ANPT – Academy for Neurologic Physical Therapy Podcast

In this episode, host Parm Padgett is joined by Ryan Duncan to talk about the article Physical Therapy and Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease: Safety, Feasibility, and Preliminary Efficacy. They discuss the potential impacts of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) on balance and gait in people with Parkinson’s disease and the role physical therapy may have before and after DBS surgery. Dr. Duncan shares the motivation and background of the study as well as its findings. The conversation explores clinical considerations for physical therapists working with people after DBS, the importance of PT involvement throughout the continuum of Parkinson’s disease, and potential directions for future research.  For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected].   Show notes available here

In this episode, host Marissa Moran, PT, DPT, is joined by the authors of the Clinical Practice Guideline to Improve Locomotor Function in Individuals with Acute and Subacute Stroke. The guests discuss the development of the Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) and preview its key findings. The CPG's purpose is to provide a concise, evidence-based practice recommendations on the efficacy of interventions to improve walking ability in individuals less than six months post-stroke. With publication forthcoming, this conversation offers an early look at the guideline and what it means for clinical practice. 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].

Host Stephen Merchant PT, DPT, NCS is joined by Dr. Linda Horn PT, DScPT, MHS, FNAP and Dr. Pamela Dunlap DPT, PhD for a discussion related to Dynamic Visual Acuity Testing.

In this episode, host Kevin Vinnaco is joined by Anushka Shiell, National Director of Programs and Services of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). Anushka discusses the APDA’s programs and services that support patients, families, caregivers, and professionals. They discuss valuable resources developed by APDA such as the Let’s Keep Moving Webinar Series, and Good Start.  This episode is ideal for anyone seeking for resources and programs to support people living with Parkinson’s Disease.   For more information on the APDA, visit https://www.apdaparkinson.org/  For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected].  Show notes available here

In this episode, we're joined by Christina (Chris) Burke, PT, DPT, MS, Maghan Bretz, PT, MPT, NCS, and Annie Tapp PT, DPT, PhD, Cert. MDT, NCS to discuss gait training in complete SCI, the role of knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) and more advanced gait technologies, and what we're teaching PT students. This discussion began on the NeuroPT listserv. Click here if you'd like to learn more or join the listserv. Please send comments or questions on this podcast to [email protected]. The SCI Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy - www.neuropt.org.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Emily Fox, DPT, MHS, PhD and Dr. Jessica Dunn, PT, DPT, NCS. Their group was the recipients of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Spinal Cord Injury Special Interest Group (SCI SIG) Poster Award at APTA CSM 2026 in Anaheim, California. If you weren't able to attend CSM this year, this episode is a great opportunity to hear Dr. Dunn and Dr. Fox discuss their group's research, "Enhanced Respiratory Motor Plasticity Following Acute Intermittent Hypercapnic Hypoxia in Spinal Cord Injury." Tune in to learn more about this exciting area of SCI research! Please send comments or questions on this podcast to [email protected] The SCI Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy - www.neuropt.org.

In this episode, host Ken Vinacco is joined by CSM 2026 DD SIG Platform Award winner Franchino Porciuncula. They discuss this study on use of RAS for improving gait automaticity in people with PD. In this study, Dr. Porciuncula explored the possible mechanisms by which RAS works. We also learn more about FNIRS technology for mobile brain imaging. Ever wondered what’s going on in the brain when you turn on your metronome in the clinic? This one’s for you!  For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected].  Show notes available here

In this episode, host Marissa Moran, PT, DPT is joined by Dr. Dennis Fell, PT, MD for a conversation to discuss Dr. Fell's career path and vast experiences with collaborations in the international physical therapy sphere. Dr. Fell is a clinician, author, and internationally recognized educator - and also serves on the Stroke SIG leadership team as the Nominating Committee Chair! You are sure to enjoy this episode! 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].

Kendra Betz, MSPT, ATP shares her experience with Veterans Association and Ride Custom Seating manufacturer's representative on application of seating to adapted sports equipment configuration and athlete education.  Wendy Koesters, PT, ATP/SMS as the interviewer gives perspective from community based therapists role both clinically and as a volunteer. See attached supplemental resource sheet. The Seating and Wheeled Mobility Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy - www.neuropt.org.

In this episode, we’re sharing an edited audio recording of our DD SIG educational session from March 2026, during which we talked to 3 experts about fatigue in neurodegenerative diseases. Our panel includes Vanina Dal Bello-Haas who focuses on fatigue in ALS, Herb Karpatkin discussing fatigue in MS, and Maggie Abbott who covers fatigue in PD. The panelists share specifics on fatigue in each diagnosis and also come together to answer audience questions. If you missed the meeting, be sure to catch up here to learn more about this very common symptom across neurodegenerative conditions.   For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected].  Show notes available