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B&F SIG: Planning the Perfect CSM 2025 (if you love balance training & fall prevention)

Whether you plan to attend in-person or watch on-demand, our host Marissa Lyon highlights an itinerary of education sessions, platform presentations, and poster sessions that will elevate your knowledge of balance training and fall prevention.

Additionally, this month we throw in a few tips on having a successful and lower-stress CSM and eating well in Houston. We finish off with a lightning round of punny, funny, and silly course titles.

CSM Programming

Other things going on at CSM everyday: Tranquility room 7-7:30, APTA (free) Head Shot Lounge 9:30-4:00, APTA Fit for Practice Fitness Gym 10:15-4:00, and Exhibit Hall 9:30-4:00

Vertigogo on the Vestibular SIG Instagram

Why do Texans love HEB?

Restaurant recommendations: Huyhn Restaurant, Nancy’s Hustle, St. Arnold’s, Phoenicia Foods, Ninfa’s on Navigation, Fifth Vessel.

Please send comments or questions on this podcast to balancefallssig@gmail.com

The Balance & Falls Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuropt.org.

DD SIG Bonus Episode: Collaboration with the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation: Exercise for Myotonic Dystrophy with Donovan Lott and Matt Wheeler 

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

ANPT Inspirational Conversation with Dr. Rupal Patel, PT, PhD

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.

DD SIG Episode 57:  Individualized rehabilitation for people with cerebellar ataxia with Sarah Milne

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

Vestibular SIG: Dysautonomia- Episode #72

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!

DD SIG Navigating the Path Episode 5: The National Ataxia Foundation

In this episode, host Ken Vinacco talks with guests Andrew Rosen and Ashley Durando to discuss the National Ataxia Foundation mission and resources.
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.
Guest Information
Andrew Rosen, CEO of the National Ataxia Foundation
Ashley Dorundo, PT, DPT, DD SIG Liaison to the National Ataxia Foundation
Resources from the NAF
https://www.ataxia.org/
763-553-0020
naf@ataxia.org
Centers of Excellence: https://www.ataxia.org/ace/
No-cost genetic testing program: https://www.ataxia.org/genetics/
Support Groups: https://www.ataxia.org/support-groups/
NAF Events: https://www.ataxia.org/events/
Health Care Provider Resources: https://www.ataxia.org/provider-resources/
Fact sheets: https://www.ataxia.org/fact-sheets/
Exercise videos: https://www.ataxia.org/exercise/
General references: https://www.ataxia.org/general-references/
Citation: Rosen A, Dorundo A, Vinacco K. DD SIG Navigating the Path Episode 5: The National Ataxia Foundation. 4D: Deep Dive Into Degenerative Diseases, a podcast of the ANPT
Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group. Published 07/31/2025.
https://podcasts.neuropt.org/?p=1985
This is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute forclinical decision making. The Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and its collaborators disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage by errors or omissions in this publication. The views or opinions expressed are those of the individual creators and do not necessarily represent the position of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.

SCI and AT/SWM SIG Collaboration: DiSCIS Interview with Theresa Berner – Episode 21

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.

DD SIG Navigating the Path Episode 4: Huntington’s Disease Society of America 

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

DD SIG and JNPT Collaboration- Episode 56: Proprioceptive Reliance During Backward Walking in People with MS with Patrick Monaghan & Michael VanNostrand

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. 
 

DDSIG: Bonus Episode- CSM 2025 Platform Award: Amplifying walking activity in Parkinson’s Disease through autonomous music-based rhythmic auditory stimulation – with Franchino Porciuncula 

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

DD SIG Navigating the Path Episode 3: The ALS Association 

In this episode, host Ken Vinacco sits down with guests Lauren LaMar and Kyle Vasher to discuss the range of resources that the ALS Association offers for people with ALS. Lauren shares her role in the multidisciplinary clinic as well as the range of online, local and one-on-one support services offered for patients and caregivers. Kyle adds his input as a DD SIG liaison and treating therapist. Filled with great advice, perspective and practical resources to share with patients, this is a helpful listen for PTs treating patients with ALS.  

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. 
 

Resources from the ALS Association 

Medicare information: https://www.als.org/navigating-als/financial-information/medicare-information 

Caregiver education and support groups: https://www.als.org/navigating-als/support-for-caregivers  

Care Matters newsletter: https://www.als.org/care-matters-sign-up  

Multidisciplinary clinic locator: https://www.als.org/support/certified-centers-clinics 

Education for healthcare professionals: https://www.als.org/navigating-als/education-healthcare-professionals 

     – Rehabilitative Care for ALS: Guidance for PTs and OTs: https://app.schoox.com/login.php?courseId=8207995  

Printed materials: https://www.als.org/order-portal  

Transfer technique videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6QI9CQO63I&list=PL2RF9Bwbv6Com3nZM-jFh_EGl3Gmn6S43 

Virtual home modification and safety assessment program: https://www.als.org/support/programs/virtual-home-modification-and-safety-assessment-program  

ALS Insurance Navigator https://www.als.org/support/als-insurance-navigator 

ALS Advocacy Team https://www.als.org/advocacy/action-center  

Show notes: https://app.box.com/s/q45h3p0fsgiuzluwxtzajnupp5hyofr2