Toe Walking: Orthotic & Gait Rehabilitation with OSKAR (Optimal Segment Kinematics and Alignment Approach to Rehabilitation)

Toe Walking: Orthotic & Gait Rehabilitation with OSKAR (Optimal Segment Kinematics and Alignment Approach to Rehabilitation)DESCRIPTION This webinar will focus on the potential of orthotic management and functional gait training, for children who present with idiopathic toe walking. It will review assessments, identification of exclusion criteria and indications for referral to other members of the interdisciplinary team. The short and long term goals of orthotic management and how to achieve them with optimal design, alignment and dosage will be described. Clinical

DESCRIPTION
This webinar will focus on the potential of orthotic management and functional gait training, for children who present with idiopathic toe walking. It will review assessments, identification of exclusion criteria and indications for referral to other members of the interdisciplinary team. The short- and long-term goals of orthotic management and how to achieve them with optimal design, alignment and dosage will be described. Clinical algorithms to facilitate decision making, will be presented, together with the principles of OSKAR functional gait training and motor learning programs.

LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Describe the essential concepts of the Optimal Segmental Kinematics and Alignment approach to Rehabilitation, OSKAR, and its relevance to idiopathic toe walking
2. Demonstrate the assessments required to determine the optimum alignment of the sagittal angle of the ankle in an AFO and use of a clinical algorithm
3. Demonstrate use of a clinical algorithm for designing, aligning and tuning AFO and footwear prescriptions
4. Distinguish the different treatment pathways for children who have a typical length of calf muscle for age, compared to those with short calf muscle.
5. Discuss OSKAR functional gait training and motor learning programs with orthoses

INSTRUCTOR
Elaine Owen, MBE, MSc, SRP, MCSP

AUDIENCE
Physical Therapists working with acquired or childhood-onset disability in adulthood and Physical Therapist Assistants. Other professionals working in pediatrics have also found the content relevant and valuable.

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will watch the on-demand recording in its entirety and complete an assessment and feedback module in the Academy Learning Portal. You will have three months from the date of purchase to complete and review the course material. You will receive a reminder email two weeks before the expiration date.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Physical Therapists: The Illinois Physical Therapy Board has approved this course for 1.0 Contact Hours.  Approval #216-000069

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 1.0 Contact Hours on 2/6/2026.

Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.

DISCLOSURES
Course Director’s and Planning Committee Members’ Disclosure Information:
Julie Lenkiewicz, MS, CCC-SLP                                        Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Kolski, PT, OCS, Dip MDT                                  Has nothing to disclose.
Leslie Marriott, OT                                                            Has nothing to disclose.
Pamela Pfeifer, MS, RN, NPD-BC                                    Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists’ Disclosure Information:
Elaine Owen, MBE, MSc, SRP, MCSP                                Has nothing to disclose.

ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.