Gait: Clinical Observation and Orthotic Intervention - PART 2

Overview

Have you ever wondered how to determine the optimal ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) design for a client? Or, how to evaluate and optimize an AFO's effectiveness once it has been provided?  

Ankle-foot orthosis (AFOs) can improve gait and function, but clinicians are presented with an overwhelming number of design options when considering prescription decisions or when working with individuals who wear AFOs. An evidence-informed, individualized approach is important for optimal benefit.

Part 2 of this course - Individualized AFO prescription, goal setting, and evaluation - builds on Part 1 to guide decisions about the design and alignment of AFOs to optimize the match between the child, orthosis, and footwear. It aims to assist clinicians in eschewing traditional trial-and-error-based approaches for AFO management, in order to create client-specific goals and evaluate their effects based on the best available evidence. 

Part 1 (Gait and clinical observation) and Part 2 (Orthotic intervention) can be purchased together by selecting the bundle option at checkout; if you choose this option, you will have access to the full course - over 14 hours of recorded content, plus learning activities and quizzes to help you integrate the knowledge and skills you gain.

Note: Part 1 is a prerequisite to Part 2.

Learning objectives

Part 1: Normal and Pathological Gait - Mechanics and Observation 

• Review the gait cycle and identify key aspects for assessment and management
• Describe the motion of lower extremity joints and segments, and primary muscle actions through the gait cycle
• Understand the role of the ground reaction force in normal and pathological gait
• Apply practical tips to improve the reliability and validity of gait observation

You can learn more about Part 1 by visiting this page.

Part 2: Individualized AFO Prescription, Goal Setting, and Evaluation 

• Describe common types of AFOs and general indications for each type
• Discuss the biomechanical mechanisms of AFOs and their application or common pediatric gait impairments
• Identify key components of an AFO prescription and relevant clinical considerations
• Understand the role of the ground reaction force in tuning and optimizing AFO-footwear combinations
• Select and use clinical evaluation measures that are relevant to AFO prescription
• Set biomechanical goals, make AFO prescription recommendations, and evaluate orthotic effectiveness based on best evidence
• Apply gait observations and physical assessment findings to communicate more effectively about orthotic prescription and tuning to address the biomechanical goals of individual clients

Audience

This intermediate course is designed for physiotherapists but is also relevant to orthotists, physicians, and other rehabilitation professionals who assess gait and/or orthoses. While the focus is on pediatrics, the content also applies to adults.