The Neuro Power Hour

Michael Powers

Join your host and neurological navigator, Dr. Michael Powers, in a discovery of neurologic physical therapy! 

  1. 4d ago

    Spinal Cord Injury Part 3: Prognosis, Function, and Movement Strategies

    Connect with Dr. Powers Get your Neuro Power Hour Mug! In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers continues the spinal cord injury (SCI) series by exploring prognosis and rehabilitation. He discusses how neurologic level of injury and ASIA Impairment Scale inform expectations for functional independence and walking recovery, while emphasizing the importance of applying population-based evidence to the individual patient. Dr. Powers examines the component skills needed for bed mobility and transfers, highlights key movement strategies, and discusses why meaningful rehabilitation progress may not immediately appear in functional assessment scores. Key Takeaways Combining neurologic level of injury and ASIA Impairment Scale to guide prognosisWhy functional outcome tables are less applicable to motor-incomplete injuriesMotor recovery and changes in AIS classification after complete SCIPrognosis for walking, including the importance of preserved pinprick sensation and early quadriceps recoveryCommunicating realistic expectations without setting absolute limitsThe CARE tool and its role in documenting functional independenceBreaking bed mobility and transfers into component skillsUsing part practice and permissive conditions to build early successSitting balance, wheelchair setup, and transfer preparationExpected transfer abilities across cervical injury levelsPatient and caregiver education, including directing care and planning for floor transfersMuscle substitution and protecting the tenodesis gripUsing momentum and the head-hips relationship to improve movementThe importance of demonstration, practice, and adapting skills to different surfacesReferences O'Sullivan & Schmitz's Physical RehabilitationOutcomes Following Traumatic Spinal Cord InjuryWho is Going to Walk? A Review of the Factors Influencing Walking Recovery After Spinal Cord InjuryA Clinical Prediction Rule for Ambulation Outcomes After Traumatic Spinal Cord InjuryThe Miami Project to Cure ParalysisAll music courtesy of Free Music Archive and used via attribution 4.0 international license. Intro and Outro: Stylin' by JMHBMTransitional: Our Reality by KetsaSupport the show

    Spinal Cord Injury Part 3: Prognosis, Function, and Movement Strategies

  2. Oct 19

    Spinal Cord Injury Part 2: Acute Management, Impact on Body Systems, and Quality of Life Considerations

    Connect with Dr. Powers Get your Neuro Power Hour Mug! In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers continues the spinal cord injury (SCI) series by exploring its impact on body systems, function, and participation. He discusses acute management and the cardiovascular, autonomic, respiratory, integumentary, and genitourinary changes that influence rehabilitation. Dr. Powers highlights key considerations for safe mobility training and emphasizes the importance of looking beyond functional independence to community fitness, employment, and quality of life. Key Takeaways The SCI continuum of care, from acute management to community fitness and wellnessAcute medical management and spinal stabilizationSocial determinants of health and disparities in SCI careSpinal shock vs neurogenic shockAutonomic dysreflexia: recognizing triggers, signs, and appropriate responsesOrthostatic hypotension and impaired thermoregulationRespiratory function, cough, and airway clearanceSkin protection, pressure relief, and patient educationChanges in bowel, bladder, and sexual functionHow spasticity can impair—and sometimes assist—functionRethinking movement strategies for bed mobility, transfers, and locomotionThe importance of physical activity, sports, and employment for community participationQuality of life after SCI: self-efficacy, optimism, and adaptationReferences O'Sullivan & Schmitz's Physical RehabilitationNeurogenic ShockRace and Socioeconomic Disparity in Treatment and Outcome of Traumatic Cervical SCI with FractureInfluence of Physical Activity on QOL in Individuals with SCIEvidence-based Scientific Exercise Guidelines for Adults with SCIFacilitators and Barriers to Sustainable Employment After SCI or TBILabour Market Participation after SCITraumatic Cervical SCI and Income and Employment StatusThe Economic Argument for Hiring People with DisabilitiesSupport the show

    Spinal Cord Injury Part 2: Acute Management, Impact on Body Systems, and Quality of Life Considerations

