Description:

Presented by Kristin Krosschell, PT, DPT; Theresa Sukal-Moulton, PT, DPT, PhD; and Colleen Peyton, PT, DPT

5 CEU Hours

The earliest movements seen in both the fetus and infant are individualized, diverse and complex. Children are flexible thinkers and variable movers. With age this variability may be narrowed in favor of efficiency as motor learning reduces system redundancy while fostering strategic problem solving and use of additional degrees of freedom. Environmental influences and neurological factors can significantly contribute to or restrict skill acquisition and motor development. In this course, we will explore why variability in human behavior is essential to survival and learning, and how movement disorders can impact this variability. The lessons learned from early infancy and childhood can be applied to physical therapy treatment and assessment across the lifespan into adulthood. We will demonstrate principles in a number of diagnoses and review video examples of cases to discuss treatment strategies the incorporate principles of variability.