Upon completion of this course, participants will:

• Gain knowledge of the history, development and theory behind dynamic bracing and the difference between DAFOs and traditional AFOs.
• Understand which gait deviations can be affected by bracing.
• Be able to evaluate a specific patient for bracing needs
• Be able to observe and catalog gait deviations that can be improved through bracing.
• Understand the significance of a patient’s level of voluntary control and relevant range of motion to the bracing plan.
• Be able to identify or describe the best functional position for bracing a given patient.
• Know what a brace is expected to do for a patient and how the patient will move or be supported in it.
• Be able to identify which patient presentation group(s) a given patient is in.
• Be able to identify a group of brace design choices most likely to provide good outcomes for a given patient.
• Be able to blend the needs of all clinical team members in choosing a bracing solution for the patient.

CINDY DIENER

Cindy E. Diener, CPO
Cindy has been with Cascade P&O and Cascade Dafo since 1994. Her path to orthotics and prosthetics began with an interest in physical therapy, which led her to volunteer at an amputee rehabilitation facility. Now managing Cascade’s Ferndale office, she combines her desire to help her patients gain their best mobility with teaching opportunities nationally and internationally. She is an expert in biomechanical assessment and pediatric bracing. In her spare time, Cindy loves to hit the trails with her four horses. (University of Washington, 1994)