Mary Massery's LINKED: Breathing & Postural Control, Part 2

Mary Massery's LINKED: Breathing & Postural Control, Part 2 is organized by Texas Children's Hospital and will be held from Nov 02 - 03, 2024 at Texas Children's Hospital Feigin Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America.

Course Description:
“LINKED Part-2” builds upon the foundational information presented in “LINKED Part-1”. This course, developed by Mary Massery, proposes a new definition of “core stability;” redefining it as the dynamic control of trunk pressures to optimize postural stability (balance). Dr. Massery's novel “soda pop can model” links breathing mechanics to postural control using multi-system interactions. In Part-2, the focus shifts to assessing “normal” breathing patterns, and learning neuromotor breathing retraining techniques and manual assistive cough techniques during hands-on labs. Multiple clinical cases will be used to cement the concepts, as will a live patient demonstration (if available). The course is applicable for any pediatric or adult patient (or therapist) who breathes!

Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will:
• Use a multi-system approach to evaluating motor impairments
• Identify the variations of “normal” breathing patterns and discuss the efficiencies/inefficiencies for individual patient conditions
Evaluate the need for, and demonstrate, appropriate neuromotor retraining techniques for patients with ineffective breathing/postural control strategies (health or participation deficits)
• Participate in a live patient demonstration (if a patient is available) and suggest possible evaluation and treatment ideas based on the course material
• Design a targeted airway clearance program using the principles of mobilization, expectoration, and oral management
• Demonstrate airway clearance techniques, with an emphasis on manual assistive cough techniques, and apply an airway clearance algorithm to specific patient conditions
• Identify thoracic cage/spine restrictions as they pertain to breathing mechanics and postural control (a very brief introduction of chest wall restrictions)
• Evaluate the need for, and demonstrate, neuromotor retraining techniques to improve breath support for voicing and postural control (eccentrics)
• Suggest immediate ways to incorporate the concepts into therapy activities in your clinical setting.