Advanced Task Specific Electric Stimulation for Gait

Course overview

Advanced Task-Specific Electric Stimulation for Gait is a Level 2 course that focuses on using functional electrical stimulation for children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) levels I-V and other children with neuromotor and neuromuscular disorders. This course emphasizes the stimulation of the musculature needed for an ideal gait pattern, including the gastroc-soleus, lateral hamstrings, SHBF, gluteus maximus, peroneals, adductors, and latissimus dorsi, using the Continuum neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) unit. Additionally, instruction on activating the posterior and anterior slings is included for gait training. The first day focuses on learning concepts related to typical gait, atypical gait, and orthotics, along with activating the above muscles using a handheld switch with proper task specificity and timing. The second day includes labs practicing TASES during standing and gait, incorporating talk-specific tasks that further enhance the use of those muscles for gait. Additionally, the second-day instruction focuses on specific gait deviations and combinations, as well as sequencing to correct these deviations. Finally, TASES to the foot for correction of supination and pronation is included. Students can immediately implement the techniques learned in clinical practice. The third day is a presentation of student cases, which students recorded before, during, and after the intervention. We discuss the treatment plan and the intervention. We problem-solve the best ways to address the deviation and reassess effectiveness, continuing the adapted plan of care using TASES. The instructor also presents several cases via video and reviews the concepts of posterior and anterior slings in gait. Client permission slips are signed and recorded.