DD SIG: Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) 2026 Preview

Summary

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4D: Deep Dive into Degenerative Diseases – CSM 2026 Preview

Podcast: 4D: Deep Dive into Degenerative Diseases – ANPT
Host: Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy
Episode: DD SIG: Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) 2026 Preview
Date: February 9, 2026
Panel: Ken Vanacco (A), Sarah Zoller (B), Madison Catalano (C)

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Overview

This special episode previews the neurodegenerative-disease-focused programming at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) 2026 in Anaheim, CA. Ken, Sarah, and Madison break down key sessions, share their “March Madness”-inspired picks, and offer practical tips for maximizing both clinical learning and networking at CSM. The episode celebrates both innovative and staple content, highlights community and collaboration, and reflects the fun, informal camaraderie of the DDSIG.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introduction and Podcast Approach

• The episode is built around a fun “basketball bracket”/March Madness theme to categorize top picks for conference programming.
• Rather than listing events chronologically, the team uses categories like “Hometown Heroes,” “Seasoned Teams,” “Halftime Shows,” “Sleepers,” and “Heart Picks” (02:28).

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Hometown Heroes – Local Favorites from the DDSIG Community

(03:33–07:34)

Ken’s Pick:

• Session: The Role of Physical Therapists in Multidisciplinary Management of Individuals with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
• Speaker: Christina Vaughn
• Quote:

  “This is maybe more new content for this year at CSM that isn’t part of your regular programming…very excited for this and a hometown hero because we, we know her here on the pod.” (04:22)

Madison’s Pick:

• Session: Maximal or Submaximal Exercise Testing: Finding the Right Fit for HIIT Prescription in Neurological Rehab
• Speaker: Dr. Anjali Sivarama Krishnan, et al. (DD SIG board member)
• Notes: Applies to PD, MS, Stroke; addresses the clinical challenge of prescribing the right intensity.
• Quote:

  “We’re always looking to prescribe that right intensity as a principle of neuroplasticity.” (05:05)

Sarah’s Pick:

• Session: Two Flints to Make a Fire: Evidence-Based Utility of Integrating Cognition into Physical Therapy Practice
• Speakers: Nora Fritz, Patty Monahan, et al. (Frequent podcast guests/alumni)
• Notes: Focuses on practical strategies for cognition and dual tasking in neuro PT.
• Quote:

  “Maybe some practical strategies you can use in the clinic…but how to incorporate considerations around cognition and also likely dual tasking into practice.” (06:37)

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Seasoned Teams – Conference Staples and High-Value Evidence

(07:34–11:48)

Madison’s Pick:

• Session: Enhancing Neurodegenerative Disease Care with Digital Health Tools: Evidence and Implementation Strategies
• Speakers: Dr. Burke, Dr. Quinn, Dr. Fritz, Dr. Hooman
• Notes: Focus on ALS, MS, Huntington’s; digital health for adherence, care, outcomes.
• Quote:

  “Another one that we can take some clinical nuggets and apply it right into clinical practice.” (08:07)

Sarah’s Pick:

• Session: Balance Rehabilitation and Falls Prevention in Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease: A Clinical Practice Guideline
• Notes: Long-awaited guideline update; “sneak preview” of future best practices.
• Quote:

  “Really high level of evidence that we can start to think about applying into our practice.” (09:30)

Ken’s Pick:

• Session: Proactive PT: A Paradigm Shift to Empower Movement and Knowledge Early in Complex Chronic Diseases
• Speakers: Miriam Rafferty, Monica Hendrickson, Lori Quinn, Dominique Kennett Hopkins
• Notes: Emphasizes early education/intervention in complex, rare diseases.
• Quote:

  “Early education becomes such a large piece in helping this population.” (11:17)

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Halftime Show – Nontraditional & Networking Events

(12:24–18:38)

Sarah’s Pick:

• Session: DDSIG Platforms (Rapid-fire research presentations)
• Quote:

