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Connecting the Ground and Airway Through Arm Swing

Adult Airway and Sleep Disorders

Presented by: Louise Kelley,  PT, DPT, PRC

Original Presentation Date: September 24, 2021

Take the Course This course is available for CE Credit as a "Members Only" benefit. Not a Member? CLICK HERE to learn more about AAOSH Membership.

Course Description:

In this course, participants will explore the intricate relationship between arm swings and physiological factors such as respiratory mechanics, airway efficacy, and body movement. The session will explore the interplay between heel strike, trunk movement, and lung compression, elucidating their role in propelling the body forward. It will detail how habitual walking and breathing patterns influence the position and movement of crucial body structures like the scapula, clavicle, and rib cage, impacting arm swing and airway function. Attendees will learn practical activities that leverage ground sense, diaphragm position, and rib cage movement to optimize arm swing and airway performance. Through case studies, participants will grasp the connection between sub-optimal arm swing and objective findings related to airway position and function.

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize distinct characteristics indicating sub-optimal arm swing and its implications for airway functionality, identifying asymmetry, amplitude, and direction in arm swing patterns.
  • Understand the intricate relationship between the shift in the body's center of mass and habitual breathing patterns during walking, elucidating the influence of body movement on respiratory mechanics.
  • Appreciate the integral role of physical therapy in enhancing interdisciplinary treatment outcomes, relating arm swing optimization to overall patient well-being and therapeutic interventions.
  • Apply knowledge from case studies to objectively assess and discern correlations between sub-optimal arm swing and specific findings related to airway positioning and performance, emphasizing the clinical significance of arm swing assessment in patient care.

Speaker Bio:

Louise Kelley, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Postural Restoration Certified professional, graduated from Emory University School of Medicine in 1989. Her diverse career includes early work in inpatient rehab, focusing on stroke, amputation, and spinal cord injury patients. Over the years, she has excelled in various outpatient settings in Washington, DC, from spinal rehab to women's health, chronic pain, and sports performance. Embracing the concept of the interconnectedness of the human body, Louise is an advocate of the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) methodology, which she has introduced not only to her patients but also to numerous athletic teams involved in various sports. Her commitment to advancing her knowledge led her to become Postural Restoration Certified, sharing her expertise by mentoring colleagues across multiple disciplines. She teaches courses such as Postural Respiration, Cervical Revolution, and Advanced Integration. Louise has contributed to trigger point dry-needling publications and presented on topics like "Connecting Ground Sense and the Airway Through Arm Swing" in AAPMD Collaboration Cures in 2021.