Functional and Autonomic Disorders: Lifestyle, Psychosocial, and Physical Limitations

Presenters:
Allison Wolf, OT/L, CPST, cKTP
Marlowe Muehlbauer, PT, DPT

Description: Functional neurological disorders are the second most common neurological diagnosis and autonomic dysfunction and related sequelae are more prevalent than previously believed. This presentation identifies lifestyle, psychosocial, and physical limitations as three major components in functional neurological and autonomic disorders pathophysiology. Specifically, we will focus on intervention in the pediatric and adolescent population with functional neurological and autonomic disorders. Case study and literature synthesis will supplement.

• Define lifestyle, psychosocial, and physical limitations in the context of autonomic disorders.
• Understand the patient in a holistic context with emphasis on PNE, outcome measures, theory and frameworks directing intervention.
• Apply evaluation and treatment strategies incorporating evidence-based literature, positive findings within the ICF framework, focusing on patient-driven goal attainment.

The Practical Utility of Using Force-Velocity Profiling to Dose a Power-Based Exercise Program for an Individual with Parkinson's Disease

Presenters:
Julia Castleberry, DPT, DHSc
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric and Neurologic Physical Therapy

Chase Edwards, PT, DPT, MA, ATC
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Description: Power-based training programs have shown promising results for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Research indicates that velocity-based training (VBT) and power-based resistance training (PWT) can significantly improve functional capacity, strength, and power in persons with PD. These training modalities have been found to reduce bradykinesia, increase muscle strength and power, and enhance quality of life in PD patients.

• Gain clinical knowledge to promote the effectiveness of power-based training programs for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).
• Apply force-velocity profiling in designing and dosing power-based exercise programs for individuals with PD.
• Demonstrate how to implement power training strategies to optimize functional abilities in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
• Develop interventional strategies to address powerpenia (loss of muscle power) in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Neurological Components & Practical Application in Sports Specific Physical Therapy Rehabilitation

Presenter:
Corrie Jones, DPT, SCS, AIT

Description: This comprehensive course delves into the critical neurological factors that influence rehabilitation during sports-specific physical therapy. Designed for clinicians working with athletes, it explores how the central and peripheral nervous systems contribute to injury recovery, functional restoration, and performance optimization. Through an evidence-based approach, therapists will gain a deeper understanding of neuroplasticity, motor learning, proprioception, and sensory integration, and how these processes can be integrated into treatment to improve rehabilitation outcomes.

• Understand the fundamental principles of neurophysiology and its role in sports rehabilitation, including neuroplasticity processes and their application to injury recovery and motor function restoration.
• Identify how the central and peripheral nervous systems impact muscle activation, movement patterns, and proprioception during rehabilitation. Assess the role of sensory integration and motor learning in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes.
• Utilize therapeutic techniques in neuromuscular re-education, ecological skill acquisition, and sensory-motor training to optimize recovery. Develop a sports-specific approach to rehabilitation by integrating neurological considerations into injury management.
• Implement strategies to assess and test neurological function and incorporate findings into individualized treatment plans. Design and apply advanced rehabilitation interventions to enhance athletic recovery while considering neurological factors throughout the course of care.

What Matters Most When Prescribing Wheelchairs 

Presenters:
Rosie Kelly, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy 

Megan Murphey, PT, ATP
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

Description: This course aims to provide further foundational clinical decision making to clinicians to act as guide for wheelchair prescription based on individual client factors. Recommendations will be provided for when to consider CRT for a patient.

• State 2 reasons to recommend CRT for a client.
• Name 3 steps in the wheelchair ordering process for CRT.
• Verbalize 3 key wheelchair specifications to recommend for patients based on their wheelchair propulsion technique.
• List 3 considerations for wheelchair prescription based on patient diagnosis.