In this episode, host Ken Vinacco sits down with special guest Donna Sperlakis to explore the wide range of resources and support services offered by the Parkinson’s Foundation. Together, they dive into the educational tools, community programs, and research initiatives designed to empower individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their families. Donna shares personal insights and expert advice on how to access these resources and make the most of the resources offered. This conversation provides valuable information and encouragement for everyone touched by Parkinson’s. 

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 here: https://app.box.com/s/a97fdclbbznlsqti6uhvh01ctwlnykly

Tune in to the first episode of our new series, Navigating the Path: Resources for Patients with Neurodegenerative Diseases, which highlights organizations that provide resources and information to people with neurodegenerative diseases. In this episode, Lauren Corley, a National MS Society representative, joins our host Christina Burke to explore the many resources and programs offered by the society. From financial assistance for assistive devices to continuing education opportunities for clinicians, learn how the National MS Society is making a meaningful impact in the MS community. They are both joined by Gregory Brusola, a board member of the DD SIG and coordinator of the DD SIG liaison program, who discusses the role of DD SIG liaisons and connections for PTs with the National MS Society. 

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

Visit the National MS Society website for more information on their programs
 

In this episode, Parm interviews Lisa Inglis, the winner of the DDSIG poster award at CSM 2025 in Houston. Lisa, a PT and professor at Daemen college, explains her research related to measuring backward walking and comparing backward walking characteristics of people with and without Parkinson’s Disease (PD). She goes on to discuss potential uses of backward gait assessment in PT practice.  

The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of  Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org

Show notes available here

Dr. Dana Kahl, PT, DPT, EdD and Dr. Benton Lindaman, PT, DPT answer a question a student submitted to the Stroke SIG regarding spasticity after stroke. They discuss assessment and management of flaccidity and spasticity within this episode. This discussion may be helpful for both students and PTs/PTAs alike!

Note: This podcast used Artificial Intelligence (AI) for its creation! Source: Notebook LM

Article referenced: Suputtitada A, Chatromyen S, Chen CPC, Simpson DM. Best Practice Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Modified Scoping Review. Toxins (Basel). 2024 Feb 10;16(2):98. doi: 10.3390/toxins16020098. PMID: 38393176; PMCID: PMC10892074.

If you are a student and have a question regarding stroke rehabilitation, we are here to help! Submit questions here: https://www.neuropt.org/special-interest-groups/stroke/resources-for-students

The information in this podcast is meant for the benefits of physical therapists. It is not meant for personal medical diagnosis and/or treatment. Individuals should always consult an appropriate medical practitioner with questions.

This is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, rehabilitation, or treatment. Patients and other members of the general public should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding personal health and medical conditions. The Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and its collaborators disclaim any liability to any party for any losses 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.

Please send comments or questions on this podcast to the Stroke SIG at [email protected].

The Stroke Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuropt.com.

Join our podcast team members, Sara Zoeller and Parm Padgett, as they discuss the in-person and on-demand degenerative diseases programming (and some DD-adjacent talks) at this year’s CSM in Houston, TX. This podcast highlights talks and authors to help you plan your best CSM experience, complete with fun haikus and a CSM song at the very end of the bloopers – listen for that! The DD SIG committee and members of the 4D podcast team will be visible at the poster session on Friday from 1-3 pm and at the Myelin Melter on Friday evening. Please come find us and introduce yourself, we’d love to hear your ideas for our podcast (comments, future topics, etc). Happy CSM! 

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 at: https://app.box.com/s/9zeyy65ft2pdksilfh28orw5dworu6vu

In this episode, host Parm Padgett is joined by Miriam Rafferty and Monica Hendricksen from Shirley Ryan Ability Lab to explore the impact of current care models on individuals with neurologic conditions. Together, they delve into the opportunities and challenges of adopting innovative approaches to care and examine how these models can improve outcomes and transform practice. They take the discussion from theory to practice by reviewing a recent case series applying a consultative, proactive model of PT for people with MS.  Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of neurologic care and the practical steps to implement these models of care in your practice. 

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: https://app.box.com/s/vrfnib0mg981h0smaxbkhgh4ebqk9887

In our newest CHATs episode “SCI SIG’s Guide to CSM”, we talk with SIG chair, Casey Kandilakis, about the exciting content being offered in Houston. We will also review events and places to meet with SCI SIG leadership and fellow SIG members to network and share ideas!

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 [email protected]

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

In this episode, host Parm Padgett welcomes Taylor Takla to discuss her article, “Motor and Non-Motor Factors of Concern About Falling and Fear of Falling in Multiple Sclerosis” published in the October 2024 issue of JNPT. Taylor’s research delves into the complexities behind fear of falling and contributing factors among individuals with MS. Join the conversation to explore the clinical implications of her findings and how they can influence therapy approaches for those living with MS. 

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 at: https://app.box.com/s/95du2gsslgm6xl0pzyitqv3zrpwpxybc

In this episode, host Ken Vinacco talks to guest Kristina Vaughn to discuss the role of physical therapists working with individuals with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). NPH is a condition that leads to excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in ventricles of the brain. This  can lead to gait abnormalities, cognitive changes, and urinary incontinence. Ken and Kristina discuss how to differentiate from other neurologic diagnoses and what PTs can do to in the clinic or as a member of a multi-disciplinary NPH clinic team. 

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/zzlyovhljhzm6qscq11lrfbp9v8z40ev