Spina Bifida Examination & Intervention Strategies: Children & Teens

Presented by David Chapman

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Video Runtime: 57 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 35 Minutes

This course presents the anatomy and neuroanatomy associated with the three primary types of spina bifida as well as the pathoembryology and etiology of spina bifida. Perinatal management of spina bifida will also be presented. In preparation for conducting a comprehensive physical therapy examination, the most common types of impairments associated with spina bifida will be presented. Physical therapy examination strategies, including the use of standardized tests for children and teens with spina bifida will also be discussed. Intervention strategies designed to treat primary and prevent secondary impairments will be offered. The course concludes with a case study regarding the motor development of a child and teen with spina bifida.

Meet your instructor

David Chapman

David Chapman, PT, PhD, earned his physical therapy degree at Indiana University–Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) and his PhD in Human Performance: Special Populations and Developmental Psychology from Indiana University – Bloomington. Currently, Dr. Chapman teaches pediatric and neurological rehabilitation content…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Introduction to Spina Bifida (SB)

1. Introduction to Spina Bifida (SB)

This chapter provides an overview of the three primary types of spina bifida. The anatomy and applicable neuroanatomy involved with spina bifida will be reviewed in detail.

The Pathoembryology, Etiology, and Perinatal Management of Spina Bifida

2. The Pathoembryology, Etiology, and Perinatal Management of Spina Bifida

The pathoembryology and etiology of spina bifida will be presented in this chapter. Perinatal management of fetuses and infants with spina bifida, including prenatal and postnatal surgical care, will also be discussed.

Common Impairments Associated With Spina Bifida

3. Common Impairments Associated With Spina Bifida

The most common musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cognitive/language, neurogenic bowel and bladder, and integument impairments will be discussed. Each will be presented in the context of conducting a physical therapy examination.

Physical Therapy Examination Strategies for Children & Teens With Spina Bifida

4. Physical Therapy Examination Strategies for Children & Teens With Spina Bifida

This chapter provides an overview of recommended examination strategies that may be used with children and teens who have spina bifida. Select standardized tests that can be used with children and teens who have spina bifida will also be discussed. In addition, how to develop a plan of care that includes individualized treatment goals and outcomes for children and teens with spina bifida will be presented.

Physical Therapy Interventions and Goals for Children & Teens With Spina Bifida

5. Physical Therapy Interventions and Goals for Children & Teens With Spina Bifida

This chapter focuses on physical therapy intervention guidelines regarding how to facilitate the motor development of children and teens with spina bifida. Intervention strategies designed to treat primary and prevent secondary impairments will be presented. A case study to apply each of the topics covered in this course will be offered at the end of this chapter.