247: Follow These 5 Neuroplastic Principles To Improve Patient Outcomes (With Examples!) With Briana Elson, MS, OTR/L
Release Date: 01/06/2025
247: Follow These 5 Neuroplastic Principles To Improve Patient Outcomes (With Examples!) With Briana Elson, MS, OTR/L
I Love Neuro
In this episode occupational therapist Briana Elson, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS joined host Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS to discuss 5 principles of neuroplasticity and how they can be applied in neurorehabilitation. Note: In a previous episode a different 5 were discussed (see the link to that episode below). No need to listen to the previous episode to get what you need out of this one though! In this episode, we discuss what the principles are and how to apply them to your neuro caseload: 1. Time Matters - Yes we know this, but what does that look like and what if time isn’t on your side? Learn...
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246: Tips For Running An Effective Strength Circuit Class For People With Parkinson’s
I Love Neuro
If you’re looking to develop a strength circuit class for people with neurologic diagnosis this episode is for you! Running a circuit class for people with physical and/or cognitive deficits can have challenges. You need to be mindful in order to ensure safety while also challenging your clients enough to promote change. This episode Erin Gallardo and Claire McLean will break down the method and approach that Claire uses at Rogue PT and Wellness running her 40 weekly exercise classes for people with PD. In the show we’ll break down the types of exercises to include in your circuit, short...
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245: Unlocking The Potential Of Virtual Reality In Neurorehabilitation With Ramiro Maldonado, PT, DPT
I Love Neuro
Curious about how using Virtual reality (VR) could help you with prevention, assessment and treatment of your neuro patients? VR and AR (augmented reality) is emerging as a powerful tool in the world of neurorehabilitation, and Ramiro Maldonado, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with UprightVR, shares the research on the transformative capabilities of this technology. Ramiro highlights how the true power of a good VR system lies in its ability to drive neuroplasticity by creating immersive environments that challenge and retrain sensory systems. By manipulating visual inputs and leveraging...
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244: When Pediatric Clients Grow Up With Cameron Brown, PT, DPT, PCS
I Love Neuro
Are you used to working with adults with neurologic conditions and get intimidated by young adults or those with “pediatric” diagnoses? Many neuro therapists feel like they’re not the best person to help an adult with cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida or other typical diagnoses made in childhood… but they’re wrong! In this episode hosts Erin Gallardo and Claire McLean talk to Cameron Brown, PT, DPT, PCS about care across the lifespan and give you the confidence you need to help these clients. In the show we discuss why neuro therapists are well-equipped to work with younger...
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243: Using A Sensory-Based Approach For Treating Functional Neurological Disorders
I Love Neuro
Working with clients with Functional neurologic disorders (FND) can be confusing and challenging. If you’re stuck and aren’t sure how to help your clients you’ve gotta check out this episode! Occupational therapists and industry leaders in the treatment of FND Julie MacLean and Jessica Ranford discuss their expertise in using a sensory-based approach to treatment. In their work they noticed certain patterns emerging for people experiencing FND. By conducting detailed sensory profiles and histories, the OTs were able to identify patterns in how these patients processed sensory...
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242: Revolutionizing Gait With Variable Friction Shoes With Dr. Tyler Susko Of Cadense
I Love Neuro
Do you work with any clients who have trouble clearing their foot in swing phase of gait? If you said yes, this episode is for you! Dr. Tyler Susko, the founder and CTO of Cadense, Inc. is here to share the fascinating origin story behind Cadense's flagship product - the world's first variable friction shoes. The concept stemmed from Dr. Susko's PhD research at MIT, where he developed the "MIT Skywalker" - a robotic system that allowed patients to walk by dropping the floor during the swing phase. A comment from a research participant led Dr. Susko to create a passive, material-based shoe...
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241:Unlocking The Secrets Of Facial Rehabilitation With Sheri Donaldson, PT, DPT, NCS
I Love Neuro
Ever wonder what to do with a patient with facial palsy? Can they recover? What should you NOT do that can actually make it much worse? Tune in and find out! In this episode, Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Sheri Donaldson, PT, DPT, NCS. Dr. Donaldson shared her extensive expertise in the niche field of facial rehabilitation and the specialized techniques she employs to help patients with facial paralysis recover. Sheri emphasized the importance of the face in human expression and communication. She discussed the challenges faced by patients with facial...
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240: Who Made Me The Leader? How To Lead (Not Manage) A Team
I Love Neuro
Have you ever thought, “I’m really not good at managing people”? Or felt overwhelmed by the idea of being responsible for someone else? As business owners, the success of our ventures often hinges on the strength of our teams. In this episode of the I Love Neuro Podcast, Emily Duval Ledger, Erin Gallardo, and Claire McLean share their experiences and lessons learned about leading a team. Emily reflects on her early struggles as a new business owner, admitting that she initially tried to overcompensate for her insecurities by being overly decisive and not listening to her team. Claire and...
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239: UPDATE: Create Your Own Harness Set Up Like Rogue’s
I Love Neuro
On today’s episode Claire McLean and Erin Gallardo offer an update to a previous episode on setting up overhead harness systems for your neuro rehab gym the way Claire has it set up at Rogue. Rogue has a DIY, relatively inexpensive setup using things like anchors, rope ratchets, and construction-style harnesses. The big update to share was finding some new products that have really improved the comfort and usability of their system. The addition of "quick links,” which are essentially two carabiners connected by a nylon spacer helps keep the bulky pulleys and hardware away from people's...
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238: Optimizing Resistance Training for Older Adults and Neurological Conditions With Dr. Amy Ashmore, PhD
I Love Neuro
In this episode, hosts Erin Gallardo and Claire McLean interviewed Dr. Amy Ashmore, an expert in resistance training programming. Dr. Ashmore shared her extensive experience and passion for resistance training. Some of the key points she shares are that timing is critical. Dr. Ashmore emphasized the importance of precisely controlling the timing of concentric and eccentric contractions to target specific training adaptations, such as muscle power, strength, or hypertrophy. She also notes the importance of adjusting volume for aging muscle citing that recent research suggests older adults may...
info_outlineIn this episode occupational therapist Briana Elson, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS joined host Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS to discuss 5 principles of neuroplasticity and how they can be applied in neurorehabilitation. Note: In a previous episode a different 5 were discussed (see the link to that episode below). No need to listen to the previous episode to get what you need out of this one though!
In this episode, we discuss what the principles are and how to apply them to your neuro caseload:
1. Time Matters - Yes we know this, but what does that look like and what if time isn’t on your side? Learn what to do!
2. Salience Matters - This one is so important, but what if your patient MUST learn a novel task?? (For example, someone with vision impairment who must learn to use equipment or new strategies to navigate the environment). Is there any hope? Turns out there is!
3. Age Matters - Younger brains demonstrate more plasticity, but we work with so many people with aging brains. What should you know?
4. Transference - Skills learned in one area can transfer to similar tasks, which is especially useful in cognitive rehabilitation when teaching strategies. How can you harness this?
5. Interference - Do previous compensatory behaviors interfere with retraining proper movement patterns? What about the argument that kinematics don’t matter, just get someone moving? Why context matters and how and when to use error augmentation vs error-less learning.
Listen to episode 197 for our first conversation on the principles of neuroplasticity
Listen to our interview on using the Vivistim episode 196
www.joinneurospark.com to learn more about NeuroSpark and get access to Bri’s lecture on Central Vision mentioned in the episode!