Task Specific Electric Stimulation for the Lower Quarter

Course overview

Task-Specific Electric Stimulation for the Lower Quarter is a Level 1 course that focuses on using functional electrical stimulation for children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) level I- V and children with other neuromotor and neuromuscular disorders. The course focuses on the lower quarter, introducing electric stimulation (ES) as a modality and utilizing the Continuum neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) unit. Day one focuses on learning concepts of ES and how it affects children, and teaches about the muscles affecting both upper and lower quadrants. The class aims to teach NMES unit settings and use, as well as muscle selection and muscular stimulation during a task. Evidence- based clinical discussions on the symptomatic management of CP, as well as video and photo- based evaluation and data collection guidelines, are incorporated into the curriculum. Foot orthosis evaluation is included, addressing the effect of orthoses on gait and arm swing, as well as the importance of clinical assessment across physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) disciplines. First-day labs include practicing TASES on several muscles, such as the triceps, extensor carpi radialis, gastrocnemius, and gluteus maximus. The second day of this class elaborates on the TASES application specifically for the lower quarter. It includes lectures on the Latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus, gastrocnemius- soleus, and peroneal muscles, as well as their functional roles in biomechanical tasks. A lecture on solid vs. hinged AFOs and a review of some basic gait principles are included within the class. The lab includes the practice of NMES use in the stance phase, swing phase, and a switch in gait for timed applications during gait training in the clinic. Further elaboration of TASES to the calf muscles, with a separate application for soleus and medial gastrocnemius, is practiced.