Neuro Simplified • Easy to Digest Neuro Rehab

Strive PT • Las Vegas

New Episodes: Tuesdays and Thursdays Created by: Strive Physical Therapy | Las Vegas www.striveptlv.com We discuss the latest neurological rehab research studies and how it can realistically affect people's recovery and clinician's practice. Each episode breaks down what evidenced-based research studies for stroke recovery, vestibular disorders, and other neurologic conditions without much of the jargon. This Google Notebook LM-powered podcast is designed for patients navigating recovery and clinicians to understand the latest research and use in real life.

  1. 1d ago

    Young Athletes, Brain Inflammation, and the Path to CTE

    For years, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was thought of as a disease that appeared decades after an athlete's playing career ended. New research is challenging that belief. In this episode, we connect three landmark studies that examined young athletes exposed to repetitive head impacts. Researchers found evidence of CTE in athletes under 30, identified brain inflammation and neuron loss that may occur before CTE develops, and reviewed the growing evidence linking repetitive head impacts to long-term neurodegeneration. We break down what these findings mean, what remains unknown, and why the conversation around concussion and contact sports is rapidly evolving. Whether you're a clinician, athlete, coach, or family member, this episode explores the latest science behind one of the most debated topics in brain health. Sources: McKee AC, Mez J, Abdolmohammadi B, et al. Neuropathologic and clinical findings in young contact sport athletes exposed to repetitive head impacts. JAMA Neurol. 2023;80(10):1037-1050. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.2907Butler MLMD, Pervaiz N, Breen K, et al. Repeated head trauma causes neuron loss and inflammation in young athletes. Nature. 2025;647(8045):228-262. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09534-6McKee AC, Stein TD, Huber BR, et al. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE): criteria for neuropathological diagnosis and relationship to repetitive head impacts. Acta Neuropathol. 2023;145(4):371-394. doi:10.1007/s00401-023-02540-wPowered by: Google Notebook LM

    24 min

  2. 4d ago

    Multiple Sclerosis: Is Exercise the Most Powerful Treatment We Have?

    In this episode of Neuro Simplified, we explore what happens when researchers analyze more than 70 reviews and over 90,000 people living with multiple sclerosis. The results are clear: rehabilitation matters. We discuss why exercise, physiotherapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary care continue to show some of the strongest evidence for improving function, reducing fatigue, and maintaining independence in people with MS. If you've ever wondered whether rehabilitation can truly change the course of life with MS, this episode is for you. Source: Momsen AMH, Ørtenblad L, Maribo T. Effective rehabilitation interventions and participation among people with multiple sclerosis: an overview of reviews. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2022;65(1):101529. doi:10.1016/j.rehab.2021.101529. Powered by: Google Notebook LM

    20 min

  3. 6d ago

    Shoulder Subluxation After Stroke: What Actually Works?

    In this episode of Neuro Simplified, we explore one of the most common complications after stroke: shoulder subluxation. With so many treatment options available—including electrical stimulation, kinesiology taping, slings, and injections—how do clinicians know which intervention to choose? We break down a recent systematic review and network meta-analysis that compared multiple treatments head-to-head and ranked them based on their effectiveness for different outcomes. In this episode, you'll learn:Why shoulder subluxation develops after stroke Which treatment was most effective for reducing shoulder separationWhy kinesiology taping may improve both arm function and movement-related painWhen corticosteroid injections may be appropriateWhy the best treatment depends on the goal, whether that's improving alignment, reducing pain, or restoring arm useThis episode highlights how evidence-based stroke rehabilitation is moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach and toward matching the right intervention to the right problem. Whether you're a stroke survivor, caregiver, student, or rehabilitation professional, you'll leave with practical insights you can apply to understanding and managing post-stroke shoulder subluxation. Source: Park, et al. Comparative effectiveness of treatments for shoulder subluxation after stroke: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Clin Med. 2025;14(19):6913. doi:10.3390/jcm14196913. Powered by: Google Notebook LM

    20 min

  4. Jun 9

    Can Pickleball Help You Stay Independent as You Age?

    In this episode of Neuro Simplified, we explore a fascinating new study examining whether an 8-week pickleball program can improve walking and reduce fall risk in older adults. Researchers found that while pickleball didn't significantly change traditional walking measures like stride length or cadence, it improved something potentially more important: the ability to coordinate movement while walking and thinking at the same time. These changes were most apparent during dual-task activities, the exact situations where many older adults are at the highest risk for falls. In this episode, we discuss: Why walking while thinking is a major challenge for older adultsHow pickleball may train the brain and body simultaneouslyWhat "movement adaptability" means and why it mattersWhether open-skill sports like pickleball offer unique benefits compared to traditional exerciseWhat these findings mean for fall prevention and healthy agingIf you're looking for a fun, social, and evidence-based way to stay active, this episode might change how you think about pickleball. Source: Zeng Z, Hu X, Sit CHP, Yang Y. Effects of an 8-week pickleball intervention on dual-task gait performance and inter-joint coordination in pre-frail older adults. Exp Gerontol. 2026;219:113154. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2026.113154. Powered by: Google Notebook LM