  “You get a lot of variety in a short period of time...hear about things that are brand new and emerging.” (12:55)

Ken’s Pick:

• Event: Myelin Melter Social (Friday 5:30–7:00 PM)
• Details: DD SIG networking event, giveaways, community-building.
• Quote:

  “A fun event...may you see some old friends. There’s...a lot of good giveaways...look out for what the DD SIG has to offer at their table.” (15:13)

Madison’s Pick:

• Event: Saturday Poster Session (12:00–2:00 PM, with DDSIG posters)

• Quote:

  "Learning about it now, [platform sessions] seem like a nice way to kind of break up the hour and a half lectures...trying to sneak in a platform!” (13:53)

• Posters Networking Advice:

  “You don’t have to read every single title...Also talk to the poster presenters. It does not matter if you are a first year PT student or like the most seasoned researcher, part of the posters is the networking and the discussion.” (17:28 – Sarah)

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Third Quarter – Sleepers and Heart Picks

(18:38–25:33)

Sleepers – Surprising Picks from Outside Neuro

Ken:

• Session: Evidence-Based Algorithms and Perspectives for Choosing and Using Ankle Foot Orthoses
• Speakers: Bethany Russell, David Lawrence (Geriatric section)
• Reason: Looking to update/refresh AFO decision-making for diverse neurodegenerative populations. (19:26)

Sarah:

• Session: From GBS to CIDP: The ABCs of Demyelinating Neuropathies (Acute Care SIG)
• Reason: Personal connection to CIDP, curiosity about updated rehab recommendations. (20:37)

Heart Picks – Sessions that Spark Joy

Madison:

• Session: Optimization of Health Promotion and Wellness for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
• Notes: Holistic focus—sleep, nutrition, activity, emotional well-being, smoking cessation—on integration, not isolation.
• Quote:

  “Really curious to see how I can use this to maximize care for patients I see with MS.” (21:54)

Ken:

• Session: Stimulating the Discussion: Physical Therapy After Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson Disease
• Speakers: Anjali Sivarama Krishnan, Pooja Liar, Christopher Hurt
• Reason: Direct clinical relevance; looking to optimize follow-up and interventions for his own DBS clinic patients.
• Quote:

  “Are we seeing these people as we should be after they get DBS...possible intervention with physical therapy that we’re missing after...” (23:10)

Sarah:

• Session: When the Beat Drops: Strategies for Addressing Autonomic Dysfunction and Exercise in PD
• Speakers: Aaron Sutman, Lenny Swenson
• Reason: Common but under-discussed challenge in PD care; excited for actionable approaches.
• Quote:

  “This is like an everyday challenge for me, and I’m really excited that it has its own place here in its own topic.” (24:50)

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The "Ace" – Unanimous Top Pick

(25:33–28:10)

• Session: Ann Shumway Cook Lecture – Movement Through Time: The Evolution of Treatment for People with Parkinson Disease
• Speaker: Terry Ellis
• Reason: Honors both Dr. Ellis (the podcast’s inaugural guest) and the remarkable impact of Shumway Cook Lectures; expected to be inspirational and clinically relevant.
• Quotes:

  “It’s just that level of passion that she shares for helping these individuals and the advances that…she brings forth. It’s so interesting and engaging.” (26:15 – Ken)
  “The lectures are always really inspirational…a ‘sit back and enjoy the ride’ thing, which I think we could all use a little bit more of.” (27:09 – Sarah)

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Tips for CSM First-Timers and Self-Care

(28:20–29:58)

• Arrive with a plan.: “Going in with a little bit of a plan helps to narrow things down a little bit and set your agenda because there are so many things to see...” (28:20 – Ken)
• Recharge during the day: “Just go for walk around outside. Just see the sun, you need it.” (29:05 – Sarah)
• Explore beyond the conference: Appreciate Anaheim, find local eats, maybe even fit in a Disneyland visit. (29:27 – Ken)

