Neuro Navigators: A Medbridge Podcast

Sarah Brzeszkiewicz, MS, OTR/L, an expert at the intersection of rehab therapy and health tech, joins us on this episode of Neuro Navigators to demystify the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapy. With host J.J. Mowder-Tiney, she unpacks what AI really means for rehab professionals today—and what it doesn’t. Together, we explore emerging research, practical use cases, and everyday clinical scenarios that show how AI can enhance care rather than replace therapy practitioners. If you're curious about how to bring AI into your workflow to enhance your clinical edge, this conversation is for you.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the current evidence on the use of AI in rehabilitation practiceApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the role of AI in the therapeutic processSolve patient case scenarios to explore practical applications of AI in everyday practiceTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:47) Introduction to AI in rehabilitation(00:02:54) The importance of AI in clinical practice(00:06:06) Research insights on AI in healthcare(00:08:58) AI solutions for clinicians(00:11:52) Enhancing assessment and treatment planning with AI(00:14:51) AI in remote monitoring and patient care(00:17:53) Predictive analytics and future of AI in rehab(00:22:37) Innovative tools for therapy interventions(00:26:09) AI in rehabilitation: enhancing engagement and outcomes(00:30:52) Expanding the scope: cognitive and vision rehabilitation(00:34:11) Actionable insights for clinicians(00:37:58) Real-world applications: case examples in therapy(00:44:19) Creative adaptations in therapyNeuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Neuro Naviagators, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠IG: https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

Julie D. Ries, PT, PhD, a professor of physical therapy and an international educator on dementia care, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for an honest conversation about elevating therapy for older adults living with dementia. Together we dive into the biases that often shape clinical decisions and explore how shifting your approach can enhance engagement, occupational participation, and outcomes. You’ll walk away with practical strategies that can help boost your confidence and make every interaction count through relationship building, positive communication, environmental awareness, and leveraging motor learning strategies. Whether you’re new to dementia care or looking to refine your skills, this episode offers a fresh lens—and a few simple mindset shifts—to maximize your impact.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around therapists’ perceptions of working with older adults with dementia and strategies to maximize therapeutic engagement and occupational participation of these individualsApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address therapists’ confidence and competence in working with individuals with dementiaExamine pragmatic suggestions for engagement and best therapeutic outcome in working with individuals with dementiaTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:01:19) Julie Ries, PT, PhD, shares her background and what drew her to dementia care(00:03:11) Therapeutic nihilism and shifting clinician mindsets(00:06:45) Introducing Ries’s framework and its use in educational settings(00:08:45) Origins and evidence for the four-part framework(00:10:14) Component 1: Relationship building—personalization, respecting reality, and reminiscence(00:14:40) The value of validation and emotional safety in dementia care(00:18:45) Component 2: Communication strategies—tone, simplicity, elderspeak, and nonverbal cues(00:23:58) Intentional smiling and reading body language(00:25:07) Behavior as communication and decoding “inappropriate” actions(00:28:53) Ensuring basic needs are met before sessions(00:29:15) Component 3: Environmental awareness—consistency, routine, and visual cues(00:33:32) Environmental enrichment with music and personalization(00:34:54) Component 4: Motor learning optimization—functional salience, errorless learning, and blocked practice(00:42:58) Applying errorless learning in clinical scenarios(00:46:29) Repetition and safe intensity in therapeutic interventions(00:48:35) Adjusting approaches for various levels of dementia(00:50:32) Fostering self-efficacy and honoring cognitive capabilities(00:52:54) Educating families to prevent “excess disability”(00:57:08) Top three actionable takeaways(00:58:15) Episode close and Medbridge resources reminderResources Mentioned in EpisodeBe Light Care (Resource for education and practical tips from a rehabilitation provider)Alzheimer’s Association (Resource for information related to dementia) Alzheimers.gov (Resource for information related to dementia)Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Neuro Naviagators, visit ⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠IG: https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

