HOSA Physical Therapy Mega Cards

Pediatrics

Focuses on the rehabilitation, growth, and development of children from birth to adolescence.

Pediatric physical therapy

Addresses developmental delays, congenital conditions, orthopedic issues, and neurological impairments.

Older Adults

Focuses on age-related physical changes, rehabilitation after surgeries or injuries, and the management of chronic conditions.

Mobility challenges

Older adults often face mobility challenges, frailty, and comorbidities that affect their overall health and well-being.

Developmental Milestones

Physical therapists evaluate and treat children according to developmental milestones in areas like motor skills, posture, balance, and coordination.

Infancy (0-1 year)

Developing head control, rolling, crawling, and beginning to sit. Walking, running, climbing, and improved coordination.

Toddlerhood (1-3 years)

Walking, running, climbing, and improved coordination

Preschool (3-5 years)

Improved balance, jumping, hopping, and fine motor skills. Increased strength, endurance, and refined motor skills.

School Age (6-12 years)

Increased strength, endurance, and refined motor skills.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

A group of neurological disorders that affect motor skills, balance, and posture.

Spina Bifida

A congenital condition affecting the spinal cord, leading to lower limb paralysis.

Developmental Delays

Delay in reaching motor milestones, which may be due to genetic or environmental factors.

Torticollis

A condition where a baby's head tilts to one side due to tightness in the neck muscles.

Fractures and Injuries

Often from falls, sports injuries, or accidents

Genetic Disorders

Conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy affecting muscle strength and motor function.

Motor Skill Development

Aimed at improving gross and fine motor skills

Posture and Alignment

Correcting posture to improve mobility and prevent long-term complications.

Strengthening Exercises

To help build muscle strength, especially in conditions like CP or after an injury.

Balance and Coordination

Focus on exercises that improve balance and prevent falls

Adaptive Equipment

Use of orthoses, walkers, or wheelchairs for mobility and support.

Family-Centered Approach

Family involvement is critical in pediatric physical therapy, with parents and caregivers reinforcing exercises at home.

Developmental Screening

Use standardized developmental milestones to assess gross and fine motor skills.

Observational Assessments

Assess posture, gait, and movement patterns to guide treatment plans

Functional Movement Assessments

Evaluate a child's ability to perform everyday tasks, such as climbing stairs, getting up from a sitting position, and walking.

Pain and Discomfort Assessments

Evaluate how pain or discomfort affects mobility, growth, and functional abilities.

Parent and Caregiver Reports

Collect feedback from parents regarding home environment challenges and their child's performance in day-to-day activities.

Developmental Exercises

Encourage the child to perform movements that promote strength, coordination, and overall motor development.

Therapeutic Play

Use play as a tool for therapy, incorporating games that encourage physical movement and social interaction.

Tummy Time

A technique for infants to promote optimal development.

Supported Sitting

A technique for children with neurological conditions to promote optimal development.

Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)

braces used to support, control, or correct the position and motion of the ankle and foot

Wheelchairs and Walkers

Devices that assist with mobility in children with significant motor impairments.

Aquatic Therapy

Water-based exercises that help with coordination, balance, and muscle strengthening.

Low-Resistance Exercises

Exercises incorporated to improve muscle strength and endurance without overloading developing bodies.

Family Education

Guidance provided to parents on exercises to perform at home and tips for promoting independence.

Musculoskeletal Decline

Loss of muscle mass and bone density leading to frailty and increased risk of fractures in older adults.

Reduced Balance and Coordination

Difficulty maintaining balance in older adults due to slowed sensory processing.

Chronic Conditions

Conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases impacting mobility and function in older adults.

Cognitive Decline

Decline in cognitive function, such as dementia or Alzheimer's, requiring specialized therapy approaches.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness.

Parkinson's Disease

A neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and coordination.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Physical therapy that helps in regaining motor control and improving functional independence after a stroke.

Fractures

Injuries that older adults are more prone to due to osteoporosis and falls.

Gait and Balance Disorders

Conditions where aging impacts gait, increasing the risk of falls and reducing mobility.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal that causes pain and stiffness.

Balance and Fall Prevention

Teachings and tool given to patients, caregivers and PT’s to prevent falls

Joint Protection and Mobility

Methods to reduce pain and improve joint mobility, especially in conditions like osteoarthritis.

Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Focus on regaining independence through strengthening, motor control, and coordination exercises after a stroke.

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

Improving endurance and stamina in cases of cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions.

Timed Up and Go (TUG) test

A tool used to evaluate functional mobility and risk for falls.

Berg Balance Scale

A tool used to evaluate functional mobility and risk for falls.

Six-Minute Walk Test

A test used to assess functional mobility and endurance.

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

A tool used to screen for cognitive impairments.

Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

A tool used to assess pain levels and how it impacts daily activities.

Progressive Resistance Exercises (PRE)

Exercises that help improve muscle mass and bone density, focusing on large muscle groups.

Tai Chi and Yoga

Gentle movements and balance exercises that help improve coordination, flexibility, and posture.

Balance Training Devices

Tools like balance boards or the BOSU ball used to improve stability and reduce fall risk.

Endurance Training

Training aimed at improving cardiovascular health and stamina.

Walking Programs

Encouraging daily walking can improve cardiovascular health and stamina.

