The Neuro Power Hour

Time to talk stroke! In the first episode of a multi-part series on stroke, Dr. Michael Powers discusses stroke risk factors, the importance of early detection including the value of BEFAST and HINTS, and presentations of common vascular syndromes. Along the way, you'll learn about the differences between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and how despite these differences the functional outcomes between these types of strokes is fairly similar. As 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will sustain a stroke in their lifetime, this is a vital topic for all physical therapists regardless of practice area!Key Takeaways Prevalence/incidence of stroke Stroke risk factors PT role in educating patients on modifiable risk factors Time is brain Early detection: FAST, BEFAST, and HINTS Ischemic vs hemorrhagic stroke - differences in medical management, similarities in functional outcomes Vascular syndromes: ACA, MCA, PCA, which is most common? Hemispheric differencesReferences O'Sullivan & Schmitz's Physical Rehabilitation, 8th ed. WHO Global Stroke Fact Sheet 2025 Stroke Symptoms Systematic Review Comparing FAST and BEFAST HINTS Exam More Sensitive Than Early MRI TPA vs TNK in Acute Ischemic Stroke Within 4.5 Hours Hemorrhagic Stroke Overview Hemorrhagic Transformation of Ischemic Stroke Ischemic vs Hemorrhagic Stroke Functional 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: [email protected] LinkedIn

Time to talk about good ol' carpal tunnel syndrome! In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers discusses key considerations of managing carpal tunnel syndrome, including the importance of patient history and the use of evidence-based practice in clinical-decision making. He also highlights the importance of knowing your anatomy, including knowing the unforgiving structure of the carpal tunnel (how many flexor tendons are squeezed in there?) and recalling peripheral nerves are complex structures composed of multiple neurons functionally grouped together in fascicles. This episode is a must-listen if you're wanting to improve your confidence in applying the evidence toward the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of carpal tunnel syndrome!References Global and Regional Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Teach Me Anatomy: The Carpal Tunnel A Self-administered Hand Diagram for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome A Handy Review of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Median Nerve Injury CPR for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Summary of Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations - Using the Evidence of Guide Physical Therapy Practice Electrodiagnostic Evaluation of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Recent Advances in Ultrasound Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgical vs. Non-surgical Treatment for Carpal Tunnel SyndromeAll 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: [email protected] LinkedIn

Let's learn about the brain! In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers introduces the cerebral cortex including the four main lobes (and wait, is there maybe a 5th lobe?), differences between the left and right hemispheres, and the importance of the limbic system. If you've ever wondered where in the brain language is processed, memories are stored, commands for movement are generated, where incoming sensation is interpreted, or the role of emotions in memory consolidation then this episode is for you!References Clinical Neuroanatomy, 30th Edition Brain Anatomy and How the Brain Works Neuronatomy, Cerebral Cortex Insular Cortex Neuroanatomy, Limbic System Amygdala Activity My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal JourneyAll 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

In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers outlines key considerations for assessing and treating balance. He discusses the importance of considering contributions to balance from the individual, the environment, and the balance task including differences between various dimensions of balance. He differentiates normal age-related changes from balance dysfunction, and encourages clinicians to NOT accept balance dysfunction as part of the normal aging process. Your ability to effectively assess and treat balance will be enhanced after listening to this episode!Show References Motor Control, 6th edition Changes in Sensory Organization Test Scores with Age Motor Unit Number Estimates in Masters Runners: Use it or Lose it? Muscle Changes in Aging Heavy Strength Training in Older Adults Resistance Training for Older Adults: Position Statement From the National Strength and Conditioning AssociationAll 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

