Examination of Functional Mobility and Gait in the Aging Adult

presented by Tamara N. Gravano, PT, DPT, EdD, PNAP, CEEAA

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Financial: Tamara Gravano is a faculty presenter and coadministrator of the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Geriatrics’ Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA) course series.

Nonfinancial: Tamara Gravano has no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.

Satisfactory completion requirements: All disciplines must complete learning assessments to be awarded credit, no minimum score required unless otherwise specified within the course.

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Video Runtime: 46 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 40 Minutes

The motor task of walking is ultimately a product of the characteristics of the individual and their environment. Healthcare professionals must be mindful of all components of gait and strategically integrate appropriate challenges when targeting gait interventions. This is the second in a series of three courses designed to present geriatric gait considerations in a systematic approach. The first course is an overview of the foundations of gait, age-related changes, and postural control. This comprehensive second course delves into the examination of gait and functional mobility in aging adults, equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to assess and address age-related changes in gait patterns and functional limitations. Participants will explore evidence-based functional outcome measures tailored to specific patient populations and healthcare settings. The third course in the series demonstrates evidence-based interventions to improve gait and functional mobility for the aging adult.

Through analysis and comparison, participants will gain a deep understanding of the impact of age-related impairments on falls risk and independence, and the crucial role of outcome measures such as the Berg Balance Scale and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale in identifying at-risk individuals. The course series also delves into the assessment of gait abnormalities and functional limitations in older adults with neurological conditions, examining the applicability of motion analysis systems, wearable sensors, and observational scales.

Environmental factors influencing gait and mobility will be analyzed, and participants will learn to employ measures such as the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale and Short Physical Performance Battery to assess functional mobility in long-term care and assisted living settings. By the end of the course series, participants will be equipped with essential skills to comprehensively examine gait and functional mobility, enabling them to develop tailored interventions and improve the overall quality of care for aging adults.

Meet Your Instructor

Tamara N. Gravano, PT, DPT, EdD, PNAP, CEEAA

Tamara N. Gravano is a board-certified geriatric physical therapy clinical specialist and the DPT program director at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She earned her BHS, MSPT, and transitional DPT from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and an EdD in leadership studies from Marshall University. Dr. Gravano is one of the first…

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1. Evidence-Based Examination Tools for Gait and Mobility

This chapter focuses on comparing different functional outcome measures and their applicability to specific patient populations and healthcare settings. By examining the strengths and limitations of various measures, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions about which tools are most appropriate for assessing functional outcomes in different patient groups. This knowledge is essential for ensuring accurate and targeted assessments, enabling tailored interventions, and ultimately improving patient care and outcomes in diverse healthcare settings.

2. Using the Examination Tools Recommended for Falls Prediction

This chapter focuses on demonstrating the use of various tools in assessing patients across different healthcare settings. It highlights the interplay between questionnaire-based and performance-based assessment tools in evaluating individuals. By prioritizing the use of examination tools based on individual characteristics, conditions, and goals, healthcare professionals can gather valuable information to inform treatment planning, set appropriate goals, and monitor progress effectively. By showcasing the practical application of these tools in diverse scenarios, healthcare professionals can enhance their assessment skills and provide more accurate and comprehensive evaluations, leading to better treatment planning and improved patient outcomes.

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