Pediatric Physical Therapy Course

Lesson 1 • Theoretical Frameworks for Pediatric PT

Introduces systems theory, dynamic systems theory, and ICF model as applied to pediatric practice. Frameworks guide clinical decision-making throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Introduction to Pediatric Clinical Settings

Surveys early intervention, school-based, outpatient, and acute care environments. Students identify setting-specific expectations before entering clinical chapters.

Lesson 3 • Typical Child Development Overview

Covers motor, cognitive, and sensory milestones from birth through adolescence. Provides the developmental baseline required for identifying delays and planning interventions.

Lesson 4 • Pediatric Anatomy and Physiology

Reviews musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary systems as they differ in children versus adults. Supports accurate clinical reasoning for age-appropriate treatment.

Lesson 1 • Gait and Movement Analysis in Children

Covers observational and instrumented gait analysis adapted for pediatric norms. Prepares students to identify pathological gait patterns and plan targeted interventions.

Lesson 2 • Standardized Developmental Assessments

Covers widely used norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tools for motor and functional assessment. Students learn administration, scoring, and interpretation for clinical decisions.

Lesson 3 • Functional and Participation Measures

Introduces tools measuring activity limitations and participation restrictions aligned with the ICF model. Bridges impairment-level findings to real-world functional goals.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Pediatric Examination

Establishes the clinical reasoning process for gathering history, observing posture, and planning assessment. Connects developmental knowledge to structured examination design.

Lesson 1 • Traumatic Brain Injury in Children

Addresses acute and long-term PT management following pediatric TBI across severity levels. Students adapt interventions to fluctuating cognition and motor recovery stages.

Lesson 2 • Cerebral Palsy: Classification and Assessment

Covers CP subtypes, GMFCS levels, and associated impairments to guide examination. Accurate classification directs intervention selection and goal prioritization.

Lesson 3 • Cerebral Palsy: Intervention Strategies

Presents evidence-based PT interventions including constraint-induced therapy, treadmill training, and orthotic management. Students match intervention intensity to GMFCS level.

Lesson 4 • Spina Bifida and Spinal Cord Conditions

Covers myelomeningocele, spinal cord injury, and related mobility impairments requiring PT. Students plan mobility, strengthening, and equipment interventions by lesion level.

Lesson 1 • Pediatric Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries

Addresses growth plate injuries, fracture healing, and post-immobilization rehabilitation in children. Students design progressive loading programs respecting pediatric bone biology.

Lesson 2 • Congenital Musculoskeletal Conditions

Covers clubfoot, developmental dysplasia of the hip, and torticollis from diagnosis through PT management. Early identification and intervention prevent long-term functional limitations.

Lesson 3 • Juvenile Arthritis and Inflammatory Conditions

Addresses joint protection, aquatic therapy, and exercise prescription for juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Students balance activity promotion with flare management and pain control.

Lesson 4 • Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities

Covers idiopathic and neuromuscular scoliosis screening, Cobb angle interpretation, and PT interventions. Students integrate bracing education and exercise into comprehensive spinal management.

Lesson 1 • Airway Clearance Techniques

Teaches manual and device-assisted airway clearance methods for conditions such as cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. Students select techniques based on age, diagnosis, and patient tolerance.

Lesson 2 • Asthma and Chronic Lung Disease in Children

Covers breathing retraining, exercise prescription, and education for pediatric asthma and chronic lung disease. Students design programs that improve fitness while minimizing exacerbation risk.

Lesson 3 • Cystic Fibrosis PT Management

Covers comprehensive PT for cystic fibrosis including airway clearance, exercise, and musculoskeletal complications. Students integrate pulmonary and physical fitness goals across disease stages.

Lesson 4 • Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology

Reviews age-specific respiratory mechanics, cardiac output, and exercise physiology in children. Provides the physiological basis for all cardiopulmonary PT interventions in this chapter.

Lesson 1 • Early Intervention Service Delivery

Explains early intervention eligibility, IFSP development, and natural environment service delivery. Students design routines-based interventions embedded in family daily activities.

Lesson 2 • NICU Environment and Developmental Care

Introduces the NICU context, infant behavioral cues, and developmentally supportive care principles. Students learn to modify the environment and handling to promote neurodevelopment.

Lesson 3 • Assessment of High-Risk Neonates

Covers neurological, motor, and feeding assessments for premature and medically fragile neonates. Accurate early assessment identifies infants requiring intensive developmental follow-up.

Lesson 4 • Transition from Early Intervention to Preschool

Addresses the transition process from early intervention to school-based services at age three. Students prepare families and coordinate with educational teams for seamless service continuity.

Lesson 1 • Therapeutic Exercise for Children

Covers strength, flexibility, endurance, and motor control exercise principles adapted for pediatric patients. Students design age-appropriate, engaging exercise programs targeting specific impairments.

Lesson 2 • Manual Therapy in Pediatric Practice

Introduces joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques, and myofascial release adapted for pediatric anatomy. Students apply graded manual techniques safely within pediatric tissue tolerance.

Lesson 3 • Orthotic and Assistive Device Management

Covers prescription, fitting, and training for AFOs, orthotics, walkers, and wheelchairs in pediatric PT. Students monitor device fit and function as children grow and functional needs change.

Lesson 4 • Technology-Assisted Interventions

Introduces robotics, virtual reality, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and biofeedback in pediatric PT. Students evaluate evidence and integrate technology to enhance motor learning outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Outcome Monitoring and Program Modification

Presents methods for tracking progress, interpreting minimal clinically important differences, and modifying treatment. Students use data to justify continuation, modification, or discharge decisions.

Lesson 2 • Evidence-Based Practice Fundamentals

Covers literature search, critical appraisal, and integration of research evidence with clinical expertise. Students apply EBP steps to justify intervention choices for pediatric patients.

Lesson 3 • Goal Setting and Treatment Planning

Teaches SMART goal writing, prioritization, and treatment plan construction for pediatric patients. Students align goals with family priorities, assessment findings, and participation outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Clinical Reasoning in Pediatric PT

Develops hypothesis-oriented clinical reasoning and diagnostic thinking for pediatric cases. Students integrate patient, family, and environmental factors into comprehensive clinical decisions.