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Notable and Memorable Quotes

• “We love going to talks from previous guests or from members of our DD SIG, either alumni or current board.” (02:28 – Sarah)
• “I feel like that’s really valuable and you know, needless to say, really high level of evidence that we can start to think about applying into our practice.” (09:30 – Sarah)
• “This is just such a…fun event…I think a networking type of opportunity for folks where you get to catch up with other people who are neurologic physical therapists.” (15:13 – Ken)
• “Be collaborative and that’s like another good opportunity to just network and have some really good discussions.” (17:28 – Sarah)

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Conclusion

The DDSIG podcast team delivers an energetic, practical preview of CSM 2026, championing the value of connecting with peers, bringing new ideas home, and integrating evidence into everyday practice. Their basketball-themed breakdown keeps the tone upbeat and accessible, while the strong through-line is clear: whether you’re a student, clinician, or seasoned researcher, this year’s CSM offers opportunities to learn, network, and be inspired.

For more info on the DD SIG or the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, visit www.neuropt.org.

Transcript

[A]

This is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for clinical decision making. Welcome to 4D Deep Dive into degenerative diseases, gaining insights through casual and amusing clinical conversations. Welcome to 4D, a podcast brought to you by the Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, a component of the APTA. Welcome to this special, special episode of 4D, where we'll be talking about the degenerative disease content that's going to be presented at this year's APTA Combined Sections Meeting 2026 in Anaheim, California. I'm Ken Vanacco, a physical therapist in the outpatient neuro clinic at Brown University Health and on the Podcast committee of the DD sig. I'm joined today by Sarah Zoller and Madison Catalano, who are both on the Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group podcast team with me. Welcome, Sarah and Madison. I'm so excited to talk about this content that's going to be presented at CSM specific to degenerative diseases. There's a lot of great content.

[B]

I am so excited to be here, Ken. I'm usually behind the edits here at the podcast, but here today and happy to join you. I love going to csm, so I have fun talking about it too. And we want to thank Madison for joining us. Madison's our newest team member and we're really lucky to have her.

[C]

Thanks. I'm excited to be here and this is actually my first time attending csm, so I'm excited to talk more about the degenerative disease specific topics, but also talk about going to CSM for the first time in general.

[A]

Yeah, one of like the premier events of the year, I have to say. You get to catch up with so many people. You know, you learn so much too. Both like a networking and learning experience. It's like such a fun time. And for you, Madison, in your home, not home state, but where you're living now. California.

[B]

Right.

[A]

So you don't have to travel too far.

[C]

Exactly. I'm excited for all the east coast individuals to get out of the snow and cold for a little bit.

[A]

Oh, we're excited, too.

[B]

So I'll lead us in here because we decided to mix it up a little bit. This is not our first time doing a CSM preview podcast. And instead of going date by date and time by time, we wanted to do something a little bit different. And you might think the generative diseases, maybe they're going to theme them based on diagnosis, something like that. But that would Be wrong. We are going to go with a basketball theme. This is pre March Madness. We're going February Madness csm and we're going to break down our programming here by certain categories. So to start us off, we're going to start off with some like hometown heroes. So this is like March Madness. You got to vote for your home team if they make it right. So for us on the podcast, that means we love going to talks from previous guests or from members of our DD sig, either alumni or current board. So, Ken, I'll let you start off with what your pick was for Hometown Hero.

[A]

All right. For Hometown Hero, my pick was the role of physical therapists in multidisciplinary management of individuals with normal pressure hydrocephalus, which Christina Vaughn, who we had her on the podcast for episode 52. She's going to be presenting this lecture at CSM. And it's definitely an exciting topic for me, too, working in an NPH clinic. It was great to talk to Christina. This is way back in November of 2024 that I originally spoke with her. And so it was really exciting for me to see that she was now presenting some of this content and her work at csm. So very excited for this and a hometown hero because we, we know her here on the pod.

