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Browse PlansTamara Gravano
PT, DPT, EdD, GCS, CEEAA
Dr. Gravano is an associate professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and is the director of survey research at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She earned her BHS, MSPT, and transitional DPT from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and completed her EdD in leadership studies (emphasis in higher education administration) at Marshall University. Dr. Gravano is a board-certified specialist in geriatric physical therapy.
Dr. Gravano is one of the first two graduates of the first Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program. She earned the APTA Emerging Leader Award and the Lucy Blair Service Award and is a Joan M. Mills Award recipient from the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. She currently serves her profession on many American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) committees. She sits on the board of directors of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy (AGPT), is director of professional development for the Academy of Physical Therapy Education, and was founding chair of the AGPT Residency and Fellowship Special Interest Group and a certified clinical instructor trainer for the APTA.
She is a past (2010-2012) chair of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Geriatric Council, a former board member of the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE), and a former item writer for the National Physical Therapy Board Examination of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Dr. Gravano also serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy and is the codirector and a faculty member for the AGPT Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA) course series.
Dr. Gravano's teaching interests are geriatrics and the integumentary system, and her clinical practice is in skilled nursing. Her current research interests are leadership in higher education and fall prevention.
Courses with Tamara Gravano
Browse Course CatalogUnderstanding Functional Mobility and Gait in the Aging Adult
Presented by Tamara Gravano, PT, DPT, EdD, GCS, CEEAA
Understanding Functional Mobility and Gait in the Aging Adult
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and patient education—anytime, anywhere—with video instruction from
recognized industry experts.
Video Runtime: 38 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 34 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 first of a series of three courses designed to present geriatric gait considerations in a systematic approach. This first course has three chapters, beginning with an overview of the foundations of gait, age-related changes system by system, and postural control, and ending with identifying gait dysfunction that can lead to increased fall risk. The second course highlights evidence-based examination tools and outcome measures, while the third course in the series demonstrates evidence-based interventions to improve gait and functional mobility for the aging adult.
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 first of a series of three courses designed to present geriatric gait considerations in a systematic approach. This first course has three chapters, beginning with an overview of the foundations of gait, age-related changes system by system, and postural control, and ending with identifying gait dysfunction that can lead to increased fall risk. The second course highlights evidence-based examination tools and outcome measures, while the third course in the series demonstrates evidence-based interventions to improve gait and functional mobility for the aging adult.
Examination of Functional Mobility and Gait in the Aging Adult
Presented by Tamara Gravano, PT, DPT, EdD, GCS, CEEAA
Examination of Functional Mobility and Gait in the Aging Adult
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and patient education—anytime, anywhere—with video instruction from
recognized industry experts.
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.
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.
Interventions for Functional Mobility and Gait in the Aging Adult
Presented by Tamara Gravano, PT, DPT, EdD, GCS, CEEAA
Interventions for Functional Mobility and Gait in the Aging Adult
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and patient education—anytime, anywhere—with video instruction from
recognized industry experts.
Video Runtime: 39 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 22 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 third 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. The second course focuses on choosing and using evidence-based examination tools.
This course offers healthcare practitioners evidence-based interventions to enhance gait and functional mobility in aging adults. Grounded in the results of functional outcome measures, participants will explore a comprehensive range of interventions tailored to individual patient needs.
Through analysis and comparison, participants will evaluate the effectiveness of various evidence-based interventions in improving gait and functional mobility. The course emphasizes the interpretation of supporting evidence and its application to different patient populations and healthcare settings, including diverse environmental conditions.
Participants will develop the skills to create individualized intervention plans by integrating functional outcome measure results with patient-specific goals and comorbidities. The demonstrated interventions span a wide range of settings and incorporate various techniques, such as task-specific training, resistance training, and balance exercises.
Throughout the course, participants will critically evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, fostering confident clinical decision-making and informed treatment approaches. By the course's conclusion, participants will be equipped with evidence-based strategies to optimize functional mobility and gait outcomes for aging adults, enhancing their overall quality of life.
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 third 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. The second course focuses on choosing and using evidence-based examination tools.
This course offers healthcare practitioners evidence-based interventions to enhance gait and functional mobility in aging adults. Grounded in the results of functional outcome measures, participants will explore a comprehensive range of interventions tailored to individual patient needs.
