The Evaluation and Treatment of Upper Limb Ataxia is a 3-hour video continuing education (CE) course for Occupational Therapists (OTs) that provides a detailed overview of ataxia and an exploration of available interventions for the treatment of upper limb ataxia.
Part one of the course reviews the three main types (sensory, vestibular, and cerebellar) of ataxia and discusses the symptoms of each. This is followed by a discussion on the three main causes of ataxia. This course focuses on Cerebellar Ataxia and the physiological symptoms that are associated with it. The instructor takes time to explain the role of the cerebellum in motor synchronization and presents many case studies to exemplify the effects of ataxia on a person’s ability to participate in activities of daily living (ADLs). This is accompanied by a detailed explanation of the mechanics of performing tasks involving balance, equilibrium, and motor planning. The instructor reviews available assessments and screening procedures and provides instructions for performing positional screenings, including finger tests and pen and paper tasks.
In parts two and three the instructor offers detailed information on the two approaches to treatment of upper limb ataxia – restoration (remediation) and compensation (off-setting difficulties). Part two focuses on proximal interventions while part three focuses on distal interventions. Case studies are used to demonstrate patient progress using the strategies discussed. The evidence-based research behind each intervention underscores all information provided. The instructor stresses the importance and value of core, trunk, and postural exercises and highlights the use of oculomotor training. The use of virtual reality and exergames for coordinative training is also examined. The instructor ends the course by sharing information on the types of products available to support clients with daily activities of living, such as dressing, grooming, and eating.
Outline
- Section 1: Evaluation of Upper Limb Ataxia
- Section 2: Treatment of Upper Limb Ataxia, Proximal
- Section 3: Treatment of Upper Limb Ataxia, Distal
Course #31-56 | 2025 | 3-hour video + handouts | 20 posttest questions
Course Instructor
Elizabeth Foss, OTR/L, FAS, has been a practicing occupational therapist for 15 years. She specializes in working with neuromuscular populations within the inpatient acute rehabilitation setting. Since graduating from Midwestern University, Elizabeth has worked in various subacute rehabilitation facilities across the Chicago-land area including specialties in orthopedic, psychiatric, and neurorehabilitation. She has also worked within home health settings. Elizabeth presented at the National Ataxia Foundation and John Hopkins Ataxia Center. She also provides educational courses on balance training for Cerebellar Ataxia, neuromuscular re-education for balance retrieval, upper limb ataxia, cooling for Multiple Sclerosis, and upper extremity motor recovery after stroke. Elizabeth served as clinical instructor for 13 years and received The University of Chicago Bea Wade Award for Clinical Education and The Governors State University Clinical Instructor Excellence Award. Elizabeth is certified in LSVT BIG, Otaga, stroke rehabilitation, and Tai-Chi. She is a Certified Functional Aging Specialist and an Older Adult Exercise Consultant. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys creating content for her YouTube Channel, Little Steps, Big Gains, watching European soccer, and spending time with her four dogs.
For more information, please visit her website: Little Steps, Big Gains
Course Directions
This video course provides instant access to the course videos, handouts, and the CE test. The CE test is open book (you can print the test to mark your answers on it while watching the course videos).
Successful completion of this course involves passing an online test (80% required, 3 chances to take) and we ask that you also complete a brief course evaluation.
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Professional Development Resources is a nonprofit educational corporation 501(c)(3) organized in 1992. We are approved to sponsor continuing education by the American Psychological Association (APA); the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA); the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR); the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy; the Florida Boards of Social Work, Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology & School Psychology, Dietetics & Nutrition, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy Practice; the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy; the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135); the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board and Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors & MFTs; the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists and State Board of Social Worker Examiners; and are CE Broker compliant (all courses are reported within a few days of completion).
PDR offers over 150 accredited online CE courses for healthcare professionals.
Target Audience: Psychologists, School Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists (MFTs), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and Teachers
Enjoy 20% off all online continuing education (CE/CEU) courses @pdresources.org! Click here for details.
