Gait: Clinical Observation and Orthotic Intervention - PART 1

Overview

Gait observation is a complex part of routine clinical examination for many rehabilitation professionals. Each child has a unique gait pattern, and obtaining and interpreting accurate visual observations is an important clinical skill. Gait assessment can also guide decisions about the design and alignment of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to optimize the match between the child, orthosis, and footwear. This 2-part online course will assist clinicians in moving away from traditional trial-and-error-based approaches to AFO management, to create client-specific goals and evaluate their effects based on current evidence. 

Part 1 of this course examines gait in detail and provides practical, evidence-based strategies to help the learner approach gait observation in a way that yields more accurate and clinically meaningful information. Part 2 focuses on orthotic intervention and aims to increase the learner’s knowledge and confidence in understanding AFO prescription choices that are tailored to the individual child. 

Parts 1 and 2 can be purchased together by selecting the bundle option at checkout; if you choose this option, you will have access to over 14 hours of recorded content, plus learning activities and quizzes to help you integrate the knowledge and skills you gain.

Learning objectives

Part 1: Normal and Pathological Gait - Mechanics and Observation 

• Review the gait cycle and identify key aspects for assessment and management
• Describe the motion of lower extremity joints and segments, and primary muscle actions through the gait cycle
• Understand the role of the ground reaction force in normal and pathological gait
• Apply practical tips to improve the reliability and validity of gait observation

Part 2: Individualized AFO Prescription, Goal Setting, and Evaluation 

• Describe common types of AFOs and general indications for each type
• Discuss the biomechanical mechanisms of AFOs and their application for common pediatric gait impairments
• Identify key components of an AFO prescription and relevant clinical considerations
• Understand the role of the ground reaction force in tuning and optimizing AFO-footwear combinations
• Select and use clinical evaluation measures that are relevant to AFO prescription
• Set biomechanical goals, make AFO prescription recommendations, and evaluate orthotic effectiveness based on best evidence
• Apply gait observations and physical assessment findings to communicate more effectively about orthotic prescription and tuning to address the biomechanical goals of individual clients

You can learn more about Part 2 by visiting this page.

Course structure

This course is organized into two parts:

1. Normal and pathological gait - mechanics and observation
2. Individualized AFO prescription, goal setting, and evaluation 

Part 1 is a prerequisite to Part 2.

Each part of the course includes videos, quizzes, worksheets, and learning activities to help clinicians apply the information in practice. Learners are encouraged to ask questions and engage with the instructor via email.

Audience

This intermediate course is designed for physiotherapists but is also relevant to orthotists, physicians, and other rehabilitation professionals who assess gait and/or orthoses. While the focus is on pediatrics, the content also applies to adults.