Balance Challenges Part 1: Assessment
Presented by J.J. Mowder-Tinney
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Performing an appropriate assessment is the key to utilizing any type of intervention. This course is critical to providing a solid foundation for the development of the optimal plan of care to increase the safety of an individual with a balance deficit. The course will focus on providing a comprehensive assessment for people with neurological deficits and aging adults. The assessment process will start with movement analysis and determining the "why" of the balance deficit. The impact of the environment on balance and how it can be utilized when working with someone will be highlighted. In addition, screening tools recommended by the CDC and appropriate standardized outcome measures will be compared.
Meet your instructor
J.J. Mowder-Tinney
Dr. J.J. Mowder-Tinney holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder, a master of science in physical therapy from the University of Miami, and a doctorate in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University. With nearly three decades of diverse clinical experience, her expertise…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Examination of Postural Control
Fall risks are one of the top priorities related to safety. Since there are many aspects of balance to consider, this chapter will begin by looking at different types of postural control and the options for balance strategies.
2. History and Sensory System Assessment
There are many reasons a person can lose their balance. This chapter will provide a step-by-step assessment and discussion of the sensory system and how it impacts balance. This information will increase options moving forward when designing a solid plan of care.
3. Examination of Postural Control: Categorizing Priority Impairments
A comprehensive summary of the priority impairments will provide you optimal outcomes for your patients. This chapter will stress the importance of addressing priority impairments and how to integrate them into your session without taking more than five minutes. Additionally, case-based examples of home exercise programs will be reviewed.
4. Environmental Considerations
This chapter will review the impact of different environmental activities on balance. Individualizing balance progressions by continually utilizing environmental dimensions can improve safety and decrease fall risk.
5. Standardized Outcome Measures
Performing consistent and standardized outcome measures provides therapists the ability to assess if their interventions are challenging enough to the patient. They can also be used as an external cue to increase motivation. This chapter will review the latest recommendations from the literature. In addition, approaches to improve documentation are discussed, highlighting ways to demonstrate the therapists’ skilled interventions.
