Course Description:

Professionals in the field of rehabilitative therapy and sports, who interact with disabled individuals at the early stage of rehabilitation, need training on exercise and physical activity prescriptions for those with permanent disabilities. In education programs, therapists receive little training on the biomechanics of prosthetic devices and how to teach the amputee how to run, jump, bend and maneuver with the device. By providing such training, the therapist can introduce these principles to the disabled patient early in the rehabilitation process and thus orient him/her toward an active, productive lifestyle. The programs will greatly enhance the basic training physical therapists receive in school. The high level training and advanced exercises are appropriate for use with patients of all ages to improve ambulation. These programs will introduce exercises and stretches for lower limb amputees of all ages and various levels of amputation. Treatment approaches for improved function and to return the amputee to an active lifestyle. This will also include instruction on advanced exercises and running techniques for above- and below-knee amputees. Although participants may not initially be interested in competition, amputee and orthopedically impaired individuals desire to learn to achieve the best performance from their orthotic or prosthetic devices. Understanding the dynamics of how the artificial devices work, and how to use their muscles properly to control these devices will enable individuals with disabilities to run, move from side-to-side, bend down, jump, climb stairs and walk with confidence. With increased strength and flexibility, participants will be able to operate more efficiently, expend less energy and, thus, do more each day without fatigue. These programs provide hands-on participation techniques. The amputees go through the full-range of stretching and strengthening exercises, assisted by a trained professional and/or their spouse/family member. Those amputees who are more advanced are taught how to run, while others have the opportunity to review the basic exercises, are shown advanced options to work towards and then coached on ways to improve their walking gait.