Physical Therapy for Children- Module 6: Cerebral Palsy, Brachial Plexus Injury, and Spinal Cord Injury

Course Description:

This course was adapted from the textbook: Physical Therapy for Children, 4th Edition.  It provides the essential information needed by PTs, both student and professional, when working with children. Like the previous bestselling editions, the 4th edition follows the practice pattern categories of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice and uses the IFC model of the disabling process as it presents up-to-date evidence-based coverage of treatment. In this latest edition, Suzann Campbell DeLapp, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Robert J. Palisano, PT, ScD and Margo N. Orlin, PT, PhD, have added more case studies and video clips, additional chapters and Medline-linked references online, and Evidence to Practiceboxes to make it easy to find and remember important information. 

Module 6: Cerebral Palsy, Brachial Plexus Injury, and Spinal Cord Injury covers chapters 18, 19, and 20.

• Chapter 18: Cerebral Palsy
• Chapter 19: Brachial Plexus Injury
• Chapter 20: Spinal Cord Injury 

Methods of Instruction:

Online course available via internet 

Target Audience:

Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Athletic Trainers. 

Educational Level:

Intermediate 

Prerequisites:

None 

Course Goals and Objectives:

At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1.    Recognize the characteristics of Cerebral Palsy
2.    Differentiate between the levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System
3.    Differentiate between types of muscle tone and extensibility
4.    Recognize current examination and evaluation techniques for children with CP
5.    Identify physical therapy goals, interventions and outcomes for children with CP
6.    Recognize techniques to reduce primary impairment and prevent secondary impairment
7.    Identify ambulation advantges for preschool, school-age and adolescents
8.    Recognize common exercise problems for children with CP
9.    Identify issues transitioning to adulthood
10.  Recognize the etiology and incidence of Brachial Plexus Injury
11.  Differentiate injuries using the Sensory Grading System for children with BPI
12.  Identify physical therapy procedural interventions and appropriate family education
13.  Recognize orthopedic concerns and orthopedic surgery implications for children with BPI
14.  Recognize the epidemiology of Spinal Cord Injury
15.  Differentiate between incomplete syndromes of Spinal Cord Injury
16.  Recognize the medical complications, long-term medical management, and prevention of secondary impairments
17.  Recognize the International Standards for Neurologic Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISCSCI) or Asia Examination
18.  Identify current physical therapy examination and intervention techniques
19.  Recognize the advantages of functional electrical stimulation cycling for SCI
20.  Recognize the benefits of exercise and fitness for children with Spinal Cord Injury 

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

A score of 70% or greater on the post-test