G. Function From the Inside Out: Sensory and Motor Processing for Postural Control   

Presented by Shelley Mannell, PT, BSc, BHScPT, C/NDT
Friday-Saturday, February 26-27, 2016
12 contact hours
Intermediate Level
Audience: Occupational and Physical Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, interested others
Read Shelley's blog post to learn more about this course.

Our understanding regarding the development of postural control is evolving with current advances in motor science research.  This course provides an understanding of the developmental process of postural control as it underlies gross and fine motor skills.   Within the framework of postural control, participants will study the initial contribution of visual and vestibular sensory processing involved in primitive movement patterns (=reflexes).  The progression from primitive patterns to central stability will be explored, specifically addressing the relationship of the inner and outer core musculature, and their crucial contribution to anticipatory postural control.  Discover how the development of postural control is disrupted in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, CP, DCD and hypotonia.  Lecture, videos and practical lab experiences will enhance participant’s clinical skills as we explore a model for assessment and treatment of postural control in a variety of individuals with movement challenges. 

Objectives: Participants will be able to: 

1. Discuss the development of postural control, including the contributions of the visual and vestibular sensory systems and the core musculature.  
   
2. Develop an understanding of the role of sensory input and processing in the expression of primitive movement patterns (=reflexes).
   
3. Develop a working model for assessment of developmental movement patterns.
   
4. Develop a working model of assessment of core function in functional movement.
   
5. Discuss a variety of treatment strategies to address functional postural control in a variety of children with movement challenges. 
   

Schedule* 12 Contact Hours
Day 1 
8:30 Introductions
8:45 Life in the Womb
9:15 Setting the Tonal Base
10:00 Break
10:30 A is for Alignment
10:45 Dynamic Alignment
11:30 Welcome to Gravity: Moro Reflex
Noon Lunch
1:00 Movement Lab: Moro Reflex
1:45 Gravity Continues: TLR
2:00 Movement Lab: TLR
2:30 Break
3:00 Beginning Asymmetry: Galant Reflex
3:15 Movement Lab: Galant Reflex
3:45 Asymmetry Continues: ATNR
4:00 Movement Lab: ATNR
4:15 Movement Lab: STNR
4:30 Adjourn

Day 2 
8:30 Q & A
8:45 Development of Symmetry: STNR
9:00 Movement Lab: STNR
9:30 Beginning Extension: Landau Reaction
10:00 Break
10:30 Movement Lab: Anti-gravity function
11:00 Righting and Equilibrium Reactions
11:30 Movement Lab: Equilibrium Reactions
Noon Lunch
1:00 Stability and Mobility: APAs and RPAs
1:30 Movement Lab: Living on the Edge
1:50 Fear, Self-Regulation and Postural Control
2:00 Functional Vision
2:30 Break
3:00 Movement Lab: Functional Vision
3:30 Putting It All Together Lab
4:00 Case study
4:30 Adjourn
*Topic times may vary; contact hours do not.

Shelley Mannell serves babies, children and adolescents across a spectrum of neurological and developmental disabilities. She integrates a broad spectrum of clinical skills and research to provide treatment across multiple domains. Shelley founded HeartSpace Physical Therapy for Children in 1997 in order to support her clients as they matured through the lifespan. 

Shelley began teaching as a clinical faculty member in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University and continues to participate in clinical research and education. She now teaches internationally, discussing the multi-systems nature of the development of postural control and its application to assessment and intervention for children. 

Shelley is the co-creator of Dynamic Core for Kids, an evidence-based approach to central stability for children with motor and sensory challenges. She lives in St. Catharines, ON with her husband, fifteen year old daughter and seventeen year old son.

You may visit Shelley on her website.

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