Through analysis and comparison, participants will evaluate the effectiveness of various evidence-based interventions in improving gait and functional mobility. The course emphasizes the interpretation of supporting evidence and its application to different patient populations and healthcare settings, including diverse environmental conditions.
Participants will develop the skills to create individualized intervention plans by integrating functional outcome measure results with patient-specific goals and comorbidities. The demonstrated interventions span a wide range of settings and incorporate various techniques, such as task-specific training, resistance training, and balance exercises.
Throughout the course, participants will critically evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, fostering confident clinical decision-making and informed treatment approaches. By the course's conclusion, participants will be equipped with evidence-based strategies to optimize functional mobility and gait outcomes for aging adults, enhancing their overall quality of life.
Orthotics and Prosthetics: Special Considerations for the Aging Adult
Presented by Tamara Gravano, PT, DPT, EdD, GCS, CEEAA
Orthotics and Prosthetics: Special Considerations for the Aging Adult
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Video Runtime: 80 minutes, Learning Assessment: 54 minutes
There is a growing demand to address mobility and functional needs in the aging adult population. Aging adults are expected to represent over 20% of all Americans by 2040 and will require healthcare practitioners with the specific knowledge, skills, and training to address the inherent complexities of care. For many aging adults, the ability to engage in daily activities may entail the use of an orthotic or prosthetic.
This course will provide the healthcare practitioner an overview of special considerations for the aging adult who uses orthotics or prosthetics to participate in meaningful activities. A review of the common orthotics and prosthetics available, their benefits, and their use with aging adults will assist clinicians in making the best clinical decisions for their patients.
There is a growing demand to address mobility and functional needs in the aging adult population. Aging adults are expected to represent over 20% of all Americans by 2040 and will require healthcare practitioners with the specific knowledge, skills, and training to address the inherent complexities of care. For many aging adults, the ability to engage in daily activities may entail the use of an orthotic or prosthetic.
This course will provide the healthcare practitioner an overview of special considerations for the aging adult who uses orthotics or prosthetics to participate in meaningful activities. A review of the common orthotics and prosthetics available, their benefits, and their use with aging adults will assist clinicians in making the best clinical decisions for their patients.
Geriatric Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Dysfunction and Intervention
Presented by Tamara Gravano, PT, DPT, EdD, GCS, CEEAA
Geriatric Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Dysfunction and Intervention
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and patient education—anytime, anywhere—with video instruction from
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Video Runtime: 88 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 24 Minutes
Many geriatric patients/clients experience cardiovascular and pulmonary (CVP) dysfunction. Depending on the severity, CVP dysfunction can severely limit aerobic capacity and participation in everyday activities. This course will assist the learner in developing sound rationale for a skilled treatment plan of care for those with varying degrees of CVP dysfunction. This course is primarily intended for physical therapists but may be useful for other inpatient health care providers.
Many geriatric patients/clients experience cardiovascular and pulmonary (CVP) dysfunction. Depending on the severity, CVP dysfunction can severely limit aerobic capacity and participation in everyday activities. This course will assist the learner in developing sound rationale for a skilled treatment plan of care for those with varying degrees of CVP dysfunction. This course is primarily intended for physical therapists but may be useful for other inpatient health care providers.
The Clinically Complex Geriatric Patient
Presented by Tamara Gravano, PT, DPT, EdD, GCS, CEEAA
The Clinically Complex Geriatric Patient
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and patient education—anytime, anywhere—with video instruction from
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Video Runtime: 79 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 34 Minutes
Many patients have clinically complex presentations that fluctuate in severity or affect their ability to participate in physical therapy. These patients typically have high medical risk, or their conditions affect multiple organs or systems. This course will assist the learner in developing sound rationale for a skilled treatment plan of care. This course is primarily intended for physical therapists but may also be useful for other inpatient health care providers.
Many patients have clinically complex presentations that fluctuate in severity or affect their ability to participate in physical therapy. These patients typically have high medical risk, or their conditions affect multiple organs or systems. This course will assist the learner in developing sound rationale for a skilled treatment plan of care. This course is primarily intended for physical therapists but may also be useful for other inpatient health care providers.
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