[B]

Yeah, I think that's going to be a really good one. You know, NPH is, we don't always think about it as one of our main diagnostic categories in this section, but it's definitely something that we see as physical therapists. And we're learning more, I think, in the research about best practice. Yeah.

[A]

And I from, like recent years, at least, I can't remember a talk on NPH specifically. So this is maybe more new content for this year at CSM that isn't part of your regular programming that you would expect to see. All right, well, enough of my hometown pick. I want to hear what Madison's hometown pick is.

[C]

All right. One of my Hometown Picks is Dr. Anjali Servarama Kirshnan and colleagues. Anjali is on our nominating committee on our board of the DD sig, and she will be presenting on maximal or submaximal exercise testing, finding the right fit for HIIT prescription in the neurological rehab. This population that's going to be presented on is for patients with PD, Ms. and stroke. So I feel like can apply to a lot of the patients we see every day. And I feel like we're always looking to prescribe that right intensity as a principle of neuroplasticity. So I'm really looking forward to this conversation.

[B]

And I think one thing, you know, Madison, since you're coming in, one thing that's nice at CSM is to find a mix in your programming of things that are really clinically applicable. Like this one. Seems like you're going to take something out of this, an exercise prescription and more confidence in who to prescribe it to and how to prescribe it and bring that back like the next day. Right. And every talk you go to, you'll have something to bring back. But some are more like big picture future directions or, I don't know, more conceptual topics. But this is one of those that I feel like is in the trenches. You're going to take right out of it and be able to have a clinical use for it.

[C]

I'm excited. All right, and Sarah, what is your hometown pick?

[B]

All right, my hometown pick is from the team of Nora Fritz, who is one of our very first podcast guests, and Patty Monahan, who was one of our guests within the last year along with some other colleagues. They are presenting on two Flints to make a fire evidence based utility of integrating cognition into physical therapy practice. So again, maybe some practical strategies that you can use in the clinic, but how to incorporate considerations around cognition and also likely dual tasking into practice.

[A]

Right. That's like where my mind goes, like, oh, yeah, are they just going to talk dual tasking, but probably considerations. Right. Just for cognition and how we're able to integrate that within our practice. And these different possible degenerative conditions with cognitive limitations that can accompany them might be some interesting content there.

[B]

All right, I think we'll move on to our next category. We would call the Season team. So these are teams, if you're thinking about March Madness, which some of us are, some of us aren't, maybe are ones that are very frequently in, you know, the Sweet 16 Elite 8. They have legacy, they have history going back. They've had the same coach for ages. They're very consistent and you just know you're going to get a good show. So, Madison, why don't you start us off with who you picked for your seasoned choice here?

[C]

For our DD Seasons team, I have selected the team of Dr. Burke, Dr. Quinn, Dr. Fritz and Dr. Hooman, who will be presenting on enhancing neurodegenerative disease care with digital health tools, evidence and implementation strategies. This discussion looks like it's going to cover the populations of ALS, Ms. and Huntington's. So again, another comprehensive group of diagnoses. And I feel like this will be another one that we can take some clinical nuggets and apply it right into clinical practice. So I'm really excited for this one.

[A]

And that definitely seems like a direction we're going right where we're having more access to these digital resources for patients, whether it's to like improve adherence to home exercises or just that better continuation of care.

[B]

Also could have been a candidate for hometown hero because we've got Katie Burke, who talked to us about her experience in the ALS clinic. Lori Quinn has been on our podcast and again, Nora Fritz. So some familiar faces there, which we love.

[C]

So Sarah, you want to share your seasoned team?

[B]

So call me a nerd, but here a new clinical practice guideline that's very specific to our population and I get really excited. The balance rehabilitation and falls prevention and multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, a clinical practice guideline. I know they've been working on it for a while and I'm excited to hear at least some of the preliminary results here. You know, sometimes in these clinical practice guideline presentations they talk a little bit about the process. Again, they're preliminary findings. They might not be ready to publish it, but we'll kind of get to learn what they're learning as they go. And so I feel like that's really valuable and you know, needless to say, really high level of evidence that we can start to think about applying into our practice.

