Course Description:

Trunk alignment and movement through space are critical components of most functional
activities. The “core,” or anterior abdominals, are often considered to be the sole controls of the
trunk. However, several muscle groups involved with extremity function influence the trunk and
vice versa. To fully appreciate the role of the trunk-core complex during skilled movements we
must understand its complicated anatomic and functional interrelationships with the extremities.
Impairments of the trunk-core complex may arise from acute stroke, chronic neuromuscular
dysfunction, workstation challenges, chronic postural adaptations, sports-generated dysfunctions,
and compensatory strategies. In this course, 5 case studies are provided in which real patients
are assessed and each treatment plan is weighted toward the concepts of motor planning and
compensatory strategies, behavioral and neuroplastic response to movement patterns, postural
dysfunction and muscle imbalance. The case studies include a variety of patient diagnoses
including shoulder pain, CVA, 15 yr old softball pitcher with shoulder instability, and a 58 year
old with multiple systems involvement and generalized weakness/decrease in function. This
course is beneficial for rehab therapists working with a multi-population in both orthopedic and
neurological settings.