  3. Oct 5

    Spinal Cord Injury Part 1: Clinical Syndromes, NLI and AIS

    Connect with Dr. Powers Get your Neuro Power Hour Mug! In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers explores spinal cord injury (SCI). Although SCI has a relatively low prevalence and incidence, it is a high impact condition which carries not only significant functional cost but also tremendous financial cost. Dr. Powers highlights the importance of key ascending and descending spinal cord tracts both for recognizing common clinical SCI syndromes and for examining individuals with SCI to determine neurologic level of injury. He discusses the importance of determining neurologic level of injury, and how combining neurologic level of injury with ASIA Impairment Scale provides physical therapists with critical information to establish diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care.   Key Takeaways Incidence and prevalence of SCICost of SCI, including consideration of lost wages/productivityThe 3 most important SCI tracts to know The 4 most common SCI clinical syndromesThe ISNCSCI and ASIA examWhat information is (and isn't) conveyed by the neurologic level of injuryWhat information is (and isn't) conveyed by the ASIA Impairment ScaleWhy both neurologic level of injury and ASIA Impairment Scale are needed to determine diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care Go Deeper With Your Learning Dr. Powers works through a patient case to determine neurologic level of injury and ASIA Impairment Scale (YouTube) References O'Sullivan & Schmitz's Physical RehabilitationSCI Key DataCosts of Living with SCIInternational Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord InjuryISNCSCI WorksheetsCommon Errors Made During ISNCSCI Exam (YouTube)Support the show

    Spinal Cord Injury Part 1: Clinical Syndromes, NLI and AIS

  4. Sep 21

    Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

    Connect with Dr. Powers Get your Neuro Power Hour Mug! In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers explores Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Although ALS has a relatively low prevalence and incidence, the progressive loss of motor neurons has a devastating effect on function, quality of life, psychosocial wellness, and lifespan. Dr. Powers discusses the important role that physical therapists play in ALS management, including the framework for rehabilitation, exercise prescription, and psychosocial considerations. Key Takeaways ALS as motor neuron diseasePathophysiology of motor unit lossKnown risk factors for ALSLimb-onset vs bulbar-onset ALSImportance of diffuse upper and lower motor neuron findings in ALS diagnosis"Fasciculations are known by the company they keep"Pseudobulbar affect and psychosocial considerationsALS progression and mortalityFramework of restoration, compensation, and prevention Evidence-informed exercise prescription References O'Sullivan & Schmitz's Physical RehabilitationALS Environmental and Lifestyle FactorsMeta-analysis of Military Service and ALS RiskSystematic Review Military Service and Related Risk Factors for ALSPseudobulbar AffectEl Escorial Criteria for ALSPhysical Exercise in ALS All music courtesy of Free Music Archive and used via attribution 4.0 international license. Intro and Outro: Stylin' by JMHBMTransitional: Our Reality by KetsaSupport the show

    Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

  5. Sep 7

    Dr. Jamie Dyson's Personal Journey with Guillain-Barré Syndrome

    Connect with Dr. Powers In this episode, Dr. Jamie Dyson shares his personal journey through Guillain-Barré syndrome, highlighting the medical, emotional, and psychological challenges he faced. He discusses the multiple phases of his journey, from initial diagnosis through acute medical management and his successful return to clinical practice, education, and professional advocacy. His story offers valuable insights into patient care, resilience, and the importance of personalized treatment approaches. Connect with Dr. Dyson on LinkedIn or via email: jamiedyson224@gmail.com Key Takeaways Guillain-Barré syndrome onset and symptomsThe importance of early diagnosis and treatmentRole of community and family support in recoveryStrategies for mental health management post-illnessThe significance of personalized patient care and impact of social determinants of healthAll music courtesy of Free Music Archive and used via attribution 4.0 international license. Intro and Outro: Stylin' by JMHBMTransitional: Our Reality by KetsaConnect email: neuropowerhour@drmichaelpowers.comLinkedInSupport the show

    Dr. Jamie Dyson's Personal Journey with Guillain-Barré Syndrome

  6. Aug 24

    Guillain Barre Syndrome

    Connect with Dr. Powers In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers explores Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS). He breaks down how this immune-mediated polyneuropathy is typically preceded by infection, how rapid and progressing onset of distal to proximal weakness and sensory disturbances is a hallmark finding, the medical/pharmacologic early management approach, and evidence-informed considerations for physical therapy interventions. Key Takeaways GBS as immune-mediated polyneuropathyGBS variantsIncidence and etiology of GBSHallmark history and clinical findings in GBSAcute medical/pharmacologic managementTypical clinical course of GBSPrognostic factors and anticipated outcomesEvidence-informed physical therapy interventions References Guillain-Barre Syndrome APTA ReferenceGuillain-Barre SyndromeAxonal Guillain Barre SyndromeMiller Fisher SyndromeGuillain-Barre Syndrome and ExerciseO'Sullivan & Schmitz's Physical Rehabilitation All music courtesy of Free Music Archive and used via attribution 4.0 international license. Intro and Outro: Stylin' by JMHBMTransitional: Our Reality by KetsaSupport the show

