including factors such as: diagnosis, prognosis, personality and effect (low self efficacy, depression, agitation), cognitive impairment, reimbursement, fear of falling, and many more, Listen-in and learn how to choose the most optimal screening tools and tests for each patient!

This webinar will build on the learner’s knowledge of normal gait kinematics and translate them into a comprehensive gait evaluation for patients with neurological disorders. The concept of a comprehensive gait analysis, utilizing measures and tools beyond basic observational gait analysis, will be outlined, along with the concept of hypothesis-driven examination and evaluation for gait. Learners will have the opportunity to utilize this knowledge by working through problem-solving activities with actual patient cases (video based).

Why are some movements "automatic", processed without direct and consistent conscious control, or even resistant to environmental distractions? How do movements become automatic in the unimpaired learner and begin again in those with brain injury or other impairment? In this course, we will review, APPLY, and ADVANCE the science of procedural learning (regaining automatic function) in gait, speech, ADL, athletics and more! We will review how the best applications of dual-task facilitate the transfer of experiences into procedural memories. Additionally, attendees will get a sneak peek into the emerging world of Dual Task Fitness, for the benefit of fall prevention, ADL, speech for those with fall risk, MCI, concussion, some PD, MS, ALS, and stroke.

Research indicated that in inpatient rehab "The largest percentage of time in physical therapy sessions was spent on gait activities" (Jette, et al., Physical Therapy, 2005; 85(3): 238-248, p. 241). Ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) are not issued in inpatient rehab due to the costs and interim interventions such as stabilizing the foot with an ace bandage are not adequate. Facilities do not have access to pre-fabricated AFOs or electrical stimulation units now being used as walking aides to replace AFOs. Focused rigidity casting is widely used in the orthopedic population and can be applied to the neurologic population. This course will provide insight on the use of focused rigidity casting to fabricate training an AFO. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.