ANPT – Academy for Neurologic Physical Therapy Podcast

Join Kristen Cezat and Casey Kandilakis in this episode as we are joined by Dr. Chad Swank and Dr. Dannae Arnold to discuss their recent publication titled: Overground Robotic Exoskeleton Gait Training in People With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury During Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Randomized Control Trial published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2025 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003999325006756

In this episode, we bring together a panel of guests to discuss neurologic physical therapy residencies. Host Chris Burke talks to ANPT RF SIG chair Christina Platko, along with DD SIG volunteers Madison Catalano, a residency graduate, and our very own podcast intern, Ayesha Sawnani, a PT student interested in residency. From logistics of applying to tips on knowing what to look for in a residency, this is the perfect listen for prospective residents as you start your search!  If you are listening around our publishing date in 2025 and are interested in the Virtual Residency Fair on November 12th, click here to sign up!  For questions about this podcast, please contact neuroddsig@gmail.com or Residencyfellowshipsig@gmail.com   Show notes available here  

In this episode, we tune into the audio from a special webinar from the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) about exercise for people with Myotonic Dystrophy (DM). Join Dr. Andy Rohrwasser- MDF Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Donovan Lott- a PT and PhD at University of Florida and specialist in muscular dystrophy, and cardiologist Dr. Matt Wheeler as they explore the latest research on movement and exercise in this population. Stay tuned for a Q&A at the end as the experts answer questions from the DM community.   A special thank you to the Myotonic Dystrophy for sharing this content with our special interest group! For questions about this podcast, please contact neuroddsig@gmail.com.  See the full webinar video here: https://www.myotonic.org/digital-academy/stump-doctor-exercise-dm-2025-myotonic-dystrophy-motion-awareness-month  Access the MDF Exercise Guide here:  https://www.myotonic.org/sites/default/files/pages/files/MDF_Exercise-Guide-for-the-Community_1_21.pdf  For a quick look, check out the MDF’s Infographic on Exercise: https://www.myotonic.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/MDF_Exercising-with-Myotonic-Dystrophy_Infographic.pdf  Show notes available: https://app.box.com/s/yhuzygfl6ekyv7trw832f89w37g6izxs

In this interview conducted in October 2025, Dr. Rupal Patel, PT, PhD shares her career trajectory and research experiences related to physical therapy. The interview references her extensive work in concussion and brain injury rehabilitation. In addition, her dedication to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the profession is featured in the podcast.  The Historical Archives Committee is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuropt.org.

In this episode, host Parm Padgett interviews Dr. Sarah Milne about different rehabilitation strategies for physical therapists working with people with degenerative cerebellar ataxias. Dr. Milne shares results from her clinical trials, as well as tips and treatment approaches from her time in Friedreich Ataxia Clinic.  If you’re curious about components of effective rehabilitation for degenerative ataxias, this episode is for you!  For questions about this podcast, please contact neuroddsig@gmail.com.  Show notes available at: https://app.box.com/s/1c3b6g4jgih64skasv1kxrwg3gji9nko

