Neuro Navigators: A Medbridge Podcast

Medbridge Podcasts
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Neuro Navigators is a Medbridge podcast breaking down challenging clinical questions in neurologic and geriatric rehabilitation and equipping physical therapy and occupational therapy practitioners with practical takeaways. To get continuing education credit for each episode and bonus resources, search for the episodes on medbridge.com and then complete the accompanying quiz. If you enjoy the show, please hit the follow button! IG: https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medbridge/

  1. May 15

    Neuro Navigators Episode 27: High-Intensity Gait Training: Is It More Than Just Walking?

    Join Dr. Annie Tapp, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, an expert in implementation science and neurologic rehabilitation, as she breaks down the active ingredients of effective gait interventions. Alongside host J.J. Mowder-Tinney, you’ll discover how to move beyond “just walking” by using a clinical reasoning framework to prioritize gait subcomponents like stance stability and limb advancement. Together, they explore practical strategies for maintaining high intensity without sacrificing biomechanical specificity. You will learn how to calibrate sessions in real time and embrace patient errors as essential drivers for neuroplasticity. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence around high-intensity gait training and the motor learning principles that support its useApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the biomechanical subcomponents of gait in individualized training sessionsSolve patient case scenarios involving the design and progression of high-intensity subcomponent-targeted interventions for patients with strokeTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to high-intensity gait training(00:02:54) Challenges in understanding abnormal gait(00:04:48) Functional subcomponents of gait(00:07:41) Barriers to implementing high-intensity gait training(00:11:01) Alternative approaches to high-intensity training(00:14:36) Motor learning and individualized interventions(00:16:50) Addressing cognitive impairments in therapy(00:18:52) High-intensity training for nonambulatory patients(00:21:48) Creating engaging therapy sessions(00:24:05) Examining gait components in therapy(00:30:00) Motivating patients through progression(00:32:49) Documentation strategies for clinicians(00:35:00) Heart rate and RPE in therapy(00:39:18) Building patient buy-in(00:41:58) Key takeaways for clinicians(00:42:58) Case study: outpatient stroke rehabilitation(00:48:38) Case study: inpatient stroke rehabilitationNeuro 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-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/⁠

    59 min

  2. Apr 15

    Neuro Navigators Episode 26: Success in ALS/HD: How Do We Measure Progress When Decline Is Expected?

    Join host ⁠J.J. Mowder-Tinney, PT, PhD⁠, as she sits down with ⁠Matthew Caraher, PT, DPT, NCS⁠, a board-certified specialist with extensive experience in multidisciplinary ALS and Huntington’s disease care. Together, they explore how to move past a “fear-based” clinical mindset and toward intentional, staged rehabilitation when working with neurodegenerative conditions. You’ll discover practical, evidence-based strategies for dosing moderate-intensity exercise, using objective assessment tools and subjective reports to guide treatment, and recognizing when “skilled maintenance” is the ultimate clinical win. Learn how to shift your focus from impairment correction to maximizing participation and quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence regarding exercise and rehabilitation dosing across disease stages in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington’s disease (HD), including strength, aerobic, and respiratory trainingApply evidence-based, practical strategies to select outcomes and dose interventions across the disease continuum while balancing fatigue, fall risk, and respiratory declineSolve patient case scenarios involving clinical decision-making for ALS and HD related to staging, dosing, equipment, and interdisciplinary coordinationTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to neurodegenerative conditions(00:01:14) Matt's journey into neurodegenerative medicine(00:05:25) Addressing clinician fears in treatment(00:07:29) Redefining success in patient care(00:10:22) The importance of multidisciplinary care(00:13:45) Assessment tools for ALS patients(00:22:43) Challenges in assessing Huntington's disease(00:26:00) Principles for effective patient management(00:29:30) Understanding patient emotional states(00:31:00) The importance of therapeutic presence(00:36:20) Exercise guidelines for neurologic patients(00:49:40) Effective communication with patients and caregivers(00:56:17) Key takeaways for cliniciansNeuro 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-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/⁠

    1h 2m

  3. Mar 13

    Neuro Navigators Episode 25: The Power of Strategy: How Do We Optimize Independence?

