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Disciplines: Physical Therapy
Hours: 3 Contact Hours
Author(s): Lisa Dannemiller, PT, DSc, PCS
Peer Reviewer(s): Debbie Thorpe, PT, PhD
Item#: Q3473
Content: 1 Course Book (92 pages)
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Cerebral Palsy Across the Lifespan
Price $29.95
Item # Q3473
When available, the Online Course format is included with the hard copy, eBook, or audio book formats!

Expiration Date: November 12, 2018

This intermediate-level course provides updated, evidence-based information for physical therapists (PTs) who work with individuals who have cerebral palsy. This course will be particularly helpful to clinicians who have not recently reviewed the literature related to cerebral palsy, and to those who do not frequently provide physical therapy services for this population. Physical therapists who received their training before the profession’s move to doctoral-level training may also find this course helpful because of its focus on the clinical reasoning skills that are necessary when patients can directly access physical therapists without physician referral.

Most physical therapists in pediatric clinical settings will encounter individuals with cerebral palsy. Because pediatric and school-based clinical services typically end by the age of 21, physical therapists and who provide treatment in adult therapy settings also need to be competent in treating this rapidly growing segment of the adult population. Physical therapists who work with this heterogeneous population need to be aware of the many factors critical to clinical decision making. This course will address prevalence, etiology, diagnosis, classification, examination, evaluation, prognosis, interventions, and outcomes for individuals with cerebral palsy across the lifespan. The course also describes the role of PTs in providing family-centered care. Because the body of literature related to this diagnosis is extensive, this course will provide an overview of the most salient issues that impact the clinical decisions and care provided by physical therapists. Clinicians who desire a more in-depth understanding of cerebral palsy are encouraged to pursue applicable resources more extensively.

California PTs & PTAs  – Approved by the Physical Therapy Board of California through Net Education Design, Inc., an agency recognized by the board to approved courses that meet Physical Therapy Regulations 1399.96.

Florida PTs & PTAs – The Florida Board of Physical Therapy accepts this course based on its pre-approval by the Ohio PT Association.

Texas PTs & PTAs - This activity is provided by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Accredited Provider #1911021TX and meets continuing competence requirements for PT & PTA license renewal in Texas.

Course Objectives

  • Identify the prevalence, primary etiologies, diagnostic criteria, and common problems associated with cerebral palsy (CP).
  • Describe the different methods used to classify CP.
  • Describe the models used in clinical decision making for individuals with CP.
  • Describe a physical therapy examination, including the most appropriate tests and measures for individuals with CP.
  • Identify secondary conditions that develop in adults with CP.
  • Describe the prognosis for individuals with CP.
  • Describe the evaluation process and components of the plan of care for individuals with CP.
  • Identify interventions for individuals with CP that are best supported by current evidence.
  • Describe the role of the physical and occupational therapist in the continuum of care and family-centered care.

Lisa Dannemiller, PT, DSc, PCS, has had more than 28 years of clinical experience working with persons with developmental disabilities, including those with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular conditions. In her current clinical practice, she participates in a diagnostic evaluation team for young children with neurodevelopmental concerns and provides outpatient physical therapy for children. Dr. Dannemiller is an assistant professor in the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program, where her primary teaching responsibilities include the pediatric content in the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal tracks. She received a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy from the Medical College of Virginia and a doctor of science degree in pediatric physical therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She is a pediatric certified specialist with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Dr. Dannemiller has presented nationally on topics related to cerebral palsy, autism, and physical therapy education. She is also the Region II director of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Debbie Thorpe, PT, PhD, has been a pediatric physical therapist, academician, and researcher for more than 25 years. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of New England, a master’s degree in early childhood motor development and motor learning from West Virginia University, and a PhD in pediatric physical therapy from the Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University. She has been a pediatric certified specialist of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for more than 20 years. She is currently an associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2013, Dr. Thorpe received the APTA Section on Pediatrics Anniversary Award for outstanding, visionary contributions in pediatric physical therapy – including practice, research, mentoring, and leadership. Dr. Thorpe’s research and publications focus on fitness, physical activity, and health promotion for persons with cerebral palsy (CP) across the life course. She has presented her research both nationally and internationally.

  • Courses must be completed on or before the expiration date noted in the course description above.
  • You must score 75% or higher on the final exam and complete the course evaluation to pass this course and receive a certificate of completion.
  • Through our review processes, Western Schools ensures that the course content is presented in a balanced, unbiased manner and is free from commercial influence. It is Western Schools’ policy not to accept commercial support.
  • All persons involved in the planning and development of this course have disclosed no relevant financial relationships or other conflicts of interest related to the course content.
  • There are no prerequisites for this course.