Host Robin Evans PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA, AVPT is joined by Jenna Tucker, PT, DPT, NCS, CBIS and Lauren Ziaks, PT, DPT, ATC, NCS in a discussion on dysautonomia.  Robin Evans is a dedicated Physical Therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience specializing in Vestibular Rehab and is a board certified geriatric clinical specialist. Robin was a senior level physical therapist at NYU Langone Medical Center Rusk Institute for over 10 years, receiving her Emory vestibular competency certification back in 2005. She earned her Advanced Vestibular Physical Therapy Certification through University of Pittsburgh in 2023 and is a Certified Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult. Dr. Evans is passionate about teaching vestibular content and bringing vestibular rehab to the forefront of physical therapy. She is passionate about raising awareness for Vestibular screening in older adults. She’s currently the Director of Ivy Rehab ‘s Geriatric and Vestibular Specialty Program, developing content, teaching, and building this specialty service line.   Dr. Jenna Tucker is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Kean University, where she has served as the Neurological Curriculum Coordinator since 2019. She has also been a practicing clinician since 2011, including inpatient, outpatient and home-care rehabilitation for adults with neurologic dysfunction, specializing in brain injury. Dr. Tucker earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, with a minor in psychology, from Northeastern University. She has been a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy since 2014 and recertified in 2024; she has also held certification as a Brain Injury Specialist since 2012. Dr. Tucker is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Brain Injury Alliance of NJ. Dr. Tucker’s research focuses on brain injury rehabilitation and examination/treatment of dysautonomia. Her speaking experience includes workshop symposia at national and state-wide conferences, poster presentations at national and state-wide conferences, as well as frequent presentations at local conferences, institutional events and as a guest lecturer within interprofessional healthcare programs. She was the recipient of the 2023 Brain Injury Alliance of NJ’s “Jill Schulman Community Pillar Award”, multiple poster awards and in 2024, Dr. Tucker was recognized at Kean University’s Faculty Research Mentor of the Year.  Dr. Lauren Ziaks earned a Bachelor’s in Athletic Training and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, with a concentration in Business, from Northeastern University. She is currently enrolled at Nova Southeastern University for her Ph.D. in Health Science. She has been a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy since 2022 and earned her certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation in 2021. Since 2015, Dr. Ziaks has built a specialized comprehensive concussion, long-COVID, and dysautonomia management program which she now leads at Park City Hospital. She has also served as a lab instructor and guest lecturer for multiple universities over a 10-year period. Her clinical focus is on autonomic disorders and vision and vestibular rehabilitation to address chronic headaches, difficulty with school/work, reading deficits, attention deficits, exercise intolerance, and dizziness and balance issues post head trauma and long-COVID. She has had the opportunity to contribute to two physical therapy neurologic textbooks and is a co-author for the Intermountain Health preferred practice pattern for dysautonomia. Dr. Ziaks is a co-creator of the Utah ADaPT protocol and the ZINC protocol. Her research focuses on examination and treatment of concussion and dysautonomia, which has been disseminated as peer-reviewed publications, poster presentations, and conference workshops at local, state and national levels. Dr. Ziaks’ speaking experience includes poster presentations at state and national conferences, workshop presentations at state and national conferences including APTA CSM 2023 & 2024, development of a series of CEU approved courses, and presentations at local and institution-based conferences for more than 10 years.  Dive into the fundamental workings of the autonomic nervous system with our expert-led course, “From Tilt to Treatment.” Explore the intricacies of dysautonomia’s pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and the comprehensive strategies necessary for effective diagnosis and management. This course is tailored for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their skills in handling dysautonomia, both as a primary issue and a co-morbid condition. Enhance your clinical skills and improve your patients’ quality of life. Secure your spot in “From Tilt to Treatment” now! Registration for APTA CSM isn’t required to register for this course. Register Today: https://csm.apta.org/programming/apta-csm-preconference-courses Join us for an enlightening day that promises to transform your approach to dysautonomia in neurological practice!

Join the Spinal Cord Injury and Assistive Technology/Seating and Wheeled Mobility SIG for a collaborative interview with Theresa Berner on their group’s paper titled: “Investigation of stakeholder perceptions of the wheelchair service delivery process” published in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology in 2025. Below is a link to the full text article: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/17483107.2024.2442705 If you have any suggestions or comments on current or future podcasts, please contact us at anptscisig@gmail.com. The Spinal Cord Injury Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, please visit: www.neuropt.org for more information.

In this episode, host Ken Vinacco talks with guest Gia Mannone to discuss the resources that the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA www.hdsa.org ) offers for people with HD. Gia discusses events, ways to find specialized medical care, and education for people with HD in all stages of the disease. If you treat people with HD, you’ll likely find something new to share after a listen!   The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org  For questions about this podcast, please contact neuroddsig@gmail.com. Show notes available: https://app.box.com/s/87w9nzdiaqqyo937ibcgc392hifagq8m

This episode of 4D highlights results and implications from an article in the July 2025 Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy special issue on walking in people with neurological health conditions. Host Parm Padgett interviews two authors, Michael (Mike) VanNostrand and Patrick (Paddy) Monaghan, about their recent study examining the role of proprioception in backward walking in people with multiple sclerosis, as well as previous work related to backward walking. If you’re curious about how to interpret backwards walking and incorporate it into your clinical practice, this episode is for you!    Show notes available: https://app.box.com/s/0om94igfagb23nzm8v7ck18gx3mkj5l7   The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of  Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org  For questions about this podcast, please contact neuroddsig@gmail.com.  

In this episode, host Ken Vinacco interviews Franchino Porciuncula, the winner of the DDSIG platform award at CSM 2025 in Houston, TX. They discuss his research related to utilizing closed-loop, music-based rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) with people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). They review the impact on real-world walking and gait quality, as well as participant feedback. He discusses ways to integrate use of RAS in clinic, highlighting both the complex nature of PD and challenges and limitations observed in this randomized clinical trial.   The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org Show notes: https://app.box.com/s/yqos32rt9wf5ofdshnsiwedxh8ftny7i