Experts OnDemand: FreeWalk: Troubleshooting and Fabrication for Optimal Success

Experts OnDemand: FreeWalk: Troubleshooting and Fabrication for Optimal Success

Description

Lecture will review the design history of FreeWalk and other Stance Control Orthoses by reviewing their development relative to pathologic gait deficits and needs.The various design advantages and challenges will be compared to FreeWalk as well as the clinical implementation. The design function of FreeWalk will also be illustrated to show how the device is operated, fabricated, and optimized for clinical use.

Objectives

After successfully completing this training, attendees will be able to:

- Learners will review the gait cycle of normal human locomotion and the need for knee stabilization and release in relationship to stance.

- The intended design function of FreeWalk will be illustrated for clinical optimization and adjustment as well as patient selection using MMT, ROM, and evaluation techniques.

- Design limitations and challenges of FreeWalk will be discussed relative to other stance control designs as well as clinical troubleshooting and adjustment.

Instructors

Gerald Stark, PhD, MSEM, CPO/L, FAAOP(D)

Gerald Stark, Ph.D, MSEM, CPO/L, FAAOP(D) is the Orthotics Manager for Ottobock Healthcare based in Austin, Texas. He has written and presented numerous topics in O & P nationally and internationally. In his 27-year career he has held various administrative positions in Engineering, Clinical Care, Product Development, and Education. As well as mechanical engineering degree and Masters of Engineering Management, he holds a Ph.D in Organizational Learning and Leadership from the University of Tennessee of Chattanooga. He currently serves as Chair of the Research Council for the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. He has been honored as “Outstanding Engineering Alumni, “Outstanding Doctoral Student” and “Outstanding Clinical Educator” by his affiliated universities and the Academy.

Josée Mathieu, Clincial Specialist, Orthotics

Josée Mathieu graduated from Montmorency College in 2001 from the Prosthetics and Orthotics program in Québec. She worked at J.E.Hanger in Montreal for almost 10 years, and joined OPC in 2006. Josée spent two and half years in the Middle East, aiding war and landmind survivors. After returning from the Middle East, she lectured at both Merici and Montmorency College in Québec, while she worked at Prosthetics Rehab Center in Lanaudiere (Bouclier) before joining Ottobock in December of 2018.

Credits

• TBD

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact the Ottobock Education Team at US.Education@ottobock.com or call 800-328-4058.