3207 – Treatment of Balance Deficits with Aquatic Techniques

Advanced / Pool Workshop

Thursday, April 29 – Chicago, IL – 7:30 am-4:30 pm – 8.0 credit hours equal to 8.0 CECs or .8 CEUs

Pool: 7:30-9:30 am

Classroom: 9:30-11:30 am

Lunch on own: 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Classroom: 12:30-3:00 pm

Pool: 3:00-4:30 pm

Faculty: Marty Biondi, PT, CSCS, ATRIC

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Because of water’s unique properties it is particularly suited to help with balance training as it relates to the gait process. This class will address motor learning theory and the implementation of water exercise as a means to improving dynamic balance—thus walking. Focus will be on gait and those deficits relative to balance discrepancies. While balance is a multi-factorial process, training to improve it can be broken down into providing an environment that challenges but is not a high-fall risk.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

At the conclusion of this class, the participant will:

1) Determine the multi-factorial issues of balance.

2) Utilize motor learning theory as it relates to balance training, specifically with respect to aquatic interventions.

3) Evaluate balance deficits in patients and provide an aquatic treatment progression.

4) Recognize those patients who might not benefit from water therapy intervention gait deviations and/or balance related deficits.

FACULTY: Marty Biondi, PT, CSCS, ATRIC, is co-owner of Therapeutic & Wellness Specialists, an outpatient orthopedic clinic with two locations and contracts to perform aquatic therapy. She has been involved in various aspects of aquatics for over 30 years including pool administration, design and program implementation, risk management, and now as a physical therapist using water to treat various diagnoses.