[A]

That's what I always find fun about these talks too is like it's a sneak preview to what a future clinical practice guideline is to look like. And so you get to start to think about and get excited for more standardization of treatment interventions for for balance training for these individuals. So really cool to see that that is coming down the pipeline here.

[B]

Ken, how about you, what's your seasoned.

[A]

Choice here for the third pick in the draft for the season category here? I am really excited to go to the Proactive pt, a paradigm shift to empower movement and knowledge early in complex Chr diseases. And with a star studded set of speakers here with Miriam Rafferty, Monica Hendrickson, Lori Quinn and Dominique Kennett Hopkins. So some really great speakers. And so just by the title alone, you could consider things like possibly multiple sclerosis, possibly Parkinson disease, these chronic diseases that people are living with. But maybe there's also these complex types of chronic diseases, the ones the we're not seeing as frequently but come with this certain level of medical complexity and challenge that a little bit of guidance early on in the disease course can go such a long way. I'm thinking things like from our Rare Disease podcast that we did, where we learned so early on that this early education becomes such a large piece in helping this population.

[B]

That was about a year ago that we talked to Miriam and Monica about their experience with this type of model and proactive physical therapy. So I'll be interested to see what else they have to share. And I feel like they're also really good about the ideal side of things. Right. Like why we think this is important in our work, but also the practical side, like how is this working in their system, how to make this workable with insurance, all of that. So I'm excited for that one. This brings us to our halftime show.

[A]

Is it Bad Bunny?

[B]

What we decided for our halftime show would be things that sort of break up csm. So not traditional presentations and sessions, but other things that you can be a part of at csm. So mine's sort of the borderline one leading into the halftime show. But I'll give you my case. Here is the platforms. We have DDSync platforms that takes up one of the presentation slots, but in my opin, totally worth it. Super interesting. And why we're considering it halftime is because the format is so different. So it's 15 minute snippets, 15 minutes from one presenter about a research project and then it's like quick turnaround, next person's on the stage. So you get a lot of variety in a short period of time. And you also get to hear about things that are brand new and emerging, things that are very recently published or haven't been published yet. So I find it a nice variation from the typical programming. And I always try to go to at least one platform session while I'm at csm.

[A]

And definitely the degenerative diseases platform seems like the one to go to based on what we're seeing here.

[B]

I mean we're not biased.

[C]

No.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It seems like there's a lot of good talks that are going to be during that platform and like you're saying, like you get to learn possibly a bunch of different things. You see a lot of different content with the six different presentations.

[C]

I feel like the platforms presentations, just learning about it now, it seems like it will be a nice way to kind of break up the hour and a half lectures. You just get quick bite sized pieces. Yeah. Making me rethink what I had planned for my CSM weekend and trying to sneak in a platform.

[B]

I'll also say we haven't mentioned yet, but there is on demand csm and so that will Happen sometime in March. Usually it's open for a month. If you go to csm, I believe you get access to the on demand or you can sign up separately. But sometimes it's a good idea to look and see what's on demand. So for example, platforms are usually not on demand.

[A]

Yeah, no, I don't think so.

[B]

And some of the talks aren't on demand as well. There is a very good offering, so there's a lot to see on demand. But if you're in person and you're trying to decide between two things, that can sometimes help you make a decision because you can go back and look later.

[A]

That's absolutely true. I think, I think recent development on demand csm is available for 2 months now after csm.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Latest word on the street. So.

[B]

Ken, what were you thinking for your halftime show here?

