Course Code: REL-RTS-0-22POD16
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Learning Objectives:
Define closed chain biomechanics as it relates to AFOs.
Indicate clinical presentations when an AFO is appropriate to improve gait mechanics and when it is not.
Determine how to apply the clinical practice guideline for use of AFOs to clinical decision making.
Outline:
Introduction
Overview of Today’s Topic (1:38)
The Importance of Closed Chain Biomechanics (2:39)
Review of the Plumb Line (5:38)
Myth #1 and #2: An AFO Alone Will Fix Foot Drag (7:50)
Recommended Resources for Gait Analysis (9:45)
Patients with Low Back Injury and Footdrop (11:19)
Patients with Neurological Conditions: Case Example (12:09)
How to Manage a Relationship with a Referring Provider (15:56)
Myth #3: Crouched Gait Indicates Weak Quads (18:24)
Case Example: Spinal Cord Tethering Release Surgery (23:25)
The Gait Cycle: A Circular Sequence (25:40)
Gait Cycle Reenactment: Stand Up and Try It (29:24)
Introduction to the Clinical Practice Guideline (31:59)
When Should You Provide an AFO Based on Strong Evidence? (36:01)
Do AFOs Contribute to Weakness? (37:18)
Categories of AFOs: Overview (40:46)
Rigid AFOs (41:50)
Posterior Leaf Spring Orthosis (PLSOs) (44:13)
Open Dorsiflexion AFOs (45:30)
Off-the-Shelf AFOs (46:29)
Double Adjustable AFOs (47:27)
Where Do You Start? (49:10)
Summary (51:33)
Conclusion (53:17)
Subject Matter Expert: Andrea Ecsedy, PT, DPT, NCS
Andrea Ecsedy, PT, DPT currently works SavaSeniorCare Consulting, LLC as the National Director of Evidence-based Practice. Dr. Ecsedy has 38 years of clinical experience and has been a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy for 28 years. Her clinical focus has been in the areas of balance and vestibular dysfunction, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and other neurologic dysfunctions. She owned a private practice for 8 years providing neurological and vestibular rehab to outpatients of all ages. Andrea has extensive teaching background to include guest lecturing at several university physical therapy curriculums. She is presently adjunct faculty for PTA programs at Mendocino College and Shasta College. Andrea also serves on the JNPT Orthotic and Neuro Prosthetics Knowledge Translation task force and serves as a Clinical Content Expert for the Specialist Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.
Subject Matter Expert: Tiffany Shubert, PT, PhD
Dr. Shubert has a Master’s in Physical Therapy from UC San Francisco/San Francisco State University and a PhD in Human Movement Science from UNC Chapel Hill. She is a licensed physical therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience. She has taught in pre and post-professional DPT programs and is a funded researcher with 35 peer-reviewed publications. The majority of her research has focused on evidence-based fall risk management and the dissemination and implementation of the Otago Exercise Program.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Physical Therapists; in the following settings: Rehabilitation Settings.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.