Neuro Navigators Episode 17: Reactive Postural Control in OT/PT: Is It Time to Rethink Our Approach to Balance?

Dr. Nora Fritz, PhD, PT, DPT, NCS, an expert in postural control and fall risk in people with multiple sclerosis, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for a deep dive into reactive balance—why it matters, how it’s measured, and what we can do about it. J.J. and Nora explore the latest research around sensory reweighting, backward walking, and compensatory stepping, connecting the science to real-world clinical applications across patient populations. Together, they discuss strategies to support your clients’ safety and confidence through tailored interventions and meaningful conversations. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your assessment approach or rethink fall prevention strategies, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around reactive postural control in persons with MSApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address reactive balance control in persons with MSIncorporate measures of psychological functioning that may impact goal setting for reactive postural control in persons with MSTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:47) Introduction to reactive balance and multiple sclerosis (MS)(00:03:04) Understanding reactive balance mechanisms(00:06:50) Research insights on backward walking(00:11:55) Neural control of reactive balance(00:17:45) Applications across different diagnoses(00:20:57) Practical examples in therapy sessions(00:26:41) Assessing reactive balance in clinical settings(00:29:02) Understanding patient concerns and fear of falling(00:33:04) Interventions for improving reactive balance(00:35:24) Creative approaches to reactive balance training(00:38:44) Key takeaways for clinicians(00:40:34) Case studies and clinical insights(00:42:31) Research and future directions in balance trainingResources Mentioned in EpisodeAcademy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT) podcast episode that discusses the CAFFE Scale: DD SIG Episode 53: JNPT highlight: Concern About Falling and Fear of Falling in MS with Taylor TaklaBalance AssessmentsMini-BESTestPush and ReleaseABC ScaleFES-ICAFFE ScaleNeuro 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/