2024 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE & PT EXPO

This presentation will provide participants with an introduction to the evidence-based START-Play early intervention approach. Content will cover the theoretical underpinnings, findings from a recent randomized, controlled clinical trial, and key differences between START-Play and usual-care early intervention. While most content will be delivered in an interactive lecture format, the session will also include case-based, group problem-solving.

The purpose of this presentation is to reframe how a PT assesses an individual child’s impairments and subsequent therapeutic interventions. In particular when the child’s sensorineural-motor systems do not respond in the way the therapist expected. This paradigm was first published by Christine Robenalt, PT, in the 2022 book, Integrative Lifestyle Medicine for Physical Therapists. It is a simple yet encompassing approach that can be applied to pediatric clients, but also to any client who does not appear to improve or progress as anticipated. This paradigm is multi-system. It takes into account the entire child (or client) and emphasizes a strengths-based approach for clinicians and caregivers. The key components of the paradigm include, 1) Invite what you want to see; 2) Increase novelty or fun; 3) Create safety by altering sensory stimuli which is interfering with learning; 4) Start with what the child (patient) is successful with even if it is the opposite of what was desired by the PT. 5) Always act with love and respect for the child (patient), assuming positive intent.

This presentation will provide attendees with evidence-based methods of evaluating and treating common pediatric diagnoses that may be seen in a rural or orthopedic physical therapy setting. This presentation will also discuss when to refer to a pediatric physical therapy specialist and/or orthotist. This presentation will include: review of current literature, prognostic variables, clinical reasoning, and case studies. It will be delivered in a lecture and question/answer format.  

Evidence continues to support that many individuals with significant cognitive impairments and medical conditions are at risk for obesity and sedentary lifestyles. School-based physical therapists are in a unique position to help promote physical fitness and wellness in at-risk populations. A multidisciplinary school-based team created and implemented an 8-week interval fitness program for students with cognitive impairments. This session brings to light many thought-provoking questions and discussions. Is a physical education class enough to create functional changes in at-risk populations or prevent a decline in function? Are minimal or consultative physical therapy services meeting high school student needs? What is the role of the physical therapist in supporting physical education classes or center-based programs? How does function correlate with participation? This program challenges the traditional school-based model of service delivery and highlights the need for ongoing intervention for at-risk populations.