[A]

My halftime show? Well, I would go bad bunny, but I have to go myelin melter from 5:30 to 7. That's Friday night. So kind of at halftime for. For csm. Anyways, you've had a couple days to get content in and this is just such a. A fun event. I think a networking type of opportunity for folks where you get to catch up with other people who are neurologic physical therapists and practicing clinicians and may you see some old friends. There's. I know a lot of good giveaways like the DD SIG that has a table. So look out for what the DD SIG has to offer at their table. Along with some of our other great special interest groups at the Academy of.

[B]

Neurologic pt, we've got some good giveaways this year. Not by any low effort on Madison's part. She is helping us transport our giveaways and we are very grateful and we'd really like to meet you there. We'd really like to hear your ideas. If you're interested in getting involved and want to know, you know, what the opportunities are. Just want to hear what we have going on. We love to talk to PDC members and listeners and to connect. So that's really, I think, the best opportunity of this, like, community to connect at csm.

[C]

I'm looking forward to the event and yeah, not that it would draw you to go, but the box that's transporting there with the giveaways are pretty heavy, so.

[B]

All right, Madison, wrap us up with the halftime show here.

[C]

Okay, so my halftime show is a little past the halfway point of csm, but if you're able to stick around, my halftime pick is in the poster session. The Saturday 12 to 2 one specifically has the dd sig posters. Make sure to stop by.

[A]

Yeah, I love going to those poster sessions too. Almost similar to platforms where you can get a lot of, like, fun ideas and see what people are working on and something that if you're looking to get a little bit more involved and step into that, like, research realm of things, a poster is kind of a good first step, I would say.

[B]

I love wandering through the posters of a specific section and then you find one that really speaks to you. Right. Like really speaks to a specific patient you had or to your patient population where you can really find some interesting and more kind of niche topics in the posters. So my suggestion for the posters would be like, you don't have to read all of them. Sometimes it is nice to scroll through ahead of time and star a few because they're all numbered. So you know where you're going. But don't feel like you have to read every single title of every single poster. And also talk to the poster presenters. Like, it does not matter if you are a first year PT student or like the most seasoned researcher, it's part of the posters is the networking and the discussion. Right. People work so hard to put together their poster and share their research. They want to talk about it, they want to share, they want to learn. So be collaborative and that's like another good opportunity to just network and have some really good discussions.

[A]

Yeah, there's nothing worse than being a poster presenter and standing there for a couple hours and no one comes to talk to you about this research that you've worked so hard on. So think about it like that too.

[B]

Or they just stare at your poster then walk away. But the posters are fun. If you're staying the full day on Saturday, come by our DVC posters. All right, we're going into our third quarter here. Third quarter, we have got our sleepers. So, you know, in March Madness, the teams that come out of nowhere, you're 16 seeds, college you've never heard of, with the crazy mascot are the sleepers are not that extreme. So just what I mean by sleeper when we're talking about the content we're about to select here is actually just things that are not in the neuro section. So this is your friendly reminder to look outside of the neuro section for content because you can find some really cool things. So, Ken, what did you pick for your sleeper?

[A]

For my sleeper pick, I'm interested and learning a little bit more about AFOs. And so there is a talk titled Evidence Based Algorithms and perspectives for choosing and using ankle photo orthopedic. And that's Bethany Russell and David Lawrence will be presenting that part of the geriatric section. I mean, thinking a lot about our folks, especially with like multiple sclerosis who may benefit from bracing. And I've definitely come across a fair number of folks in and of course with other neurologic conditions as well, where, you know, I want to really refresh, I think, in my prescription of AFOs and seeing if there's any updates there. Something that I want to kind of up my game a little bit and see how I can further help my folks with with these types of these limitations.

[B]

I feel like you see a population with varied neurodegenerative diseases. Of course you're going to be prescribing different AFOs. And if you're not in a brace clinic, it's also nice to hear sort of some of the different decision making and the options that are out there.

[A]

But yes. Sarah, what was your sleeper pick? I'm interested to hear?

