NEW COURSE!
Enhance your knowledge of the Foot and Ankle Complex

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Course Overview

Stop the Guessing Game:  Implementing a Criterion and Evidence-Based Functional Performance Testing Algorithm Function in Foot and Ankle Injuries!

There is extensive literature on Physical Performance Tests (PPTs) for assessing readiness to return to activity after knee, hip, and shoulder injuries. However, there is currently no consensus or standardized PPTs for evaluating functional readiness following foot and ankle musculoskeletal injuries. This course introduces an evidence-based Functional Performance Testing Algorithm (FTA) specifically designed for the foot and ankle complex. The FTA incorporates foundational lower leg competencies and capacities essential for daily living, recreation, and athletic activities. 

Participants will review current evidence and guidelines for PPTs, focusing on their validity and reliability in assessing recovery from foot and ankle injuries. This course will present a systematic approach to evaluating patient readiness, including patient-reported functional and psychological outcomes, multi-planar and reactive hop tests, and clustered test batteries. Clinical case examples will be provided to facilitate knowledge translation and real-world application. 

At the conclusion of the course, participants will gain a practical framework for implementing best practices and recommendations across diverse clinical settings and patient populations. 

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Who should register for this class?

Physical Therapists, PTAs, Surgeons, MD's, Chiropractors, Occupational Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Course Outline

  • Introduction and Objectives  
  • Tissue Healing Times  
  • Joint Pain and Inflammation  
  • Patient-Reported Functional Outcome Measures  
  • Range of Motion  
  • Static Postural Control  
  • Dynamic Postural Control  
  • Muscle Performance Strength  
  • Single Limb Physical Performance Tests and Kinetic Chain Reintegration  
  • Functional Testing Batteries  
  • Proposed Criteria for Clinical Milestones and Return to Activity Decision Making  
  • Summary and Conclusion 

Faculty

Dr. Michael Jeanfavre PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, SCS, OCS, CSCS
Dr. Taylor Douthit PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, CSCS
Dr. Mathew Klein PT, DPT, PhD, FAAOMPT, SCS, OCS, GCS

Key Learning Objectives

After completion of this course, participants will be able to:  

  1. Analyze the importance of functional testing algorithms for determining return to function readiness in patients with foot and ankle musculoskeletal injuries. 
  2. Evaluate the evidence on the appropriate use of physical performance tests (PPTs) to determine readiness for return to function post foot and ankle musculoskeletal injury. 
  3. Develop a criterion, algorithmic, and evidence-based approach of determining patient readiness and clearance for return to jogging, plyometrics, and higher-level activities. 
  4. Synthesize practical recommendations for implementing the Return to Function Physical Performance Testing Algorithm for the Foot and Ankle Complex in clinical practice, taking into account the patient’s demographic, functional capacity, and specific pathology. 

Continuing Education Credits

4.5 hours 

Approved for a total of 4.5 CE hours for PTs and PTAs, and that covers the following states:  AL, AR, CT, DE, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MA, MI, MT, NE, NH, NY, NC, ND, OR, SC, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY

Northeast Seminars  (BOC AP#P498) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for a maximum of 12.5 Category A hours/CEUs.  ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.