Course Information

Course Name:

Making New Connections: Getting to the CORE of Head & Trunk Control Deficits

Course Description:

This synchronous and interactive course will introduce the learner to typical head & trunk development and breathing patterns.  The in-depth case studies will help the learner recognize how head and trunk control is connected to breathing and functional tasks. The Adaptive Functional Developmental Process model will be used to connect inputs, integration and outputs so that the healthcare team can work together to develop treatment plans. Treatment options that will be discussed provide dynamic input and allow patients to gain dynamic head & trunk control so they can participate more fully. The discussion on treatment options includes the importance of utilizing breathing modifications when providing TLSOs. This course is designed with multiple interactive breakout sessions that will allow the learner to integrate material and make new connections about their own patients.

Course/learner objective:

- Describe typical postural control development & the relationship to chest wall development and breathing.

- Discuss the importance of practice & variability in early development

- Recognize deficits in development

- Describe importance of the diaphragm in breathing and balance (sitting, standing and walking)

- Apply the knowledge to patient examples and explain information to care team members and parents

- Coordinate orthotic care treatment plans

- Understand the importance of breathing modifications in a TLSO

- Assess outcomes of orthotic care

Outline: (3.0 Hours)

- 15 min -- (Instructor-led): Introduction & Course information

- 25 min -- (Instructor-led teaching): Introduction to the Adaptive Functional Developmental Process. Development of postural control, chest wall development and breathing. Consequences of atypical development.

- 40 min -- (Interactive Learning Module): Case Study. Make connections to relate developmental material to practical case study.

- 25 min -- (Instructor-led teaching): Learning Module Take-aways/discussion. Introduce Surestep TLSO & benefits of it versus traditional TLSO and no intervention. Discuss relationship of functional movement to breathing and trunk control. Benefits of using dynamic TLSOs to continue postural control development.

- 30 min -- (Interactive Learning Module): Complete Case Study 1. Make connections to relate developmental material to practical case study using Surestep TLSO with breathing modifications.

- 15 min -- (Instructor-led teaching): Learning Module Take-aways/discussion. Discuss poor head control and the importance of connecting the pelvis to the head for postural control development. Introduce case study #2.

- 5 min -- (Small group breakout rooms): Discuss case study #2 and make new connections to head & trunk control development.

- 15 min -- (Instructor-led teaching): Small group discussion take-aways. Discuss Surestep DCO and the benefits of dynamic head control paired with dynamic trunk control with the TLSO.

- 10 min -- (Instructor-led): Close & Questions