Introduction

Regaining the ability to walk is an essential goal for many individuals with spinal cord injuries. There are several rehabilitation approaches used in walking recovery for patients with spinal cord injury, including the plasticity-based approach and the compensatory approach. A key feature of the compensatory approach is that patients use their remaining abilities to complete the task of walking with compensations. Compensations might include the use of orthoses, ambulatory devices and other technology. The degree of walking recovery achieved depends on many factors, including the level and severity of injury, as well as specific patient factors. Understanding prognostic factors influencing recovery is essential when selecting therapeutic interventions. This course discusses the predictors for functional walking outcomes and different aspects of gait rehabilitation in spinal cord injury.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe the compensatory approach to walking recovery and key requirements of functional ambulation, community ambulation, and outdoor walking
• discuss key predictors for walking recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury and potential outcomes based on the level and severity of a spinal cord injury
• identify key rehabilitation interventions to assist walking recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury, including standing and gait training exercises and the use of orthoses and walking aids

Target audience

This course is aimed at rehabilitation professionals, students and assistants including but not limited to Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Doctors, Rehabilitation Nurses, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Psychologists, Audiologists, Dietetics, Social Workers. Community Health Workers, Nurses or Medical Doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 2-2.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.7 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Maha Tayseer Mohammad: No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.