In this episode, host Ken Vinacco talks with guest Brooke Smith to learn more about the resources and role of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

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 [email protected]. 

Show notes available: https://app.box.com/s/lg8ac18l51pcf98maa0pcyua9iauhrsy

In this episode, host Parm Padgett interviews Dr. Daniel Peterson about how to conceptualize and begin to intervene in the area of reactive balance. He discusses his work with people with Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis and other emerging areas of work in the field. If you are curious about making balance training functional and impactful for your patients, this is for you! 

For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected].  

Show notes available at: https://app.box.com/s/7nyf8q4ic6dow6vdm9ulil91nvy5ur1z

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 [email protected] or [email protected]  

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 [email protected]. 

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 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 [email protected]. 

Show notes available at: https://app.box.com/s/1c3b6g4jgih64skasv1kxrwg3gji9nko

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 [email protected].
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
[email protected]
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.

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected]. 
 

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

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 [email protected]. 
 

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