Pediatric Gait Analysis (La Spina - Live Interactive Webinar)

Course overview

Pediatric therapists innately observe patients' gait patterns immediately and are constantly reassessing the need for orthotics and walking aids as the child grows or demonstrates a change in function. From the time children start to stand we are charged with deciding on the most appropriate orthotic use, if any, and the least restrictive assistive device that maximizes activity and participation. As abnormal gait patterns are caused by muscle imbalances, bony torsions, and faulty joint mechanics resulting from either neurological insult or orthopedic impairments. An understanding of the resulting changes in forces and balance reactions is essential to adequately treat this demographic. This course will provide a review of gait mechanics and discuss how to treat gait dysfunctions most seen in the pediatric population. This course will provide updated evidence and strategies to apply gait analysis most effectively to physical therapy treatment.