Balance, Gait, and Vestibular Management

About this course

Advanced techniques for balance disorders and gait training

Learning objectives

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system and its role in postural control and functional performance.
• Explain the integration of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems in maintaining balance during functional activities.
• Select and administer standardized balance assessment tools including the Berg Balance Scale, BESS, mCTSIB, and Mini-BESTest.
• Differentiate between normal and pathological gait patterns and identify common gait deviations affecting functional mobility.
• Administer and interpret gait assessment tools including TUG, 10MWT, DGI, and Functional Gait Assessment.
• Describe the diagnosis and repositioning maneuvers for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
• Distinguish between central and peripheral vestibular disorders and their clinical presentations.
• Design evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation programs incorporating habituation, adaptation, and substitution exercises.
• Implement progressive balance training interventions based on current evidence and clinical practice guidelines.
• Integrate fall risk assessment findings into comprehensive prevention strategies across healthcare settings.

Course outline (14 modules)

1. M1Course Objectives & Financial Disclosures
2. M2Anatomy and Physiology of the Vestibular System
3. M3Balance System Integration: Visual, Vestibular, Somatosensory
4. M4Standardized Balance Assessment Tools (Berg, BESS, mCTSIB, FGA, Mini-BESTest)
5. M5Gait Analysis: Normal vs. Pathological Gait Patterns
6. M6Gait Assessment Tools (TUG, 10MWT, DGI, FAC, FGA)
7. M7Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Diagnosis and Repositioning Maneuvers
8. M8Central vs. Peripheral Vestibular Disorders
9. M9Vestibular Rehabilitation: Habituation, Adaptation, Substitution Exercises
10. M10Balance Training Interventions: Evidence-Based Progressions
11. M11Fall Risk Assessment and Prevention Strategies
12. M12Special Populations: Geriatric Balance, Post-Concussion, Bilateral Vestibulopathy
13. M13Outcomes Measurement and Discharge Planning for Balance Disorders
14. M14References