Jeff Walter, DPT, NCS, returns to Neuro Navigators to share even more clinical practice tips for clinicians who are both new and experienced with vestibular rehab. Host JJ Mowder-Tinney and Jeff dive into the vestibular management hidden gems that could be the strategies to transform your clinical practice. From alternative benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) assessment techniques to under-recognized treatments for Meniere’s disease to emerging treatments for vestibular-related imbalance and falls, you’ll walk away with practical tools you can apply immediately. Whether you are a physical or occupational therapy practitioner, this episode is for you. Don’t miss this engaging discussion filled with actionable takeaways to enhance your confidence in treating dizziness and balance disorders.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence regarding optimal management of vestibular disordersApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the efficient evaluation and treatment of vestibular-related dizzinessSolve patient case scenarios involving frequent falls and disabling vertigo to support participation in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as community mobility and home managementTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:15) Welcome back, guest Jeff Walter, DPT, NCS(00:00:55) Jeff’s background and work at Geisinger Medical Center(00:02:11) Evolution of Jeff’s vestibular specialization(00:03:12) Overview: tips for clinicians with foundational vestibular knowledge(00:04:42) Sidelying test: what it is and why to use it(00:06:54) How to perform the sidelying test with exact head positioning cues(00:08:21) Embedding the sidelying test into functional mobility assessments(00:11:55) Splinting the patient’s head: comfort and compliance tips(00:13:21) Half Dix-Hallpike: identifying short-arm posterior canal BPPV(00:16:40) Flashlight fixation-blocking: a goggle-free nystagmus test(00:18:11) When to use it and how to prep the patient(00:25:10) Mastoid vibration test: screening for vestibular hypofunction(00:26:00) Interpretation: direction-fixed nystagmus and its implications(00:26:40) When and why to use mastoid vibration (TBI, falls, etc.)(00:34:04) Gentamicin injections: managing Meniere’s-related vertigo(00:40:00) Vestibular drop attacks (Tumarkin events): signs and screening tips(00:42:30) Real-life example and how to follow up when falls are unexplained(00:46:00) Vibrotactile belt: a future-forward sensory substitution device(00:47:00) Who it’s for, how it works, and early user feedback(00:52:50) Wrapping up: Jeff’s top takeaways for novice and experienced physical and occupational therapy practitioners(00:56:25) Superpower time: Jeff’s vestibular-themed wishes(00:58:00) Closing remarks and where to listen to Episode 1Resources Mentioned in EpisodeAlonso, S. M., & Caletrío, Á. B. (2024). Clinical Advancements in Skull Vibration-Induced Nystagmus (SVIN) over the Last Two Years: A Literature Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(23), 7236.Neuro Naviagators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Neuro Naviagators, visit https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigatorsIf you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/IG: https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

Dr. Mary Warren, a leading expert in visual impairments and hemianopia in adults with acquired brain injury, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney to shed light on this common and often-overlooked condition. Together, we explore why hemianopia is so critical for rehabilitation professionals to understand and look for, how it can permanently impact daily life and participation, and what clinicians like you can do to assess and address it effectively. You’ll gain clarity on how to differentiate between hemianopia and neglect, as well as evidence-based insights into treatment techniques and compensatory strategies. Tune in for a conversation packed with practical takeaways to enhance your approach to vision-related challenges in neuro rehab.Learning ObjectivesInterpret the evidence around characteristics of HH that limit participation in occupationsApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the client’s limitations in mobility and reading and participation within indoor and community environmentsSolve patient case scenarios involving characteristics of HH that limit performance and participationTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:03) Introduction to Neuro Navigators and guest introduction(00:00:49) Dr. Mary Warren’s background and expertise(00:05:59) The importance of understanding hemianopia(00:11:00) Challenges faced by individuals with hemianopia(00:13:23) Distinguishing hemianopia from neglect(00:16:47) Observational strategies for clinicians(00:21:00) Interventions and current research on hemianopia(00:27:01) Understanding hemianopia and environmental impact(00:28:14) Compensatory visual scanning techniques(00:32:24) Assessment strategies for hemianopia(00:36:25) Creating supportive environments(00:37:36) Addressing fear and anxiety in patients(00:42:00) Communicating with caregivers(00:46:42) Actionable takeaways for clinicians(00:49:40) Empowering patients through practical strategiesNeuro Navigators brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Neuro Navigators, visit https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigatorsIf you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

On this episode of Neuro Navigators,⁠ Kristen Keech⁠ and⁠ Jessica Asiello⁠ join host ⁠J. J. Mowder-Tinney ⁠to tackle a vital and often misunderstood topic: disorders of consciousness (DoC). Together, we bust myths, consider ethical challenges, and offer actionable insights grounded in cutting-edge research, including recent clinical practice guidelines. How can we ensure equitable access to treatment and avoid strikingly common pitfalls like misdiagnosis or premature withdrawal of care? Tune in to explore evidence-based practices, practical strategies, and inspiring examples that challenge us to rethink what’s possible for these patients.Learning ObjectivesInterpret the evidence around rehab professionals’ role in assessment and recovery of consciousnessApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address gaps in knowledge translation to ensure implementation of best practices when managing individuals with disorders of consciousnessSolve patient case scenarios involving individuals at various levels of consciousnessTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:50) Introduction to guests and disorders of consciousness (DoC)(00:02:20) Personal journeys and passion for DoC(00:06:05) Misconceptions and clinical questions(00:09:23) Assessment techniques and team collaboration(00:13:29) Recent research and evidence-based practice(00:23:10) Understanding disorders of consciousness(00:25:33) Multimodal approaches in rehabilitation(00:27:45) Assessment tools and techniques(00:29:13) Importance of documentation(00:31:45) Individualizing patient care(00:33:15) Engaging families in therapy(00:36:25) Overcoming barriers in treatment(00:39:58) Empowering clinicians(00:41:14) Actionable takeaways for clinicians(00:43:17) Case studies in practice(00:49:11) Final thoughts and inspirationResources Mentioned in Episode⁠Practice guideline update recommendations summary: Disorders of consciousness⁠Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Neuro Navaigators, visit⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

