Introduction

Efficient gait depends on the ability of the foot and ankle to absorb force during loading and propel the body forwards. Altered motion at one joint can affect the overall gait pattern. This course focuses specifically on the loading strategy of gait. It provides a joint-by-joint analysis of what happens at the foot and ankle during loading and how each joint affects the others. Two patient gait videos then show how this analysis can be used to form clinical hypotheses.

Learning outcomes

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

• describe the phases of the loading strategy in gait and three key patterns of dysfunction (excessive stiffness, excessive compliance and mismatched stiffness and mobility)
• explain the key foot and ankle movements that allow an effective loading strategy, and how a restriction at one joint can affect other joints in the kinetic chain
• analyse case scenarios to identify altered loading patterns, their likely contributors and their possible consequences

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, 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 1.5-2 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 1.4 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

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.