Evaluation Video

Symposium

Clinical Practice (assessment, diagnosis, treatment, knowledge translation/EBP, implementation science, program development)

Brain Injury

Measurement

Neuroplasticity (includes neuroscience)

Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System

Spinal Cord Injury

Stroke

Technology (e.g. robotics, assistive technology, mHealth)

A novel walking assessment to directly inform treatment planning based on key aspects of walking

Friday, November 11, 2022

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM

Presenter(s)

Andrew Packel, PT, NCS

Locomotor Coordinator
MossRehab
Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, United States

Slides
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Kelly Sprik, PT,DPT, NCS

Physical Therapist
MossRehab
Glenside, Pennsylvania, United States

Non-presenting author(s)

SB

Sarah Bowie, PT, DPT, NCS

Physical Therapist
Moss Rehab
Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, United States

Presenter(s)

KL

Kelsey R. Loose, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist
MossRehab
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Although walking dysfunction is universally recognized as an important area of physical therapy focus especially in inpatient rehabilitation settings, recovery is often incomplete and the quest to maximize the effect of interventions in order to optimize recovery is ongoing. Traditional means of assessing walking ability include biomechanical analyses such as instrumented and observational gait analysis; measures of independence or assistance required; and measures of walking speed or distance tolerated. We highlight limitations with these methods and argue that they are insufficient to objectively capture walking capacity, especially in individuals who require some level of assistance to walk. We also identify important characteristics that an assessment tool should provide and introduce a proposed new tool to assess walking ability in individuals who require assistance to walk. Results from preliminary use of this new system will be presented, and participants will discuss the current approach and future directions for this work.

Learning Objectives:

Explain the importance of a novel approach for assessment of walking function in individuals who require assistance to walk.
Identify key features required of a new method for walking assessment.
Describe the role of the proposed assessment in optimizing walking training interventions.
Discuss proposed plans for continued development of the proposed walking system.