In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers highlights the importance of extending our thinking beyond biological and anatomical processes. Outcomes for patients with neurological conditions are NOT dependent solely upon medical diagnosis, rather, human elements such as psychology and social connections have an outsized impact on patient recovery and quality of life. Expand your neuro toolkit by learning how to optimize your therapeutic alliance in this episode!References Biopsychosocial Model 25 Year Later A Revitalized Biopsychosocial Model Healthy People 2030 Role of Biopsychosocial Factors In Stroke Rehab Status Syndrome: A Challenge to Medicine Social Determinants of Health: If You Aren't Measuring Them, You Aren't Seeing the Big Picture Social Determinants of Health and Delivery of Rehab to Older Adults During ICU Hospitalization Fatigue And Fatigability In Neurologic Illnesses Post-Stroke QoL, Stroke Severity, and Function Post-Stroke QoL QoL Changes Post-Stroke by Clinical and Sociodemographic Factors QoL In Patients with Spinal Cord Injury QoL In People with Spinal Cord Injury Response Shifts 1 to 5 Years Postinjury QoL In Patients with Multiple Sclerosis QoL In Parkinson's Disease Disability In the Labor Market: Employment and Participation The Economic Argument For Hiring People With DisabilitiesAll music courtesy of Free Music Archive and used via attribution 4.0 international license. Intro and Outro: Stylin' by JMHBM Transitional: Our Reality by KetsaContact: [email protected]

Dr. Kirsten Potter joins the podcast to talk about outcome measures! She discusses her experiences with outcome measures, from witnessing initial clinician resistance toward leading the charge as a change agent through her work in developing the core set of outcome measures and her role as MS Edge Chair. Dr. Potter and Dr. Powers highlight the evolution of evidence-based practice and data within neurologic physical therapy, including how the use of the core set measures leads to improved clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. After this episode, you will have added the core set measures into your toolkit while also appreciating the tremendous work (past and present!) being done to supply clinicians with the best available evidence in neurologic physical therapy!References and Took Kit ANPT Core Set of Outcome Measures: https://www.neuropt.org/practice-resources/anpt-clinical-practice-guidelines/core-outcome-measure-cpg Core Set of Outcome Measures Clinical Practice Guideline: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6023606/ Self-Report Measures of Fatigue for People with Multiple Sclerosis - A Systematic Review: https://journals.lww.com/jnpt/fulltext/2024/01000/self_report_measures_of_fatigue_for_people_with.2.aspx Modified Fatigue Impact Scale: https://www.sralab.org/rehabilitation-measures/modified-fatigue-impact-scale Fatigue Severity Scale: https://www.sralab.org/rehabilitation-measures/fatigue-severity-scaleAll music courtesy of Free Music Archive and used via attribution 4.0 international license. Intro and Outro: Stylin' by JMHBM Transitional: Our Reality by KetsaContact Dr. Powers Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-powers-pt-dpt-edd/Contact Dr. Potter:  Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenpotter/

In this bonus episode, Dr. Michael Powers peels back the curtain on electrodiagnostic testing. If you've ever wondered what electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are and how they can help guide clinical decision-making and prognosis, then this episode is for you! After this episode, you will understand how an intentional and well-guided clinical exam can approximate much of the information obtained during EMG and NCS.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 KetsaContact: [email protected]

In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers examines gait through the lens of functional tasks throughout the gait cycle and the impact of ground reaction forces on kinetic demands during ambulation. After this episode, you will understand the WHY of what we observe during gait analysis, including why patients ALWAYS lean toward the area of weakness and/or pain when they are walking!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 KetsaContact: [email protected] 

In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers dives into motor learning. He highlights the differences between declarative and procedural learning, including the importance of retrieval practice for declarative learning. He discusses motor learning theories not as abstract concepts, but as tools for clinicians to utilize in establishing evidence-based practice approaches to optimize patient outcomes. Expect multiple clinical pearls you can immediately apply in clinical practice!Show References Uncommon sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, and Terrence Sejowski The New Science of Learning: How to Learn in Harmony With Your Brain by Terry Doyle, Todd Zakrajsek, and Kathleen Gabriel Motor Control: Translating Research into Clinical Practice by Anne Shumway Cook, Marjorie Woollacott, Jaya Rachwani, and Victor Santamaria Optimizing Performance Through Intrinsic Motivation and Attention for Learning: The OPTIMAL Theory of Motor Learning by Gabriele Wulf and Rebecca LewthwaiteAll 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

In this episode, Dr. Michael Powers discusses movement, from development of movement through the evolution of motor control theories. He highlights how Dynamic Systems Theory reflects our best current understanding of movement, and how this theory can be incorporated into physical therapy clinical practice by considering how movement is shaped by the interaction between the individual, the task, and the environment.All music courtesy of Free Music Archive and used via attribution 4.0 international license.Intro and Outro: Stylin' by JMHBMTransitional: Our Reality by Ketsa