    In this episode, host J.J. Mowder-Tinney sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Skidmore, PhD, OTR/L, FACRM, FAOTA, to challenge how we view the "silent epidemic" of cognitive impairments in rehabilitation. They explore moving from traditional "drill and repeat" exercises to Strategy Training. This metacognitive approach helps clients lead their recovery through active learning. You’ll discover how the START framework uncovers subtle executive function deficits, supporting greater independence for even complex patients. Learn how slowing down your clinical approach can accelerate patients’ return to meaningful community participation. Addendum:This episode discusses Strategy Training for individuals who can learn new skills and generalize them, such as people with acquired brain injury. Dr. Skidmore notes that Strategy Training is not suitable for individuals with moderate to severe dementia or significant clinical apathy. For these populations, clinicians should instead focus on errorless learning and habit training to help maintain structured routines. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence around attention and executive function after acquired brain injuryApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably improve rehabilitation outcomes for this populationSolve patient case scenarios focused on achieving community independence and participation after acquired brain injuryTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to cognitive rehabilitation(00:02:48) Understanding cognitive impairments(00:06:00) Screening and assessment tools(00:08:50) Communicating cognitive changes(00:11:53) Interventions for cognitive impairments(00:15:10) Metacognitive strategies in therapy(00:18:00) Guided discovery in practice(00:20:59) Addressing attention and executive function(00:23:45) Real-life application of strategies(00:28:00) Building client independence(00:33:50) Engaging family in therapy(00:45:30) Impactful takeaways for therapists(00:55:18) Conclusion and reflectionsNeuro 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-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

    58 min

  4. Feb 13

    Neuro Navigators Episode 24: Can Motor Performance Be Driven By Cognition? The CO-OP Approach

    Helene Polatajko, PhD, OT(C), FCAOT, FCAHS, LLD(h.c.), OC, a renowned occupational therapist, researcher, and co-developer of the CO-OP Approach, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for a thought-provoking conversation on how cognition can drive motor performance. Together, they explore the power of guided discovery, client-centered goals, and the surprising role of self-generated strategies in rehabilitation. From dancing to dressing to stroke recovery, you’ll hear how thinking differently about movement can change what your patients are capable of. Tune in to reframe your clinical lens and get inspired to incorporate “goal-plan-do-check” into your own sessions. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence around CO-OP approaches to meaningful activities across pediatric and adult populationsApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address challenges in occupationalSolve patient case scenarios involving clients with coordination or motor learning impairmentTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to cognition and motor-based performance(00:01:20) Dr. Polatajko's background and journey in occupational therapy(00:05:30) The self-driving car(00:12:40) Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP)(00:14:35) Dynamic performance analysis(00:22:15) Guided discovery(00:30:24) Generalization and transfer of skills(00:34:14) Goal-plan-do-check(00:53:25) Key takeaways and conclusionNeuro 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-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

    56 min

  5. Jan 15

    Neuro Navigators Episode 23: FND in Practice: What Myths Are Holding Us Back?

    Leading neurorehabilitation expert Julie Hershberg, PT, DPT, NCS, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney, PT, PhD, to dismantle the persistent myths and "weird" clinician behaviors that often hinder the treatment of functional neurological disorder (FND). Together, they bridge the gap between outdated assumptions and current neuroscience, exploring the predictive brain model and the high prevalence of comorbid conditions. You will learn why practitioners should shift from a diagnosis of exclusion to a positive clinical framework that prioritizes building trust and addressing underlying sensory processing difficulties. You will also gain actionable strategies to treat FND with the same clinical rigor and confidence as any other neurologic condition, ensuring your patients feel truly seen and supported. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence around functional neurological disorder (FND), including common myths, neurobiological mechanisms, and diagnostic clarityApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address assessment and treatment planning for individuals with FND, including sensory, autonomic, and psychosocial factorsSolve patient case scenarios involving FND by using whole-person, trust-building approaches to guide interdisciplinary treatment and improve functional outcomesTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction and clinical training gaps(00:01:30) Guest background and professional evolution(00:03:37) Overcoming the stigma of "weird" therapy(00:08:30) Debunking common FND myths(00:10:10) Clinical diagnosis and neurological evidence(00:13:27) Reviewing current treatment research(00:16:30) Screening for comorbid conditions(00:18:10) Autonomic nervous system considerations(00:20:09) Integrating sensory and lifestyle factors(00:21:45) Patient triage and readiness for change(00:26:58) Acceptance of the brain-based model(00:29:04) Assessment priorities and heavy hitters(00:32:37) Practical sensory and autonomic interventions(00:35:45) Establishing radical trust with patients(00:37:46) Family education and environmental influence(00:39:55) Promoting patient advocacy and autonomy(00:46:10) Top three actionable takeaways(00:47:04) Case studies in holistic recovery(00:53:15) Creative adaptations in functional 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-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

    58 min

  6. 12/15/2025

    Neuro Navigators Episode 22: Spatial Neglect in Practice: What Should Guide Your Approach?