[B]

Mine is in the acute care sig. Even though I'm an outpatient, it's from GBS to CIDP, the ABCs of demyelinating neuropathies. The truth is, actually when I was in my final clinical, I had a really interesting patient with cidp. And so I did it in service at the time on CIDP and learned all I could about cidp. But now it turns out it has been some years since my final clinical happened. But I think because of that, I'm just super interested, like what's new in cidp? What's going on with rehab recommendations for that? So that would be my sleeper acute care section even though I'm not an acute care therapist. All right, so we didn't make Madison pick a sleeper since she's brand new and kind of just diving in to experience everything. But we did make you pick one that was sort of like what we call your heart pick. So something that for whatever reason, you're just drawn to a mascot you like or if you friend went to college there or, you know, that would be your basketball equivalent. But this is like just something you're interested in and want to see. So where did you go with that, Madison?

[C]

I selected Dr. Mary Crumley and colleagues presentation titled Optimization of Health Promotion and wellness for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. So it looks like the five wellness domains it's going to cover are sleep, nutrition, physical activity, emotional well being, and smoking sensation. And what really drew me to this, aside from seeing that it was for individuals with multiple sclerosis is that it mentions that the domains are separate, they're often studied in isolation. But the session will be really focused on interconnecting and integrating these five domains. So just really curious to see how I can use this to maximize care for patients I see with Ms. Yeah.

[A]

That'S definitely a hot topic. And of course we know sort of the impact that health and wellness can have on the individuals living with Ms. And possibly even the disease itself. So it's be really cool to see how they tie all these things together.

[C]

Yeah, I'm excited to learn more. So that is my heart pick.

[B]

Let's see.

[C]

Ken, who is, who's your heart pick this year?

[A]

My heart pick this year. The talk is titled stimulating the discussion Physical therapy after deep brain stimulation for Parkinson disease. And we have Anjali Sivarama Krishnan and Pooja Liar and Christopher Hurt who are all presenting this. And for me it's my heart pick because I work in a DBS clinic, kind of fast track clinic. And this has been something in the back of my mind always like are we seeing these people as we should be after they get DBS for assessment of their balance and falls and sort of those effects that are well known after someone has deep brain stimulation. We screen these people before in our clinic. But I think the follow up is something and possible intervention with physical therapy that we're missing after to try and capture these folks. And so I'm really hoping to learn a thing or two and something that I can bring back to my multidisciplinary team of colleagues and maybe try and improve our clinic and of course the outcomes for our patients.

[B]

Really cool, really cool that you're already involved in a clinic like that. And I feel like maybe for people who aren't, maybe this is inspiration. Right? Certainly on like a one on one patient basis we'll learn a lot. But also thinking more big picture. Right. Where do pts fit in this puzzle in this process would be really interesting.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, there's definitely a place for us. So. Yeah. And then Sarah, you didn't say your heart pick yet, did you?

[B]

No, I think I'm last here. Full disclosure, I work in a clinic that feeds primarily people with Parkinson's disease. So this one just jumped off the page at me which is when the beat drops. Strategies for addressing autonomic dysfunction and exercise in pd. So it's a really common problem I think more and more acknowledged, identified. We're getting more specific about how we can quantify it, do things like, adjust our exercise recommendations. But this is, like an everyday challenge for me, and I'm really excited that it has its own place here in its own topic. I'm excited to see what the presenters have to share, and that's from Aaron Sutman and Lenny Swenson.

[A]

And it's fitting that it's your heart pick and it's about autonomic dysfunction, I think.

[B]

I wasn't going to say it. Is it also on Valentine's Day? I don't think it is. That would be too much. Okay. Few. All right, well, that leads us to our final category, which originally was supposed to be, like the others, its own category. And that was our ace category. So that was your overall 1 seed, top pick. Gonna take it home. And we were unanimous in this one. So, Ken, do you want to share our selection?

