Seminars
Functional Biomechanics of the Lower Quarter:
Implications for the Evaluation and Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders
By Christopher M. Powers, Ph.D., P.T.
Overview & Course Objectives
Altered lower quarter mechanics are frequently implicated as being contributory to various musculoskeletal conditions. An understanding of how abnormal limb function can contribute to the mechanisms of specific joint dysfunction is essential for the evaluation and treatment of common orthopaedic disorders. This evidence-based course will review the anatomy and mechanics of the lower kinetic chain, particularly in relation to specific pathologies of the ankle, knee and hip. Emphasis will be placed on current research findings in the areas of gait analysis, lower limb function, and joint biomechanics. Implications for the evaluation and treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions also will be addressed. Participants will be provided with practical information to “take back” to the clinic, including the opportunity to develop observational gait analysis skills.
Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course the participant will be able to:
- Describe the normal anatomy and biomechanics of the foot/ankle, knee and hip.
- Describe the normal joint kinematics, kinetics and muscle actions during walking and running.
- Describe the normal interaction of the hip, knee, ankle and foot during walking and running.
- Describe pathological lower chain mechanics and segment interactions
- Describe the pathomechanics of common disorders of the foot/ankle, knee and hip.
- Develop observational gait analysis skills.
- Describe the current research literature related to lower extremity biomechanics and pathomechanics.
- Perform a biomechanical evaluation of the lower extremity.
- Plan appropriate treatment interventions based on a biomechanical assessment of the lower extremity.
Course Schedule
Day 1
| 8:00-8:30 |
Introductions/overview |
| 8:30-9:45 |
Normal gait: Sagittal plane kinematics, kinetics, muscle action |
| 9:45-10:00 |
Break |
| 10:00-11:00 |
Normal gait: Frontal/transverse plane kinematics, kinetics, muscle action |
| 11:00-12:00 |
Running mechanics |
| 12:00-1:00 |
Lunch |
| 1:00-2:45 |
Pathomechanics |
| 2:45-3:00 |
Break |
| 3:00-4:00 |
Observational Gait Lab |
| 4:00-5:00 |
Foot & ankle: Pathomechanics of injury and treatment considerations |
Day 2
| 8:00-9:00 |
Knee: Pathomechanics of injury and treatment considerations |
9:00-10:00
|
Patellofemoral joint: Pathomechanics of injury and treatment considerations |
| 10:00-10:15 |
Break |
| 10:15-11:00 |
Hips: Pathomechanics of injury and treatment considerations |
| 11:00-12:00 |
Influence of hip muscle weakness on spine mechanics |
| 12:00-1:00 |
Lunch |
| 1:00-2:30 |
Evaluation (lecture/lab) |
| 2:30-2:45 |
Break |
| 2:45-3:30 |
Intervention strategies for lower chain dysfunction |
| 3:30-4:15 |
Therapeutic exercise and progression |
| 4:15-4:45 |
ACL injury prevention programs |
| 4:45-5:00 |
Summary/adjourn |
Locations
| April 24-25 |
Los Angeles |
| May 15-16 |
Fresno |
| May 21-22 |
Milwaukee |
| June 26-27 |
Phoenix |
| July 10-11 |
Los Angeles |
| July 24-25 |
TBA |
| Sept 25-26 |
Los Angeles |
| Oct 23-24 |
Oakland |
| Nov 5-6 |
Los Angeles |
| Nov 13-14 |
TBA |
| Dec 4-5 |
Los Angeles |
Please, visit the website www.californiaeducationconnection.com for additional information.
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