    Dana Aravich joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for a deep dive into one of rehab’s most perplexing challenges: spatial neglect. Drawing on her clinical experience and research, Dana and J.J. unpack how this complex attention disorder impacts function and why it’s so often mistaken for a visual field deficit. Together, they explore practical, evidence-informed strategies for assessment, intervention planning, and team-based decision-making. Whether you're confident or still uncertain in managing neglect, this episode offers new ways to think about what truly guides your approach. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence around the complexity and clinical implications of spatial neglect in individuals recovering from stroke and brain injuryApply evidence-based, practical, and actionable strategies to address the identification, evaluation, and tailored intervention planning for clients experiencing spatial neglectSolve patient case scenarios involving differential diagnosis and intervention planning for spatial neglect versus visual field deficits, incorporating contextual factors such as driving safety and functional independenceTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction(00:02:44) Understanding spatial neglect(00:04:36) Types of neglect(00:09:43) Evaluation challenges(00:10:40) Evidence-based assessment tools(00:15:40) The 292 assessment tools problem(00:22:21) Treatment complexity(00:24:30) Treatment strategies and research(00:26:25) Prism therapy and vision considerations(00:31:03) Screening and differential diagnosis(00:37:30) Observational insights and self-awareness(00:41:35) Self-reflection and chronic stages(00:44:32) Severe cases and poor arousal(00:47:48) Meaningful motivation(00:49:27) Family education and involvement(00:51:49) Key takeaways(00:52:55) Closing remarksNeuro 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-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

    54 min

  7. 11/14/2025

    Neuro Navigators Episode 21: Stroke Boot Camp: How Do We Keep Progress Going in Chronic Stroke?

    Dr. Alison McKenzie, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, a leading voice in neurorehabilitation and creator of Stroke Boot Camp, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney to explore how we can extend meaningful progress for people living with chronic stroke. Together, Alison and J.J. dive into the clinical reasoning, research, and real-world outcomes behind this high-intensity, interdisciplinary model. You’ll hear practical ideas to apply in your own setting, whether that’s a full boot camp or small-scale changes that shift the trajectory for your patients. Tune in to reimagine what’s possible beyond traditional rehab. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence around recommendations for optimal health management, wellness, and ongoing rehabilitation for individuals with chronic strokeApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the delivery of short-term, high-intensity, interdisciplinary rehabilitation and wellness for individuals with chronic strokeSolve patient case scenarios involving plateau or decline in function over time in individuals who are aging with chronic strokeTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to stroke boot camp(00:01:36) The journey of Dr. Alison McKenzie(00:06:56) The importance of community and support(00:09:46) Research-driven approaches in stroke rehabilitation(00:12:25) Tailoring treatment for individual needs(00:14:25) Stroke boot camp overview(00:16:45) High-intensity training and its impact(00:19:37) Neural priming and its benefits(00:21:57) Measuring intensity and progress(00:28:49) Expanding the boot camp model(00:31:32) Engaging clinicians in community programs(00:34:58) Flexible approaches to community rehabilitation(00:39:15) Enhancing therapy through intensity and creativity(00:45:05) Fostering socialization in rehabilitation(00:47:20) Conclusion and future directions 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-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

    50 min

  8. 10/15/2025

    Neuro Navigators Episode 20: Bridging Research and Practice: How Can You Implement Current Evidence?

    Dr. Amy Yorke, PT, PhD, board-certified clinical specialist in neurology, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for an energizing discussion on what it really takes to move evidence into practice. Together, they explore the everyday barriers rehab professionals face, such as time, resources, and habits, and offer practical strategies to help you implement evidence without losing clinical creativity. With examples from Amy’s own work in a student-led pro bono clinic, you’ll walk away inspired to start small, think critically, and share what you learn. If you’ve ever felt the tug between research and real life, this episode is for you. Learning Objectives Analyze current evidence on knowledge translation in rehabilitation practiceApply practical, evidence-based strategies to bridge the research-to-practice gapImplement clinical practice guidelines through real-world case scenarios Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Bridging research and practice(00:01:29) Amy’s journey into knowledge translation(00:04:12) The importance of evidence in practice(00:08:50) Challenges in implementing evidence-based practice(00:09:36) Adapting evidence to local contexts(00:10:35) The role of patient values in evidence-based practice(00:13:10) The human element in clinical practice(00:14:58) Overcoming barriers to change(00:17:19) Facilitators and barriers in knowledge translation(00:22:10) Creating a supportive environment for evidence use(00:24:50) Innovative podcast ideas for therapists(00:26:05) Bridging gaps in clinical practice guidelines(00:28:05) The role of learning health systems in rehab(00:31:17) Collaborative approaches in neuro rehab(00:33:10) Engaging patients in their recovery(00:37:08) Overcoming barriers to patient engagement(00:40:15) Action steps for clinicians(00:41:55) Real-world application of evidence-based practice(00:47:00) Fun wrap-up and superpower dreams: 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-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

    49 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Neuro Navigators is a Medbridge podcast breaking down challenging clinical questions in neurologic and geriatric rehabilitation and equipping physical therapy and occupational therapy practitioners with practical takeaways. To get continuing education credit for each episode and bonus resources, search for the episodes on medbridge.com and then complete the accompanying quiz. If you enjoy the show, please hit the follow button! IG: https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medbridge/

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