Rebecca "Bex" Ahrns
PT, DPT
Rebecca received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Grand Valley State University in 2017. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow in rehabilitation research at Western University's Department of Physical Therapy Education–Oregon where she also teaches in pediatric and lifespan development courses. She previously practiced for over seven years in outpatient pediatric physical therapy in Alaska where she treated children with diverse and complex needs and served as department manager.
Dr. Ahrns holds certifications in Vestibular and Concussion Rehabilitation and APTA Clinical Instruction. She now contributes to research on infant development of postural control and 2-dimensional video analysis of gait kinematics in-clinic and at-home. She is assuming a leadership role for a new research project examining infant postural control development and babywearing.
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS | Co-presenting with Sandra Saaved
Please note: Review of the Echo TIES Introduction to SATCo video prior to these sessions is strongly recommended
01:08:19
YouTube
2.22.23 INTRODUCTION TO THE SEGMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF TRUNK CONTROL (SATCO) IN EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS
Sandra Saavedra, PT, PhD Pediatric Researcher Professor at Western University of Health Sciences in Lebanon, Oregon Denise Swensen PT, DPT Prince George's County Public Schools, Maryland Session Description: The Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) is the only current measure that determines the stability of discrete levels of trunk control in children with motor disabilities. This ECHO TIES session will provide a brief overview of the SATCo and the application of strategies to assist
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SESSION ONE
From Assessment to Action: Using SATCo to Guide Segmental Support
and Positioning
and Positioning
Interactive workshop with hands‑on practice, video analysis, and guided clinical decision‑making.
Description
This collaborative workshop demonstrates how to translate assessment findings from Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) into effective segmental support and positioning strategies. Through hands-on practice, video analysis, and guided clinical decision making, attendees will learn to identify precise levels of trunk control and apply targeted positioning techniques that enhance function and participation across pediatric settings.
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SESSION TWO
Stability for Learning: Using Segmental Positioning to Support Development
in Early Childhood
in Early Childhood
Research-informed session demonstrating how SATCo-guided segmental positioning enhances engagement and functional participation in infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children through practical strategies, case examples, and emerging early-childhood evidence.
Description
This 60-minute session will share how SATCo guided segmental positioning supports functional participation in infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Participants will learn how targeted trunk support enhances stability, engagement, and access to learning. Emphasis will be placed on the role of postural control as a foundation for cascading development across domains. Practical scenarios highlight strategies for applying segmental positioning in daily routines and introduce emerging evidence of its effectiveness in early childhood.
This 60-minute session will share how SATCo guided segmental positioning supports functional participation in infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Participants will learn how targeted trunk support enhances stability, engagement, and access to learning. Emphasis will be placed on the role of postural control as a foundation for cascading development across domains. Practical scenarios highlight strategies for applying segmental positioning in daily routines and introduce emerging evidence of its effectiveness in early childhood.
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SESSION THREE
Beyond Sitting: SATCo, Segmental Positioning, and Functional Participation
Across K–12 and Beyond
Across K–12 and Beyond
Interactive lecture with case examples and video illustration.
Description
This 60‑minute session will explore the use of the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) to guide segmental positioning in children across K–12, with emphasis on the impact of trunk support on fine motor performance and communication. Video and case examples will illustrate how changes in segmental support influence functional participation in classroom and learning environments. The session will also address practical modifications of SATCo and segmental positioning principles for adolescent and adult populations, supporting continuity of clinical reasoning across the lifespan.