The Neurologic Trunk: Enhancing Functional Recovery

Overview:
Postural and trunk instability is a common impairment seen in persons with acquired brain injury including stroke. Stability of the trunk is critical to movement of extremities, ambulation, balance, swallowing and voice quality. Through lecture, group activities and lab activities, participants will gain knowledge related to the underlying causes of trunk instability, review common outcome measures to quantify progression, and apply facilitations techniques to enhance functional recovery.

Audience:
Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Speech Language Pathologists

Presenters:

• Gabriella DiPasquale, OTR/L, MS, Inpatient Occupational Therapist
• Maria Harris, PT, DPT, Inpatient Physical Therapist, Stroke Clinic Coordinator
• Lindsay Hockman, OTR/L, MS, Inpatient Occupational Therapist
• Amanda Schneider, OTR/L, MS, Inpatient OT Advanced Clinician—Stroke Unit
• Danielle Wynne, CCC-SLP, MS, Inpatient Speech Language Pathologist
• Carly Vowles CCC-SLP, MS, Inpatient Speech and Language Pathologist

Objectives:
At the completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Explain the epidemiology and pathophysiology of trunk impairments frequently seen in persons with acquired brain injury including stroke
• Describe impact of trunk impairments on dysphagia management and voice
• Identify outcome measures used to assess trunk impairment
• Describe positioning strategies to maximize neurological recovery
• Describe common techniques to examine the trunk in persons with acquired brain injury including stroke
• Demonstrate examination techniques to examine the trunk in persons with acquired brain injury including stroke
• Explain intervention techniques to facilitate recovery of trunk stability
• Apply facilitation techniques to promote effective movement strategies and functional mobility
• Given a specific case presentation, select the most appropriate examination techniques
• Justify intervention strategies used to enhance functional recovery of trunk stability

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