In this episode we welcome Dr. Candace (Candy) Tefertiller, an expert in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation, to explore the exciting potential of transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) in augmenting motor recovery. Candy breaks down the mechanisms behind TSS, offers insights into the latest research, and shares the current and emerging clinical applications of this noninvasive technique. Together with host J.J. Mowder-Tinney, we dig into key considerations for therapists, including patient outcomes, and strategies for keeping a pulse on relevant research. Listen in to learn how TSS might be the next innovative intervention to augment SCI recovery.Learning ObjectivesInterpret the evidence around the underlying mechanism associated with noninvasive spinal stimulation to facilitate sensory and motor recovery after SCIApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address motor recovery and activation after SCI, with a focus on enhancing functional outcomes in daily activitiesSolve patient case scenarios involving individuals with limited voluntary motor activation after SCITimestamps:(00:00:00) Welcome(00:0049) Introduction to guest(00:03:05) Background and research focus(00:06:14) The impact of noninvasive spinal stimulation(00:10:04) Understanding transcutaneous spinal stimulation mechanisms(00:14:03) Comparing noninvasive and invasive spinal stimulation(00:15:54) Patient tolerance and individual variability in stimulation(00:18:01) Distinguishing between spinal and peripheral nerve stimulation(00:20:57) Current research status and future directions(00:25:38) Understanding noninvasive spinal stimulation(00:27:48) Research insights and case studies(00:30:55) Impact on spasticity and functional improvements(00:37:16) Key considerations for therapists(00:45:30) Real-world applications and patient engagement(00:48:51) The future of physical therapy and researchNeuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Neuro Navigators, visit https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigatorsIf you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Herbert Karpatkin, PT, DSc, NCS, GCS, MSCS, joins J.J. Mowder-Tinney to share his expertise on improving mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Herb discusses the common misconceptions about MS in physical therapy and offers practical strategies, including interval training and task-specific exercises, to enhance patient outcomes. Learning Objectives Interpret the evidence around how to improve mobility and exercise tolerance in people with MS Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address fatigue to increase exercise intensity for people with MS Solve patient case scenarios involving MS focusing on exercise, rest, and functional outcomes Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome (00:00:58) Introduction to guest (00:03:33) Is there anything we should be questioning as clinicians in regard to people with MS? (00:08:05) What’s the evidence and application? (00:16:50) Translating research into clinical practice (00:26:21) Fatigue measures and scales (00:36:21) Three actionable takeaways (00:45:00) Final words of wisdom Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Neuro Navigators, visit https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Darcy Reisman, a leading expert in post-stroke rehabilitation from the University of Delaware, shares vital insights on enhancing walking recovery post-stroke. She discusses the crucial differences between walking capacity and real-life performance, emphasizing the importance of behavioral interventions. Dr. Reisman highlights goal-setting techniques and motivational interviewing to empower patients during recovery. She advocates for heart rate monitoring to personalize therapy and improve outcomes, bridging the gap between clinical practice and everyday performance.

Dr. Carole Lewis, an esteemed expert in geriatric rehabilitation, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney to discuss practical pearls for managing frailty, deconditioning, and sarcopenia in older adults. Drawing on Dr. Lewis’s extensive clinical experience and research, this episode is jam-packed with key outcome measures, targeted interventions, and strategies to empower your patients toward greater independence. Listen and learn from a conversation centered around bringing hope and skill to a population that too many people overlook and underestimate. Learning Objectives Interpret the evidence around older adults with sarcopenia, deconditioning, and frailty Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to facilitate improved participation in daily activities for older adults with sarcopenia, deconditioning, and frailty Solve patient case scenarios involving older adults with sarcopenia, deconditioning, and frailty Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction and Overview (00:09:00) The Clinical Challenge of Working With Frail and Deconditioned Patients (00:13:20) Assessing Frailty, Deconditioning, and Sarcopenia (00:18:24) Practical Tools for Assessing Frailty, Deconditioning, and Sarcopenia (00:27:31) Documenting and Communicating the Presence of Frailty, Deconditioning, and Sarcopenia (00:30:22) Intervention Strategies (00:50:15) Top Takeaways (00:51:30) Case Study (00:55:50) Final Words of Wisdom Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Neuro Navigators, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

In this discussion, occupational therapist Melissa Kimmerling, a neurorehabilitation expert, shares her insights on cueing strategies that enhance client independence, particularly for those with cognitive challenges. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication, adaptive methods, and the role of teamwork in therapy. The podcast delves into practical applications of recent research and addresses the complexities of cognitive impairments, like freezing of gait in Parkinson's clients. Additionally, it advocates for strengths-based approaches to unlock patient potential.