Musculoskeletal changes occur with normal aging are common in the older adult population and may cause pain and reduced quality of life in aging adults. With advancing age, the frequency of musculoskeletal disease and the impact on activities of daily living, mobility and physical activity is increasingly detrimental. This presentation will discuss the effects of aging on the musculoskeletal system, review the examination of the aging adult to address the most frequent musculoskeletal diseases and related impairments, and provide interventions for the older adult with musculoskeletal disorders and functional limitations.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the course participant will be able to:

1. Recognize the normal changes that occur with aging in the musculoskeletal system.
2. Describe musculoskeletal pathologies that commonly occur in aging adults.
3. Select appropriate examination tests and measures for the aging adult with musculoskeletal impairment and functional mobility impairments.
4. Prescribe physical therapist interventions to minimize potential consequences of musculoskeletal pathologies that occur with aging and when possible, restore normal function.

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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