This is one module in a series of modules presented by the a group of APTA sections: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section, and the Academy of Acute Care Management. 

Many of the patients who survive COVID-19 will demonstrate deficits in all major body systems. One system commonly overlooked is the genitourinary (GU) system. One component of the GU system is the pelvic floor diaphragm. The pelvic floor diaphragm, in conjunction with the respiratory diaphragm, act as a pressure regulator of the trunk. By regulating pressures, this group of muscles assists patients with breathing, posture, and movement. Because these are interventions that will be commonly implemented in therapy sessions for patients who survive COVID-19, it is imperative that physical therapists screen the GU system and integrity of the pelvic floor diaphragm. The purpose of this webinar is to provide a further understanding of the relationship between the respiratory and pelvic diaphragms and how to incorporate the pelvic floor into post-COVID-19 physical therapy sessions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the influence of how medical management of COVID-19 can impart changes on the thoracic cavity and abdominopelvic cavity, including pelvic floor.
2. Identify appropriate screening tools for incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction.
3. Implement appropriate interventions, including management of intra-abdominal pressures, to reduce bladder and bowel leakage and pelvic floor dysfunction.
4. Identify when to refer to a pelvic health physical therapist.

Course Instructions

1. Click on the Contents tab to watch the course recording.
2. Click the Take Quiz button to complete the assessment. Learners will have 3 attempts to pass and must answer at least 70% of questions correctly.
3. Click Fill Out Survey under the Evaluation listing to provide valuable course feedback. Scroll down on all questions as there may be answer options that expand past the size of the window.
4. Click the View/Print Your Certificate button under the Certificate listing. You can view/print your certificate at any time by visiting the APTA Learning Center and clicking the CEU Certificate/Transcript link on the left-hand side of the page. 

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