Cycling

Using stationary bikes or regular cycling helps improve leg strength and cardiovascular fitness.

Gait Training

Work on proper walking mechanics to improve stride length, reduce shuffling, and improve postural alignment.

Joint Protection Techniques

Methods to reduce strain on joints during activities.

Ergonomics

Advise older adults on proper body mechanics for lifting, bending, and daily activities to reduce strain on joints.

Orthotics and Assistive Devices

Provide support through devices like walkers, canes, or braces to help improve mobility and reduce pain.

Pain Management

Use modalities such as heat, cold, and electrical stimulation for pain relief and tissue healing.

Education

Teach older adults techniques to manage chronic conditions and prevent falls, such as home modifications and proper footwear.

Prognosis and Outcomes

The expected outcome of a condition based on various factors.

Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST)

A widely used assessment to evaluate the development of infants and toddlers from birth to 6 years old.

What It Tells Us (DDST)

Provides information about whether a child is meeting typical developmental milestones or if there are potential delays that need to be addressed.

Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS)

A standardized observational scale used to assess gross motor development in infants from birth to 18 months.

What It Tells Us (AIMS)

Provides insight into the infant's motor skills and any delays in gross motor development.

Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS-2)

An assessment tool that evaluates a child's motor development across six subtests.

What It Tells Us (PDMS-2)

Used to determine developmental delay in motor skills.

Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)

This scale is used to assess the gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy.

What It Tells Us (GMFM)

Helps to quantify functional movement and track improvement or decline in motor function in children with neuromuscular disorders.

What It Tells Us (TUG)

The TUG test is used to assess mobility, balance, and fall risk.

Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

This 14-item scale evaluates balance through activities such as standing, reaching, and stepping. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale.

Berg Balance Scale (BBS) Risk Assessment

The BBS assesses the risk of falls in older adults. A score below 45/56 is associated with a higher risk of falls and indicates that the individual may need a tailored balance training program.

Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

The patient is instructed to walk as far as possible in six minutes on a flat, unobstructed surface. The distance covered is recorded.

Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) Purpose

This test assesses the endurance and functional capacity of a patient. It is commonly used to monitor progress in patients with cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions and can help determine the need for endurance training.

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) Function

Provides a score that helps assess cognitive function in older adults. A lower score suggests more significant cognitive decline, which may impact physical therapy goals and interventions.

Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Pain

The VAS is a pain assessment tool where patients rate their pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). It can be used before and after treatments to assess pain intensity.

Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Purpose

Helps the therapist understand the patient's pain level, guiding the intensity and type of therapy to be used. Pain management and reduction are key components of treatment for older adults.

Hand Grip Strength Test

The patient uses a handgrip dynamometer to measure grip strength in both hands. The highest reading from each hand is recorded.

Hand Grip Strength Test Purpose

Measures muscle strength, particularly in the upper limbs. Decreased grip strength can indicate frailty or weakness in older adults, which informs treatment for strengthening exercises.

Motor Function in Pediatrics

The GMFM helps monitor progress in children with cerebral palsy or other motor disabilities, allowing therapists to track improvements in mobility and adjust therapeutic interventions accordingly.

Strength and Coordination Assessment

Tools like the PDMS-2 identify deficits in motor skills, guiding treatment to enhance strength, balance, and coordination.

Fall Risk Assessment in Older Adults

Scales like TUG, BBS, and the 6MWT help assess an older adult's risk of falling and ability to perform daily activities.

Endurance Assessment in Older Adults

The 6MWT gives insight into cardiovascular health and endurance, guiding recommendations for aerobic exercise programs.

Cognitive Function Assessment

The MMSE and other cognitive tests inform the therapist if there are cognitive impairments that may affect the ability to follow instructions or engage in therapy, and adaptations are made accordingly.

Pain Management Assessment

The VAS allows the therapist to tailor treatment intensity to the patient's pain levels, modifying techniques and modalities to minimize discomfort and improve function.

AIMS & GMFM

Assess gross motor function and skill development.

Timed Up and Go (TUG)

Assesses mobility and fall risk in older adults.

the integument

largest organ of the body, ranging from 1-4mm thick, consisting of two layers: epidermis & dermis; serves as a protective organ, temperature control, & provides sensory information.

the epidermis

very thin (0.06-0.1mm) layer of skin, with the stratum corneum as the most superficial layer and the basal cell layer where epidermis & dermis meet; contains hair follicles, sebaceous glands, & sweat glands; thicker on palms of hands & soles of feet.

the dermis

fibrous & elastic connective tissue consisting of a papillary layer that connects with the epidermis as ridges for protection, and a reticular layer with densely bundled collagen fibers; contains nerves & blood vessels and provides sensory information regarding pain, temperature, & tactile stimuli.

subcutaneous tissue

loose connective tissue with various amounts of adipose tissue that binds skin to the organ beneath it and allows movement without displacement of damage.

wound healing

process consisting of three phases: inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling.

Inflammatory phase

initiates repair of damaged tissue, involves vasoconstriction & fibrin clotting followed by vasodilation, macrophages battle infection, and causes pain from chemical mediators exposed to nerves; lasts about 2 weeks.

Proliferative phase

characterized by the production of new collagen, rebuilding & strengthening of the wound site, angiogenesis, and wound contractions.