I traveled to Australia in February 2025 to teach TASES Level 1 and Level 2 courses. While in Australia, I realized that TASES is evolving and reaching its potential. As the brilliant Judy Carmick, PT, always said to me and other students, “Try it, tell us what you see, and then we learn from each other.” Well, I learned the following from all of you…
These classes offer more than just a “how to” use NMES with children. TASES courses emphasize typical development, ideal alignment, facilitation, and motor learning of movement patterns. As therapists, we can influence all of these fundamental areas of the children we work with through the proper application of functional electric stimulation. Additionally, we explore how children can be affected by other interventions we might include, such as bracing, strapping, and positioning. A multi-modal approach to therapy is optimal. For instance, we may see a child standing with a forward flexed posture and somewhat on his toes with his knees bent. We evaluate them and determine which muscle groups we should help activate first to improve alignment. Is he really on his toes, or is he actually crouched? We first focus on their static posture while sitting, then move to the sit-to-stand transition, followed by static standing. Once we have a solid ability to help with the best standing posture, we progress to weight shifts and, eventually, to gait. Functionality, task specificity, and patient goals drive our sessions. This marks the beginning of TASES learning in the Level 1 class. In the scenario mentioned above, we began TASES by activating the gluteus maximus at the pelvis for sitting. We added TASES to the calves for tibial shaft alignment in standing. We recognize that starting with good alignment is essential as muscles activate more easily when properly aligned.
In level 2, we incorporate our current knowledge and expertise and further analyze and review basic gross anatomy and functional anatomy. We learn to apply more advanced treatment options, including TASES to the core musculature, the trunk, the shoulder and pelvis girdles, and specifics of switch activation for gait. As one colleague said, we are going from cooks to chefs. Using our knowledge and expertise, we start to master the application of electric stimulation in children based on task specificity, what the body needs, and patient goals.
Adding TASES to a complete therapy plan is a game-changer for the therapist and the patient. Taking these classes in person in a group setting is a fantastic opportunity and experience for everyone. Teaching these classes is a blessing and a privilege. I am honored to be the teacher.
Thank you for your participation.
Mirav Newman PT DPT