Beverly (Billi) Cusick begins this pre-recorded program with an explanation of the controversy over the issue of W-sitting and the related state of evidence to support both sides of the issue. Bringing the sciences of full-term neonatal posture and bone geometry to the discussion, she relates the typical hip neonatal and knee joint alignments to typical strategies used to acquire the ring-sitting position.
Billi will then discuss the pathomechanics and pathokinesiology inherent in habitual and prolonged W-Sitting with legs and feet in lateral rotation, i.e. W-Sit-LR. She will discuss the physiologic adaptation of soft tissues, bones, and joints to routine use, and the condition known as “miserable malalignment syndrome.”
The presentation targets children with potential orthopedic issues and ligament laxity although the principles pertain to children with cerebral palsy.
Billi concludes with an extensive list of ideas for researchers.
This course is pre-recorded and may be accessed at any time.
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Once you have registered, you will have 60 days to review the course material. Each section must be completed before moving on to the next, but you can review any completed section at any time.
In addition to offering a substantial investment in your professional development, the W-Sitting Controversy online course delivers 1.5 contact hours of Cusick-level content.
Certificates will be emailed within 2 weeks of course completion to those who complete all sessions, record 80% or better on all quizzes, and submit their online evaluation.
For Physical Therapists: The W-Sitting Controversy course has been approved for 1.5 contact hours and CEUs in multiple states (39 as of this date) by Redefine Health Education, Inc. For a list of approved states, visit their website. If you are in a state not listed, Redefine Health Education will assist you in applying for individual approval. You will receive two certificates — one recognizing your course completion, and one documenting the CEU approval.
For Orthotists: The W-Sitting course has been approved for 1.75 scientific contact hours by ABC.
For Occupational Therapists: We are an AOTA approved provider. The application for AOTA approval for this course is in process.
Total Contact Hours: 1.5
Note: Course access is limited to 60 days from the date of purchase.
By the end of the W-Sitting webinar, the participant will be able to:
Explain the biomechanical benefit that typical full-term newborn alignment of the leg and foot brings to the independent acquisition of the ring-sitting position.
Name three of the hip muscles used by typical infants to drive and decelerate the transitions between ring-sitting and quadruped positions.
Compare the triplane alignment of the femoral head and neck axis (HNA) in ring sitting and in W-sitting positions.
Discuss the influence of W-sitting-LR on the incidence of lateral weight shifts of the torso in play.
Describe the rotary forces applied to the femur during transitions between W-Sitting-LR and kneel-standing positions.
Discuss the status of evidence regarding the contributions of habitual W-Sit-LR to musculoskeletal problems after childhood.
Describe the condition of the long bones and knee joints in “miserable malalignment syndrome.”
Explain the science that associates habitual, prolonged W-sitting-LR with miserable malalignment syndrome.
Distinguish between common advice and kinesiologically healthy alternatives to W-Sitting.
Target audience: Practicing clinicians and students of pediatric physical therapy, orthotics, rehabilitation medicine, and orthopedics.
Level: Intermediate. Clinicians are expected to know neuromusculoskeletal anatomy, kinesiology, and the physiology of adaptation-to-use-history.
CEUs
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Introduction: The Dispute
Typical Features of Newborn Lower Extremity Alignment
Musculoskeletal Components of Ring-Sitting Acquisition and Position Transitions
Biomechanical Factors
Physiologic Adaptation - Muscle & Fascia
Modeling Mechanisms
Miserable Malalignment Syndrome
W-Sitting: Discourage or Ignore?
Examining Common Interventions
Strategies for Indoor Play
Beverly (Billi) Cusick PT, MS, NDT, COF/BOC is an internationally known pediatric physical therapist whose specialty is the orthopedic development and orthotic management of children with cerebral palsy and other neuromotor deficits.
She has been teaching these and related topics since 1978 - including presentations by invitation for the APTA, AACPDM, AOPA, and AAOP and more than 460 full programs and workshops worldwide.
Ms. Cusick received her BS in PT from Bouve College at Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 1972, and her MS in Clinical and College Teaching for Allied Health Professionals from the University of Kentucky in Lexington in 1988. She is an Associate Professor for the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions – Pediatrics Program – Provo, Utah (2006-present) and is NDT basic- and baby-trained.
Inclusion/Non-Discrimination Statement
Progressive GaitWays LLC and the Cusick Center for Learning do not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, provision of training services, products, or consultations to rehabilitation clinicians such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, orthotists, and physical therapy assistants. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all attendees, colleagues, clients, and vendors.
