Description
The Introduction to Locomotor Training course is designed to provide participants including physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, researchers and others with current evidence-based information on locomotor training. Susan Harkema, PhD will discuss the basic science evidence for locomotor training and translation to a therapeutic intervention for recovery after neurologic injury. Andrea Behrman, PT, PhD will further discuss the principles of locomotor training, compare and contrast with usual care, and application to clinical practice. Mary Schmidt Read, PT, DPT, MS will address implementation of a locomotor training program into the clinic from a management perspective. This introductory on-line course provides the necessary background for understanding and applying the principles of locomotor training, development of hands-on skills and clinical decision-making for effective Locomotor Training delivery and progression of patients in the clinic. However, it should not be considered a substitute for the 2.5 day onsite hands-on course. The book Locomotor Training: Principles and Practice must be purchased at http://www.amazon.com to complete the homework and quiz.
Approach
Pre-conference preparation includes 6 hours of online lectures; 6-10 hours of reading, assignments and tests. A certificate for 9.5 classroom hours will be awarded upon completion of the course evaluation. Locomotor Training: Principles and Practice must be purchased at http://www.amazon.com or borrowed from someone in your facility in order to complete the homework and quizzes.
Target Audience: Novice and Intermediate level course open to licensed physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, exercise physiologist, and rehab technicians.
Prerequisites: None
Objectives
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the basic science related to activity-based therapy.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the guiding principles of activity-based therapy, with an emphasis on locomotor training on the treadmill, over ground, and in the community.
- Identify and incorporate the principles of locomotor training during patient evaluation and progression.
- Describe the resources necessary to establish an effective and efficient activity-based therapy program, with an emphasis on locomotor training.
- Discuss how to effectively integrate locomotor training into an existing comprehensive therapy program.
