#7317 The Thoracic Cage: Putting the Pieces together for Oral, Pharyngeal and Respiratory Function

#7317 The Thoracic Cage: Putting the Pieces together for Oral, Pharyngeal and Respiratory Function is organized by MotivationsCEU.

Description:
This 2-hour webinar will identify significant changes in thoracic cage alignment, mobility, stability, and musculature activity and their influences on oral, pharyngeal, and respiratory function in typically-developing infants and in infants and young children with neuromuscular system challenges. The thoracic cage (i.e., the rib cage, shoulder girdle complex, and upper extremities) modifies in its alignment and musculature activity connecting the head and neck with the pelvis/hips/lower extremities while providing a foundation for oral and pharyngeal movements and greater respiratory depth and sustained control as well as their integration into functional activities (e.g., feeding, swallowing, sound production, play). When providing pediatric evaluation and treatment services, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists must include the thorough analysis of and the incorporation of strategies addressing impairments of thoracic cage alignment and musculature activity as a means for reaching each individual child’s functional outcomes.

Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Identify specific changes in the alignment, mobility, stability, and musculature activity of the thoracic cage which significantly impact on oral, pharyngeal, and respiratory function in typically-developing infants.
2. Recognize impairments of the thoracic cage and its musculature activity that significantly impact on oral, pharyngeal, and respiratory function in infants and young children with neuromuscular system challenges.
3. Connect the importance of incorporating strategies directed toward impairments of the thoracic cage and its musculature activity as a foundation for working towards functional outcomes in feeding, swallowing, sound production, and play.