ANPT – Academy for Neurologic Physical Therapy Podcast

In this interview conducted in early 2024, Dr. Evan Cohen shares his pathway to becoming a physical therapist, and how he subsequently focused his clinical work and research work on persons with Multiple Sclerosis. The Historical Archive Committee is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuropt.org.

In this engaging discussion, Mike Studer, a board-certified neurologic physical therapy specialist and an expert in rehabilitation, shares insights on dual-task balance training. He explains its significance for those with neurological conditions, emphasizing task prioritization and personalized interventions. Studer also highlights the fascinating connection between cognitive engagement, neuroplasticity, and balance improvement, illustrating how integrating personal interests can enhance therapy experiences. Plus, he throws in a fun fact about the Peregrine falcon being the fastest bird!

Host Stephen Merchant PT, DPT, NCS is joined by Dr. Lisa Heusel-Gillig PT, DPT, NCS in a discussion regarding the development of the Modified Motion Sensitivity Test. Dr. Heusel-Gillig describes the reason she assisted in the development of this testing as well as the recommended standardized process to perform the test. The abstract of Dr. Heusel-Gillig’s research article may be found at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35970158/ To learn more about the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Vestibular Special Interest Group visit www.neuropt.org.

We talk to neurologic physical therapist, Nick Wendel, from the Center for Neurorehabilitation at Boston University about balance capcity and balance performance. We discuss measurement of performance and how he thinks about performance in designing treatments. Useful articles on this topic: Readiness to Change is Related to Real-world Walking and Depressive Symptoms in Chronic Stroke by Allison Miller, et al Improvement in the Capacity for Activity Versus Improvement in Performance of Activity in Daily Life During Outpatient Rehabilitation by Catherine Lang, et al Evidence for Early and Regular Physical Therapy and Exercise in Parkinson’s Disease by Terry Ellis, et al Please send comments or questions on this podcast to balancefallsig@gmail.com The Balance & Falls Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuropt.org

In this special episode, our podcast team interviewed listeners and former guests at CSM 2024 to find out what they were excited about doing when treating people with neurodegenerative conditions. We are excited to share their answers with you, along with some commentary from our current team, as a celebration of our 50th episode.   The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of  Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org Please send comments or questions on this podcast to neuroddsig@gmail.com. 

Dr. Carey Holleran, a rehabilitation expert and prolific physical therapy author, joins to illuminate the vital difference between 'capacity' and 'performance' in outpatient stroke rehabilitation. She reveals how these concepts affect patient assessments and rehabilitation plans. Intriguingly, Dr. Holleran shares findings showing patients might improve in capacity without corresponding gains in daily performance. She also stresses the essential role of caregivers and advocates for a patient-centered approach to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.

Dr. Chad Swank, a researcher in robotic gait training devices, and Dr. Jaime Gillespie, known for innovative spinal cord injury therapies, engage in a compelling discussion about their paper on exoskeleton gait training. They delve into the clinical benefits of these devices, the significance of real-time data for tailoring therapies, and the complexities therapists face in integrating technology with patient care. The conversation also touches on on-label versus off-label uses of robotic exoskeletons and the importance of collaboration in advancing neurological rehabilitation.

Join us in this episode, where we speak with Pete Anziano as he shares his experiences of life as a dad after his spinal cord injury. Pete provides valuable insights for physical therapists and others living with SCI about the parenting journey as a dad who rolls. The Spinal Cord Injury Special Interest Group is a part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy. For more information, visit www.neuropt.org. Please send any comments or questions on this podcast to anptscisig@gmail.com

In this installment of our series on rare neurologic diseases, host Ken Vinacco talks with Claudia Senesac about physical therapy for people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD). DMD and BMD are both disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness, with BMD often presenting with less severe weakness and later in life. Claudia covers the medical management and prognosis, PT assessment, and PT treatment for people with these unique diagnoses.  The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of  Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org  A link to the show notes will be posted here when available