Scientific Basis for Orthosis Prescription to Improve Gait in Children

Course overview

This course reviews specific gait biomechanics to empower physical therapists to identify key problems and develop an effective plan of care, which may include an orthosis prescription, to improve a childs gait. It discusses how weight shifting, the multi-joint nature of many extrinsic foot muscles, and alignment of various body parts affects alignment and movement, proximally and distally. It also discusses how using an orthosis may affect a childs gait, mobility, sensation, strength, and range of motion. Understanding the factors described in this course are critical to developing an examination and intervention plan that addresses gait. The terms "center of mass" and "center of pressure" will be explained, and therapists will be challenged to envision the likely location of these points when watching a patient walk. Implications of location and motion of the center of mass and center of pressure have implications for understanding gait and foot and ankle motion and how they might be modified to improve gait.