About Course

This course is designed as a handy reference for learning and refreshing the anatomy of the diaphragm. It will also highlight the clinical relevance of the strength and function of the diaphragm as a core stabilizer and its role as a thoracoabdominal pump. This course will walk through the positive effects of diaphragmatic breathing which is integral for both the mental and physical recovery of a patient after mechanical ventilation.

Mechanical ventilation is responsible for VIDD (ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction) thus we will learn about the physical and physiological negative effects of mechanical ventilation and how as PT, OT, and nursing professionals we can help minimize those effects enhancing quicker positive patient recovery after ventilation. We will talk briefly about systemic causes of diaphragm weakness with enhanced understanding using case studies. PT’s and OT’s will demonstrate an improved understanding of the importance of posture, the role of the diaphragm in gait and balance, and its key role as a role stabilizer. The course will round off with exercises for strengthening and stretching of the diaphragm in laying, sitting, standing, and ambulation through gradual stages of rehabilitation post mechanical ventilation. (Intermediate Level)

PRESENTERS

Dr. Rina Pandya, PT, DPT has an extensive physical therapy career that spans over 20 years, through the UK, the USA and the Middle East. She has worked in NHS (National Health Service),American health care providing PT services in acute care, in-patient rehab, skilled nursing facility, home healthcare and outpatient clinic. In addition to being a clinician she has developed specialty programs based on evidence-based practice in her role as a project manager. She has also managed a Physical Therapy department as Department Head in premier private hospital in Oman. Rina graduated from Manipal University, India in 2000 as well as University of Michigan, in 2018 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has also been an educator with Summit Professional Education conducting live seminars. Rina is a member of the APTA, HCPC-UK, and OAP-Oman.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Identify the Anatomy and physiology of the diaphragm.

2. Explain the physical and physiological effects of mechanical ventilation.

3. Determine best practice case studies and differential diagnoses of diaphragm disorder for evaluation and applications.

4. Perform 3 strengthening and stretching ex’s for the diaphragm in various positions of supine, sitting, standing and ambulation through different stages of rehabilitation.

AGENDA

Pre-Study: 30 Minutes Plan to read the course materials, and references and review the post-test before the start time. Please be prepared to share patient case studies and related questions during the discussion time.

30 min: Anatomy, physiology, and function of the diaphragm.

30 min: Effects of mechanical ventilation, differential diagnoses.

30 min: Role of the diaphragm in posture, gait mechanics, core stabilization.

30 min: Strengthening and stretching exercises of the diaphragm.

Post-test: Research, identify, and submit your post-test question answers on the online form. This is an open-book test you can take multiple times if needed to obtain a 70% score. Complete the course evaluation survey to offer your ratings and comments on the course