    22 min

  5. Jun 6

    Post-Concussion Physical Therapy: Getting the Timing Right

    In this episode, we discuss a new randomized controlled trial that challenges one of the most common concussion recovery strategies: waiting. Researchers found that people with mild traumatic brain injuries who started physical therapy earlier experienced faster symptom improvement than those who delayed treatment. We break down what this means for headaches, dizziness, brain fog, return to work, return to sport, and why the timing of rehabilitation may be just as important as the treatment itself. If you've ever wondered whether "just rest" is enough after a concussion, this episode is for you. Source: Kody R Campbell, Prokopios Antonellis, Robert J Peterka, Jennifer L Wilhelm, Kathleen T Scanlan, Natalie C Pettigrew, Siting Chen, Lucy Parrington, Peter C Fino, James C Chesnutt, Fay B Horak, Timothy E Hullar, Laurie A King, In People With Subacute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Earlier Physical Therapy Improved Symptoms at a Faster Rate Than Later Physical Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial, Physical Therapy, Volume 105, Issue 2, February 2025, pzae180, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzae180

    21 min

  6. Jun 4

    Fear of Falls in Older Adults and Stroke Survivors

    When we think about preventing falls, most people immediately think about getting stronger. But what if strength is only one piece of the puzzle? In this episode of Neuro Simplified, we explore three fascinating studies examining the relationship between exercise, balance confidence, fear of falling, and real-world independence. We'll discuss why individuals with cerebellar ataxia can improve balance and function through targeted therapeutic exercise, how balance confidence influences actual balance performance in older adults, and why fear of falling may be one of the strongest predictors of future falls. You'll learn why two people with the same physical abilities can have completely different fall risks, how confidence affects movement behavior, and what clinicians can do to address both the physical and psychological factors that influence mobility. Whether you're a therapist, caregiver, or someone looking to maintain independence as you age, this episode highlights why successful fall prevention goes far beyond muscle strength. Sources: 1. Winser S, Chan HK, Chen WK, Hau CY, Leung SH, Leung YH, et al. Effects of therapeutic exercise on disease severity, balance, and functional Independence among individuals with cerebellar ataxia: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Physiother Theory Pract. 2023;39(7):1355-1375. doi:10.1080/09593985.2022.2037115 2. Thompson LA, Badache M, Brusamolin JAR, Savadkoohi M, Guise J, de Paiva GV, et al. Investigating Relationships between Balance Confidence and Balance Ability in Older Adults. J Aging Res. 2021;2021:3214366. doi:10.1155/2021/3214366 3. Rodrigues F, Monteiro AM, Forte P, Morouço P. Effects of Muscle Strength, Agility, and Fear of Falling on Risk of Falling in Older Adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(6):4945. doi:10.3390/ijerph20064945 Powered by: Google Notebook LM

    11 min

  7. Jun 2

    Pusher’s Syndrome: Leaning Sideways After a Stroke

    What if your brain convinced you that falling sideways was actually “straight”? In this episode, we break down the fascinating and misunderstood world of Pusher Syndrome. A post-stroke condition where survivors actively push toward their weaker side and resist correction. Researchers now believe this isn’t just a balance problem, it’s a distorted perception of verticality caused by disrupted thalamocortical connections in the brain. We explore why it happens more often after right-brain strokes, how it affects sitting, standing, walking, and transfers, and why it can dramatically slow rehabilitation. We also discuss newer rehab strategies including visual feedback, virtual reality, robotics, and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like tDCS and TMS. If you work in neuro rehab, care for someone after stroke, or just love neuroscience, this episode dives into one of the strangest postural disorders in neurology and what it teaches us about how the brain understands balance.

    21 min

  8. May 30

    Preventing A Second Stroke

    Recovering from a stroke is only half the battle — preventing the next one may be even more important. In this episode, we break down one of the biggest conversations happening in neuro rehab and neurology right now: secondary stroke prevention. We discuss why recurrent strokes are often more disabling, more deadly, and more expensive than the first event — and why modern stroke care is shifting toward aggressive prevention strategies. From blood pressure control and cholesterol management to exercise, physical activity, diabetes management, smoking cessation, diet, and long-term lifestyle changes, this episode explores the growing movement toward a more comprehensive, brain-health-focused approach to stroke recovery. We also dive into the role of aerobic exercise, neurorehabilitation, mobility training, and long-term wellness programs in reducing stroke risk. Why are neurologists and rehab clinicians emphasizing exercise intensity and cardiovascular health more than ever before? Could the future of neuro rehab look more like long-term health coaching than short-term therapy? This episode is for stroke survivors, caregivers, neuro clinicians, and anyone interested in where stroke rehabilitation and prevention are heading in 2026 and beyond. Source: Bangad A, Abbasi M, de Havenon A. Secondary Ischemic Stroke Prevention. Neurotherapeutics. 2023;20(3):721-731. doi:10.1007/s13311-023-01352-w Powered by: Google Notebook LM

    21 min
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About

New Episodes: Tuesdays and Thursdays Created by: Strive Physical Therapy | Las Vegas www.striveptlv.com We discuss the latest neurological rehab research studies and how it can realistically affect people's recovery and clinician's practice. Each episode breaks down what evidenced-based research studies for stroke recovery, vestibular disorders, and other neurologic conditions without much of the jargon. This Google Notebook LM-powered podcast is designed for patients navigating recovery and clinicians to understand the latest research and use in real life.

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