Virtual Event
Treatment of Motor Issues in Children with Sensory Dysfunction
Treatment of Motor Issues in Children with Sensory Dysfunction
Date
Saturday, September 13 | 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Sunday, September 14 | 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location
Virtual - Zoom link to be sent at a later date.
Intended Audience
Physical therapists, occupational therapists and other interested healthcare professionals who participate in the care of pediatric patients.
Purpose
This course provides practical insight into therapeutic interaction with children with both sensory system & motor dysfunction. Intervention strategies are provided, with the purpose of utilizing the sensory systems to effect change in gross and fine motor performance.
This course does NOT aim to teach sensory processing integration therapy. Rather, it proposes how various essential components of “sensory-aware" intervention may be combined to facilitate purposeful effective results in the context of both physical and occupational therapy treatment sessions.
Course Description
Children with sensory dysfunction are frequently referred to physical therapy with family concerns of poor coordination, weakness, hypo/hypertonia, impaired balance and difficulty with motor skills. They are often labeled as awkward, lazy or clumsy, and have difficulty physically keeping up with their peers, or performing basic tasks such as running, jumping, & stairs. Therapists are aware that the difficulty with these skills is related to sensory dysfunction, but the sensory-based element of movement is an area that often eludes physical therapists, resulting in frustrating interactions and inferior outcomes. However, synthesizing gross motor function with a sensory system foundation can improve outcomes for this population.
Objectives
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Describe interdependent dynamics of sensory systems as they relate to gross and fine motor function.
- Identify specific areas of sensory dysfunction in children referred to therapy for motor challenges.
- Learn how to apply skilled clinical reasoning in sensorimotor therapeutic interventions.
- Develop sensory-based strategies to increase postural control, strength, coordination, motor planning, stability & mobility.
Featured Speaker
Liesa M. Ritchie, PT, DPT, PCS
Liesa is a licensed physical therapist with 34 years experience in the field of adult & pediatric therapy. Dr Ritchie is a consulting physical therapist at Tulsa Sunshine Center in Oklahoma.
Additionally, Liesa is owner of Know to Change, PLLC, an organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge & skills of clinicians in pediatric practice. Both nationally and internationally, she has educated health care professionals in advanced treatment techniques, performed specialized practical training and provided consultative services. She has worked in a variety of settings, including private pediatric and adult clinics, schools, private homes, hospitals and long-term care facilities, as well as facilities abroad.
Believing it is important to share knowledge, Liesa is also a Credentialed Clinical Instructor, teaches human anatomy, physiology and nutrition, and is adjunct faculty at Southern Nazarene University. She received her Associate’s Degree from Tulsa Junior College and worked as a physical therapist assistant while completing her Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership. After earning her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Findlay, Liesa continued to expand her expertise in the field. She received her post-graduate Doctorate from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, is a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner and achieved recognition as a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. Her research interests are toe walking and the development of gait.
Liesa’s wide range of clinical experience, proficient teaching skills, motivation to improve the standard of care, & enthusiasm & passion for her field, make her an exciting and compelling instructor.
Agenda
Saturday, September 13
8:00 – 10:00 | The significance of the vestibular, visual & proprioceptive systems to gross motor function
- Vestibular functioning & muscle tone
- Visual dysfunction & its effect on postural control
- Proprioception & movement coordination
10:00 – 10:15 | BREAK
10:15 - 12:15 | Sensory based physical challenges
- Dyspraxia & Postural Disorder
- Gait abnormalities
- Common comorbidities
12:15 – 12:30 | BREAK
12:30 - 2:30 | Assessment of vestibular, visual & proprioceptive performance
- Post rotary nystagmus
- Prone extension & supine flexion
- Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance
- The Kaplan Non-Verbal Battery (test of vision)
- Direct measurements of proprioception & clinical procedure
2:30 | Questions/Closing
Sunday, September 14:
8:00 – 10:00 | Video case analysis & interactive group discussion
10:00 – 11:00 | Improved sensory function & subsequent gross motor ability
- Foundational sensory competence
- Development of sensorimotor function
11:00 – 11:15 | BREAK
11:15 - 12:45 | Utilization of each sensory system to support motor skills in therapy sessions. Formulating & implementing treatment.
- Vestibular contributions during physical activity
- Vision activities
- Proprioception & motor development
- Balance as a multi-system outcome
- Video activity examples
12:45 – 1:00 | BREAK
1:00 – 2:30 | Strategies to increase gross motor skill
- Postural control & coordination
- Strength & motor planning
- Stability & Mobility
Continuing Education
A certificate of participation will be provided after successful completion of the course.
It is the responsibility of licensees to determine if this continuing education activity meets the requirements of their profession.
Day 1: 6 contact hours
Day 2: 6 contact hours
Registration
Deadline to register is Thursday, September 11.
American Express Cards not accepted.
Please note, no refunds will be issued.
Questions
Please contact Ann Petersen at angela.petersen@unitypoint.org with any questions.