Footdrop secondary to any number of diagnoses is a common presentation in many PT facilities. What's not commonly known is that there are two different types of footdrop. One type retains function of the calf group so is still propulsive, while the other presents with concurrent dysfunction of the calf group and is therefore forced to achieve propulsion through proximal compensatory mechanisms. Soft tissue injuries to the lower quarter such as insertional Achilles tendinopathy are also common presentations in many PT facilities. Many of these patients are apropulsive secondary to pain limitations on gait function. This course presents an overview of the propulsive phase of gait and the compensations that occur when propulsion is not possible. Orthotic and rehabilitation interventions are then presented that are designed to assist patients in overcoming the lack of propulsion to restore more normal dynamic propulsive stable gait.

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to -
* Define apropulsive gait as it applies to both neuro- and ortho- related patient groups.
* Select the most appropriate orthotic intervention to help restore propulsion to the gait cycle.
* Prescribe rehab protocols to optimize gait outcomes and restore subcortical stability during gait.