Poster Presentation
(Thursday Feb 22, 1-3pm)

Impact of a Weighted Vest on Gait and Balance in a Patient with Cerebellar Ataxia

Authors:
Colleen Bowman PT, DPT, GCS
Susan Esposito PT, DPT, NCS
William Dieter PT, DPT, GCS, FSOAE

Although most differences in outcomes were statistically insignificant, a measurable difference was evident that would likely be enhanced if the weighted vest was integrated into therapy over time.

Platform Presentation
(Thursday Feb 22, 3-5pm)

A Retrospective Data Analysis to Reduce Practice Variance: a Qualitative Review of Clinician Self-Reported Examination and Treatment Techniques for the Geriatric Patient

Authors:
Colleen Bowman PT, DPT, GCS
Jason DeCesari PT, DPT, GCS
William Dieter PT, DPT, GCS, FSOAE

Education level, advanced certifications, years of experience, and selected assessments/treatments alone do not produce better clinical outcomes. The equation may be more complicated.

Inherent patient demographics and dosage of care are likely part of the equation toward success. However, the most influential aspect may be the clinician’s focus on patient engagement, insight, and ability to synthesize and prioritize information.

Academy Of Geriatric Physical Therapy Town Hall and Coffee Hour
(Friday Feb 23,6:30-7:30am)

Ernest Morial Convention Center Room RO2

Attendees:
Dr. Dustin Jones,  PT, DPT, CSCS, RKC
Dr. Carole Lewis, DPT, GCS, GTC, MSG, PhD, FAPTA
Dr. Tim Fox, PT, DPT, GCS
Dr. Kathy Shirley,  PT, DPT, OCS, GCS
Joe Daniels, SPT
Aubrey Lamar, SPT

From AGPT: “What are the challenges facing #GeriatricPT and HOW can we overcome them? Grab a FREE coffee with Dustin Jones, Carole Lewis, Tim Fox, Kathy Shirley, Joe Daniels, & Aubrey Lamar, as they answer YOUR questions from their unique perspectives. Start your day right with a lively interactive session that’s sure to not disappoint!”

Poster Presentation
(Friday Feb 23, 1-3pm)

Implementation of an Evidence-Based Fall Reduction Program to Improve Functional Wellness of Older Adults in a Senior Living Community

Authors:
Andrew Harnish PT, DPT, NCS
William Dieter PT, DPT, GCS, FSOAE
Tiffany Shubert PT, PHD

Implementing an evidence-based fall reduction program into a senior living program has a positive effect on strength, balance, fall risk, gait speed, fall rate, hospitalizations, and amount of physical therapy intervention.

Educational Session
(Friday Feb 23, 3-5pm)

Functional Standards for Optimal Aging: The Moving Target

Authors:
William Dieter PT, DPT, GCS, FSOAE
Carole Lewis PT, DPT, GCS, GTC, MPA, MSG, PhD, FSOAE, FAPTA
Linda McAllister PT, GCS, CTC, CEAGN
Jessica Murdin PT, GCS, GTC, CEEAA, FSOAE

This session will present all the necessary information to perform, justify, and market a 30-minute performance-based functional assessment tool to be used with middle-aged and older adults to evaluate the key aspects of fitness central to optimal aging: body structure/posture, flexibility, static balance, dynamic balance and gait, endurance, and strength. All measures are evidence-based, and most include predictive analytics.

Attendees will learn the importance of these measures and will practice how to correctly perform the component tests and how to and explain the implications of these tests. Two audience members will be chosen for featured interviews. Practitioners will observe a case study and then recommend the appropriate course of action. Finally, the speakers will discuss marketing this tool to physicians and the community.

An article published in October 2016 in the American Heart Association journal Circulation set off a media frenzy because it proposed making cardiovascular fitness the sixth vital sign. However, the definition of physical fitness needs to be expanded beyond cardiovascular health to include all aspects of fitness that affect optimal aging. The Moving Target Screen (MTS), available online free of charge, is the only tool comprising 15 functional assessments used to measure the key components of optimal aging among middle-aged and older adults.

FOX Congratulates our GCS and OCS graduates!