Copy: Gait Training & Balance Strategies for Mobility Deficits

Instructor Bio:

J.J. Mowder-Tinney received her BS in psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder and her MS in physical therapy from the University of Miami in Florida. She completed her doctorate in physical therapy at Nova Southeastern University. She has almost 30 years of experience in a multitude of clinical settings, and the majority of her experience has been with people with neuromuscular deficits. She is certified as a clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

Dr. Mowder-Tinney has extensive training and is certified in neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT). She received her Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS) certification from the American Stroke Association and her Certified Exercise Expert in Aging Adults (CEEAA) certification from the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. She was the recipient of the 2017 Excellence in Education Award from the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and in 2021 received the Marilyn Moffat Distinguished Service Award from the New York Physical Therapy Association. She is currently a professor at South College in the physical therapy department and teaches the neuromuscular practice and aging adult courses. She teaches the neuromuscular series that incorporates the on-site pro bono clinic. She has conducted nationwide seminars on the treatment of aging adults and patients with neurological deficits, spinal cord injuries, and balance challenges.

Instructor Disclosure: Dr. Mowder-Tinney has no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose.

Course Description:

This course focuses on gait training, balance interventions, and upright mobility strategies for patients with neurological and orthopedic impairments. Therapists will learn facilitation techniques for gait and stair navigation, reactive balance interventions, and diagnosis-specific gait training techniques (including ataxia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke-related impairments, and foot drop). Additionally, the course will cover safe handling techniques for caregivers assisting with mobility.

This course focuses on gait training, balance interventions, and upright mobility strategies for patients with neurological and orthopedic impairments. Therapists will learn facilitation techniques for gait and stair navigation, reactive balance interventions, and diagnosis-specific gait training techniques (including ataxia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke-related impairments, and foot drop). Additionally, the course will design appropriate HEP design for carryover.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this class, the participants will be able to:

1. Demonstrate facilitation techniques for pre-gait, gait activities, and stair navigation for higher-functioning patients.

2. Assess and improve reactive balance using evidence-based training methods.

3. Develop progressive challenges to enhance upright mobility and gait outcomes.

4. Apply gait interventions for specific diagnoses (ataxia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke-related gait impairments, foot drop strategies, etc.).

5. Compare and contrast appropriate HEP design for carryover.

Course Schedule/Agenda:

8:00 - 8:30 AM – Registration & Warm-Up

8:30 - 10:30 AM – Techniques for Gait Facilitation & Pre-Gait Activities

10:30 - 10:45 AM – Break

10:45 - 12:00 PM – Gait Interventions for Specific Diagnoses (Ataxia, Parkinson’s, Stroke, Foot Drop, etc.)

12:00 - 1:00 PM – Lunch

1:00-1:45 PM Intervention design for specific diagnoses

1:45 - 3:30 PM – Advanced Gait Interventions, Stairs, and Reactive Balance Training

3:30 - 3:45 PM – Break

3:45 - 5:00 PM – Case-Based Activities (Problem-Solving, Intensity, Motor Learning)

Instructional Methods: Lecture, demo, and lab practice

Target Audience: PT, PTA, OT, COTA

Educational Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: None

Completion Requirements: To earn a certificate of completion, participants must:

· Attend the entire duration of the professional development activity.

· Successfully pass the competency assessment by demonstrating proficiency in the required skills.

· No partial credit will be awarded.

CEU:

PT: UCLA Health Rehabilitation Services is recognized by the PT Board of California as a Continuing Competency Approval Agency to approve providers offering continuing competency courses. This course is approved for 0.75 CEUs (7.5 contact hours).

OT: UCLA Health is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID#13429. This live activity is offered at 0.75 CEUs (intermediate, OT Service Delivery). AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

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