This course offers an in-depth exploration of gait disturbances resulting from various neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and peripheral neuropathies. Students will study the neurophysiological basis of normal and pathological gait, integrating knowledge of neuroanatomy, motor control, and functional biomechanics. The course emphasizes comprehensive gait assessment techniques including observational gait analysis, instrumented gait analysis, outcome measures, and standardized neurological scales. Case-based learning will allow students to interpret clinical signs, recognize compensatory mechanisms, and understand the impact of neurological dysfunction on ambulation, balance, and mobility.
Physiotherapy management forms the core of this course, with focus on evidence-based rehabilitation strategies aimed at restoring functional ambulation, improving safety, and enhancing quality of life. Interventions covered will include task-specific gait training, treadmill training with/without body weight support, neuromuscular facilitation techniques (PNF, Bobath/NDT), orthotic prescriptions, functional electrical stimulation, robotic-assisted gait training, and home-based mobility programs. Emphasis will be placed on clinical reasoning, goal setting, and interprofessional collaboration. Students will be trained to design individualized treatment plans tailored to different stages of neurological recovery, promoting participation and independence. The course encourages a patient-centered, functional, and progressive approach to gait rehabilitation with measurable outcomes.