DPT 7209 - Movement Disorders

This course is designed to provide the doctoral physical therapist student with an overview of the clinical manifestation of problems of postural control and balance seen in adult patients with Movement Disorders. The course will provide a review of the neuroscience underlying select movement disorders commonly seen in physical therapist practice. It will provide students a basic rubric for understanding the multi-factorial etiology and pathophysiological changes in movement due to abnormalities in the central nervous system (spinal cord, cerebellum, brain stem, basal ganglia, and cerebral cortex. The course will emphasize clinical manifestation as well as approaches to evaluation and management of postural and balance disorders these patients. Students will be able to recognize, describe, classify, and treat these patients with a view towards restoration or maintenance of postural stability and function to positively impact on quality of life for patients and their families.