Online Continuing Education Courses

Prosthetics in Rehabilitation

Part I: Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation: Multidisciplinary Approach

• Describe the role of the orthotist, prosthetist, therapist, and other professionals in the rehabilitation of persons with movement dysfunction
• Describe the history and development of physical rehabilitation professions associated with the practice of orthotics and prosthetics in health care
• Identify the use of disablement frameworks in physical rehabilitation
• Discuss the role of the health professional in a multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary rehabilitation team
• Determine key attributes and attitudes that health professionals should possess to be successful members of interdisciplinary rehab teams

Part II: Aging and Activity Tolerance: Implications for Orthotic and Prosthetic Rehabilitation

• Describe the role of the cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular systems as effectors for goal-driven functional motor activity
• Define the key components of cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular systems as they relate to energy expenditure during functional activity
• Describe the functional consequences of age-related change in cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular structures, especially with respect to exercise and activity tolerance
• Apply principles of cardiopulmonary/cardiovascular conditioning to rehabilitation interventions for older or deconditioned individuals, or both, who will be using a prosthesis or an orthosis
• Weigh the benefits and limitations, with respect to energy cost and facilitation of daily function, in selecting an appropriate orthosis

Part III: Materials and Technology

• Compare and contrast the materials most often used in current orthoses and prostheses
• Describe how the basic mechanical properties of commonly used materials determine how they will be used in orthotic and prosthetic devices
• Describe the process of, and measures used in, the formulation of a biomechanically appropriate orthotic or prosthetic prescription that will address a patient's functional deficits
• Describe how a prosthetist or orthotist determines the appropriate prosthetic or orthotic controls needed for the management of a patient's impairments or functional limitations
• Delineate the steps in the fabrication or production of a custom orthosis or prosthesis
• Discuss the use of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) in the measurement for and fabrication of orthoses and prostheses
• Describe the factors influencing the development of central fabrication centers and the manufacture

Part IV: Amputation and Prosthetics

• Appreciate the role of occupational therapy within the context of the rehabilitation team
• Understand the relationship between levels of amputation and the function of the amputee
• Appreciate the importance of maximizing the amputee’s skill with prosthetics
• Examine and define 3 reasons why recovery can be slow and physically draining for the patient and family
• Teach new methods for basic and advanced activities of daily living with prosthetics