About Course

Core strengthening is integral to improving balance. Recent studies indicate that measures of trunk muscle strength are associated with variables of static and dynamic balance and risk of falls. Strengthen the Core for Better Balance includes exercise intervention strategies to improve balance by development of core, motor control, and strength training programs. These strategies can also counteract pain, injury and age-related weakness. This class will teach you how to isolate your core muscles (transverse abdominis, multifidus, pelvic floor) and incorporate motor skill training into core, strength training and functional movement. (Intermediate Level)

PRESENTER:

Dr. Caroline C. Creager, PT, DPT received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado and her Bachelors of Science in physical therapy from the University of Montana. She owns the Berthoud Athletic Club and Physical Therapy Doctors, Inc. in Berthoud, Colorado. Dr. Creager has written eight books including: Therapeutic Exercises Using the Swiss Ball, Therapeutic Exercises Using Foam Rollers, Therapeutic Exercises Using Resistive Bands, Bounce Back Into Shape After Baby and Core Strengthening Using Inflatable and Foam Rollers. She has written articles or been featured in national and international magazines such as Cooking Light, Fitness, ADVANCE for Physical Therapists, IDEA Personal Trainer, Massage Journal and Yoga Journal. Dr. Caroline Creager is fascinated by the core and lectures nationally and internationally on the topic.

OBJECTIVES

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

1. Identify one of the least known muscles that contributes to balance.

2. Describe the anatomy of the core muscles.

3. Palpate the transverse abdominis, multifidus and pelvic floor muscles.

4. Design and implement a motor control and core strengthening exercise program to enhance balance.

5. Determine when and how to progress core strengthening exercises.

6. Implement strength training strategies while utilizing core muscles to improve balance and prevent falls.

7. Understand how expectations may influence patient performance.

8. Utilize balance outcome measures in the clinic.

AGENDA

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

15 mins: Anatomy of the core.

15 mins: Core motor control.

15 mins: Palpation and evaluation of the transverse abdominis, multifidus and pelvic floor muscles.

15 mins: Designing a motor control and strength training program 60 mins: How your expectations may influence patient performance and balance outcome measures.

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 the 70% score. (Allow 30 minutes for these completion tasks.)