Introduction to Locomotor Training (Pediatrics) [In-Person]

Prerequisites: Introduction to Locomotor Training

Participants will learn manual cues and techniques for the pediatric population and learn ways to achieve a successful, training environment that is developmentally appropriate.

Pediatric locomotor training is an activity-based therapy designed to activate the central nervous system below and across the level of injury by providing sensory input to the spinal cord through repetitive, task practice to generate motor output for improvement in sitting, standing, and mobility, standing, and walking after neurologic injury.

Locomotor retraining is provided on a treadmill using partial body weight support and manual facilitation. Improved neuromuscular capacity is then transferred to overground skills that are integrated into the home and community. Participants will learn manual cues and techniques for the pediatric population and learn ways to achieve a successful, training environment that is developmentally appropriate.

Approach

Participants will learn the scientific basis, hands-on skills, clinical decision-making, and administrative and management strategies for providing locomotor training. This course involves attendance for 2 days at a clinical site. This course combines didactic teaching and practical skills development with hands-on treatment of individuals with neurologic dysfunction. The course text is Locomotor Training: Principles and Practice (2011) must be purchased online.

Target Audience: Novice and Intermediate level courses open to licensed physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists, and rehab technicians.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Locomotor Training

Appropriate dress: Participants should wear comfortable attire consistent with clinic wear or staff wear for a wellness/fitness center; tennis shoes are appropriate.

Objectives

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the basic science related to activity-based therapy.
2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the guiding principles of activity-based therapy, with an emphasis on locomotor training on the treadmill, overground, and in the community.
3. Identify and incorporate the principles of locomotor training during patient evaluation and progression.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of trainer positions and the roles of each trainer during locomotor training.
5. Demonstrate introductory level hands-on skills as a trainer of locomotor training (in preparation for continued practice and skill development upon return to own clinical site).
6. Describe the resources necessary to establish an effective and efficient activity-based therapy program, with an emphasis on locomotor training.
7. Discuss how to effectively integrate locomotor training into an existing comprehensive therapy program.