    Guillain Barre Syndrome

  7. Aug 10

    Neuroplasticity

    Connect with Dr. Powers Intensity matters! In the fourth and final of a multi-part series on stroke, Dr. Michael Powers explores best current evidence in stroke interventions including task-oriented training, clinical practice guidelines to improve locomotor function, and clinical practice guidelines on the use of ankle foot orthoses and functional electrical stimulation. He highlights the importance of keeping intensity, salience, and repetitions high during stroke rehabilitation to drive neuroplasticity. He discusses the importance of emphasizing interventions at the participation and activity level, and how treatments which overly emphasize body function and structure are not consistent with the best current evidence nor the recommended approach to examination which was discussed last episode. He hopes that by the end of this episode you will start thinking of your patients as athletes who benefit from high intensity practice! Key Takeaways Neuroplasticity mechanisms Adaptive vs maladaptive neuroplasticity Lifestyle facts impacting neuroplasticity Experience-dependent neuroplasticity Factors impacting neuroplasticity The importance of exercise and intensity Aerobic exercise and brain-derived neurotrophic factor Non-locomotor outcomes improved with high intensity gait trainingReferences The Neuroplastic Brain: Current Breakthroughs and Emerging Frontiers The Combined Influences of Exercise, Diet and Sleep on Neuroplasticity Neuroplasticity After Stroke: Adaptive and Maladaptive Mechanisms in Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Promoting Neuroplasticity for Motor Rehabilitation After Stroke: Considering the Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Genetic Variation on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Principles of Experience-Dependent Neural Plasticity: Implications for Rehabilitation After Brain Damage Moving Forward Effect of Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Clinical Practice Guideline to Improve Locomotor Function Following Chronic Stroke, Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury, and Brain Injury Clinician Resources for Locomotor CPG Increasing the Amount and Intensity of Stepping Training During Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Improves Locomotor and Non-Locomotor OutcomesAll music courtesy of Free Music Archive and used via attribution 4.0 international license. Intro and Outro: Stylin' by JMHBM Transitional: Our Reality by KetsaConnect email: neuropowerhour@drmichaelpowers.com LinkedInSupport the show

    Neuroplasticity

  8. Jul 27

    Stroke Part 4: Evidence-Based Interventions

    Connect with Dr. Powers Intensity matters! In the fourth and final of a multi-part series on stroke, Dr. Michael Powers explores best current evidence in stroke interventions including task-oriented training, clinical practice guidelines to improve locomotor function, and clinical practice guidelines on the use of ankle foot orthoses and functional electrical stimulation. He highlights the importance of keeping intensity, salience, and repetitions high during stroke rehabilitation to drive neuroplasticity. He discusses the importance of emphasizing interventions at the participation and activity level, and how treatments which overly emphasize body function and structure are not consistent with the best current evidence nor the recommended approach to examination which was discussed last episode. He hopes that by the end of this episode you will start thinking of your patients as athletes who benefit from high intensity practice! Key Takeaways Task-Oriented Training and Neuroplasticity Movement is at the intersection of the individual, the task, and the environment Key features to consider at the levels of the individual, the task, and the environment Improving Locomotor Function Clinical Practice Guideline Importance of high intensity in improving walking function Intensity, repetitions, and salience more important than normalizing gait kinematics Clinical Practice Guideline for Use of AFOs and FES Post Stroke AFOs and FES with multiple benefits across ICF domains References O'Sullivan & Schmitz's Physical Rehabilitation, 8th ed. Shumway-Cook and Woollacott Motor Control, 6th ed. Clinical Practice Guideline to Improve Locomotor Function Following Chronic Stroke, Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury, and Brain Injury Clinician Resources for Locomotor CPG A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Ankle-Foot Orthoses and Functional Electrical Stimulation Post-Stroke Clinician Resources for AFO and FES CPG All music courtesy of Free Music Archive and used via attribution 4.0 international license. Intro and Outro: Stylin' by JMHBM Transitional: Our Reality by Ketsa Connect email: neuropowerhour@drmichaelpowers.com LinkedInSupport the show

    Stroke Part 4: Evidence-Based Interventions
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About

Join your host and neurological navigator, Dr. Michael Powers, in a discovery of neurologic physical therapy! 

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Powers
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Neuro Power Hour
  • Show Website
    The Neuro Power Hour