Don't Wait For Gait! Therapeutic Evaluation and Treatment of Pediatric Gait
Presenter(s)
Liesa Ritchie-Persaud, PT, DPT, PCS
Live Webinar for Therapists. Two Sessions for 12.5 Contact Hours (1.25 CEUs) May 7, 12 and 14, 2025
4:40 pm EST (US) | Download the course brochure for full details at link below. SAVE $50 with SPRING25 at check out by April 25, 2025.
With the increased prevalence of developmental delay, it’s time to move away from the “wait and see” approach to pre-gait skill performance and gait development for young children. Delays in this area have far-reaching implications for motor development, along with social participation and cognitive development. When clinicians conduct thorough evaluations, consider the orthopedic consequences of delayed gait, and understand the future effects on postural control and ambulation, they can apply evidence-based interventions to mitigate these factors. This course will examine the potential etiologies of delayed gait, assessment of pre-gait skill performance, and how to incorporate neuroplasticity principles into practice. Orthopedic development is presented as it concerns appropriate development of an adequate base of support and assessment of the pediatric lower quarter. Participants will learn collaboratively with each other and the instructor through multiple case studies that solidify learning and offer treatment tools to for immediate application in the therapy space. This course is designed for Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Early Interventionists.
Learning Objectives: Explain the effects of delayed ambulation. Describe the benefits of proactive & preventive intervention for pediatric gait. Consider principles of neuroplasticity when considering intervention to increase mobility. Apply a segmental approach to assessment of the pediatric lower quarter. Utilize pediatric lower extremity & foot anatomy, & the principles of orthopedic development, as related to the development & performance of pediatric gait. Implement appropriate treatment strategies for children with gait abnormalities.