[A]

Number one pick in the draft are. Ann Shumway Cook Lecture, Movement Through Time, the evolution of treatment for people with Parkinson Disease. Presented by a fan favorite here on the podcast and our first guest ever on the podcast, Terry Ellis. We've had the opportunity to hear Terry talk about treatment for individuals with Parkinson disease many times, and every time, it's just that level of passion that she shares for helping these individuals and the advances that. That she brings forth. It's. It's so interesting and engaging. I just think back to. Was it a couple CSMs ago, the one on rhythmic auditory stimulation? It's like, it's just a big crowd pleaser. So I'm expecting to see a lot of great content here and, you know, some inspirational sort of information I think, to take away from here and how we can help these folks.

[B]

I will admit clear bias here, part of Dr. Ellis's lab, but I'm totally looking forward to the talk myself. And just to put some context on this talk, the Anshamway Cook Lecture is both a lecture and an award, so it's given once a year. And the lectures are always really inspirational and share pieces of the person's professional journey as well as the development of their research over time. So it's really just, you know, put down your pen or pencil for a minute, kind of sit back and enjoy the ride thing, which I think we could all use a little bit more of. But I couldn't agree with you, Morgan. I think we have a lot to be excited about for this one. And we're so still grateful to Terry for starting us off here on our podcast.

[A]

I think. Yeah, Madison, there's just, like, a lot of different talks, right, that you can go to and It's, I thought my first CSM so challenging to choose from.

[B]

Right.

[A]

All these different things. But I always find going in with a little bit of a plan helps to narrow, narrow things down a little bit and set your agenda because there are so many things to see, so many talks to go to. So it's a busy three or so days at csm.

[C]

Awesome. Yeah, I'm, I'm very excited and that was a question I had. How do you like keep your cup filled although you're being filled with knowledge, the exhaustion of going back to back. How do you guys kind of recharge middle of the day and get even more excited for the next session?

[A]

Well, come with your big cup. Come with your YETI knowledge at csm.

[B]

I mean we hear from the Northeast, we just need to go outside for like a 15 minute walk at lunch and steal your California sunshine. I mean that's one thing. I think you have to get outside every day. Whether you go for your run in the morning or a nice like, you know, an Anaheim will be able to do like lunch outside or just go for walk around outside. Just see the sun, you need it.

[A]

Yeah. Getting away from the food court a little bit in the exhibit hall and finding local restaurants too that you can grab a quick bite to eat. That's going to be a really good way, I think, to unwind, step away from csm, but also kind of experience all that Anaheim and that surrounding area has to offer. Maybe pop in for a ride at Disneyland. I don't know. I'm excited for all of our picks. We'll see. It's going to be an exciting csm.

[B]

Thank you guys for joining me tonight and talking through this. Maybe even more excited to go get on that airplane.

[A]

The Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and its collaborators disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage by errors or omissions involved this publication. The views or opinions expressed are those of the individual creators and do not necessarily represent the position of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy. This podcast was produced and edited by the ANPT Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group podcast team. For more information on the SIG and the AMPT, visit www.neuropc.org. our podcast team includes Sarah Zahler, Christina Burke, Parm Padgett, Shannon Brown, Madison Catalano, Aisha Sonani, and I'm Ken Binocco. Thanks to Jimmy McKay for providing music and please share this episode with a colleague today. There's gonna be a lot of good bloopers here. I'm telling you.

[B]

Oh, my God. Guys, we have to. I have to edit this in, like, two days. Not so many clean from here on out. That's because last year, when they released it, it was, like, the exact duration of March, Ma. And it was very hard for people to listen.

[A]

Did you have something, Sarah? You know, some. Some Yelp reviews or.

[B]

Spoiler alert.

[A]

Already giving away too much information.

[C]

Well, I was gonna say Duke, because I'm a Blue Devil, but up here in the Northeast.

[B]

Got UConn. Maybe I shouldn't talk about actual basketball teams. I feel like might make people mad. Maybe next year, if we get to 75 by next year, we're getting close. We could do another round of interviews, but not this year.

[A]

We'll have really cleaned up our act by then.