Course Description:
Let’s return our focus to an area of the body that is often neglected in busy rehab settings—the core. A strong, balanced, well-coordinated core is essential to good function in all other parts of the body. This course examines current perspectives on the principles of core training for adults. We review relevant anatomy of the abdomen, back, hips, and pelvis and discuss how these muscle groups work together for core function. We discuss why the core is important, look at the history of the core in rehabilitation, and examine the main conceptual models that explain core function and dysfunction. Specifics of assessment and intervention for adults are discussed, and several detailed evidence-based exercise program progressions are presented. The course also examines special considerations for low back pain. This course will help rehab professionals thoroughly understand the core to achieve the best possible functional outcomes with adult patients of all ages. Its information will be immediately useful in nearly any clinical setting.
Methods of Instruction:
Online audio/video course
Course Instructor:
Sally Stillings, MA, PT, MPT, CHT
Sarah R. (Sally) Stillings, MA, PT, MPT, CHT, is a physical therapist and Certified Hand Therapist in Texas. She received her PT degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to becoming a therapist, Sally taught university-level writing courses and worked in medical publishing. In her extensive career as a PT, she has held a variety of clinical, teaching, administrative, and business roles, including general PT practitioner, clinic manager, upper extremity specialist, hand therapy clinic coordinator, continuing education instructor, and business administrator. Her work now focuses on creating evidence-based CE materials for rehab professionals. Sally is a lifelong runner who celebrates all those who cover the ground.
Disclosures:
Financial: The course presenter receives an honorarium from AdvantageCEUs.com. The presenter has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: The presenter has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Sponsor: It is the policy of AdvantageCEUs.com not to accept commercial support.
Content: This course does not focus solely on any specific product or service.
Target Audience:
Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational 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:
- Recognize and differentiate between the superior/inferior and anterior/posterior core muscles and their functions
- Classify the layers of core muscles and understand how to apply them to creating an efficient rehabilitation program
- Recognize the functions of the core, including postural considerations, balance considerations, and neuromuscular considerations
- Recognize the history of understanding the core, differentiate it from current conceptual models and identify ways it can help with today’s rehabilitation program
- Recognize core musculature considerations
- Identify challenges of core assessment, including patient history, systems review, objective assessment, observation, range of motion, muscle strength, and core assessment
- Differentiate between muscle endurance special tests
- Differentiate between the Local Motor Control Approach vs General Exercise Approach
- Identify contraindications to core training exercises
- Organize a core stability training program that focuses on individual patient goals and priorities
Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:
A score of 70% or greater on the post-test