Therapeutic Evaluation & Treatment of Toe-Walking (Pediatric Equinus Gait)

Therapeutic Evaluation & Treatment of Toe-Walking (Pediatric Equinus Gait) is organized by Texas Children's Hospital and will be held from May 02 - 03, 2026 at Texas Children's Hospital Leopold Meyer Bldg., Houston, Texas, United States of America.

Course Description:
This course clearly explains the significant components of evaluation and treatment of pediatric gait in a clinically-relevant manner. Flaws of a “wait and see” approach will be discussed, while supporting proactive and preventive intervention with proposed methods for deliberate, realistic and effective intervention for pediatric gait. The increased prevalence of developmental delay will be considered, with proposed etiologies, assessment of pre-gait skill performance, related orthopedic consequences, and the future effects of this diagnosis on postural control and ambulation. Neuroplasticity, and the opportunities it provides for therapists, is explained. Orthopedic development is presented as it concerns appropriate development of an adequate base of support and assessment of the pediatric lower quarter. In summary, participants will leave with skills and treatment tools to immediately put into practice.

Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the effects of delayed ambulation
2. Describe the benefits of proactive and preventive intervention for pediatric gait
3. Consider principles of neuroplasticity when considering intervention to increase mobility
4. Apply a segmental approach to assessment of the pediatric lower quarter
5. Understand the principles of orthopedic development as related to performance of pediatric gait
6. Utilize pediatric lower extremity and foot anatomy assessments to determine appropriate interventions