2025 Annual Spring Conference Sessions

This session will show theoretical basis of modular motor learning to then show application in the motor recovery of the upper limb in Stroke in the early subacute phase (first 3 months). It will also explain the modular organization of motor learning, some previous studies about human neuroscience and adaptation and skill learning. Then, will show some translational approaches in neurorehabilitation using this modular approach. And in conclusion will share some preliminary results of our ongoing research in the early subacute phase of stroke, using this modular approach with exoskeletons and exergames to promote the motor recovery of the upper limb.

This course will be for the beginner to intermediate practitioner seeking to better understand the interaction between biological and psychosocial components of injury and illness. Incorporating the biopsychosocial (BPS) model of health and wellness into Physical Therapy practice can improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. BPS will be explored through a case study in hand therapy, sharing the treatment and outcome of an individual after complex, traumatic hand surgery. Emphasis will be placed on multidisciplinary care and professional boundaries of the physical therapist, while also using practical skills to support mental and spiritual health during physical rehabilitation. Only 12% of Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are physical therapists, working alongside the majority 87% of CHTs that are occupational therapists. The BPS model has likely been used more in Occupational Therapy. It can also be useful across different Physical Therapy settings. Barriers to implementation can include time constraints, therapist training or experience, organizational leadership, and insurance authorization or reimbursement.

Breastfeeding is more than nutrition. The first latch is the first coordinated movement milestone an infant performs outside the womb. In this session, participants will explore how physical therapists can play an essential role in optimizing breastfeeding outcomes. We’ll evaluate current breastfeeding recommendations and the benefits of human milk, determine where breastfeeding fits within the PT’s scope of practice, and identify evidence-based interventions for the breastfeeding dyad. Using case studies, we’ll highlight the clinical skills needed to assess and treat common challenges, empowering PTs to support families with confidence and clarity.

There is growing evidence that vestibular dysfunction is present in Parkinson disease (PD), however it is unclear if this dysfunction is disease-specific, age-related, or both. Furthermore, little is known about the effect of dopaminergic medications used to treat PD on vestibular function. This talk will discuss Dr. Brodsky’s research that contributes to the evidence of vestibular dysfunction in PD using comprehensive vestibular assessment, comparisons to healthy similar-aged controls, and examination of the effects of dopaminergic medications. The work explores peripheral and central vestibular function in people with PD using quantitative laboratory measures not typically available in physical therapy clinics but will highlight the application to clinical practice. The talk will include a review of the relevant vestibular anatomy, vestibular testing techniques and their interpretation, and background evidence for vestibular dysfunction in PD. Clinical implications of this study will help the clinician interpret complaints of dizziness and imbalance in people with PD and guide decision making for rehabilitation.

Are you or your workplace anti-fat? Would you know if you were? Join us to learn the latest research about how the United States’ healthcare system’s focus on weight and 'obesity” alters how we care for patients. Healthcare providers’ internal and external biases, along with systemic biases in healthcare settings, negatively affect patient outcomes and patient experiences across all minoritized demographics; weight is no different. In this session, we will discuss the diverse reasons for anti-fatness, the evidence behind weight as a driver (or not!) of disease and injury, and the profession’s core values that encourage us to examine and address our internal and external biases. We will explore the evidence from research across health professions, as well as findings from our team’s recent systematic review on weight bias in physical therapy around the world. Finally, we will wrap up with best practices to optimize patient outcomes and support people of all body sizes.

Stay ahead in ACL rehabilitation and management with this comprehensive session highlighting the latest evidence-based insights. Drawing on pivotal findings from the KANON trial, this course examines the evolving landscape of ACL treatment, comparing surgical interventions with conservative approaches, including cross-bracing protocols. Through an in-depth review of clinical trials and long-term outcome data, we will explore how treatment decisions influence patient outcomes such as knee stability, function, and return-to-sport timelines. Learn how the KANON trial reshaped our understanding of conservative management and the role of optional delayed reconstruction. Dive into the recent literature findings on predictors of re-injury and post-surgical complications, providing valuable context for tailoring patient-specific care plans. Key topics include advancements in our understanding of the MOI, healing time frames, its implications for conservative management, and the criteria for transitioning to surgical intervention when necessary. Case studies will bring these concepts to life, enabling you to integrate evidence-based principles into your practice confidently. By the end, you’ll be equipped with actionable knowledge to make informed clinical decisions and elevate your patient outcomes.

This course explores the integration of neurodiversity principles into physical therapy (PT) practice, focusing on individualized care, institutional support, and challenging societal norms of success. Participants will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to create inclusive and patient-centered treatment strategies for neurodivergent individuals while also addressing broader system-level opportunities for support in workplaces and educational institutions. Instructional strategies include expert-led lectures, interactive speaker panels, and collaborative small group discussions. Through these methods, participants will examine current research on societal standards of success and learn how to collaborate with patients to set goals aligned with their unique values and aspirations. Case-based learning will provide practical examples, enabling participants to translate theoretical concepts into actionable clinical strategies. Knowledge translation methods will emphasize the use of clinical resources, such as guidelines from the APTA, sensory integration tools, and universal design principles, to enhance individualized care and institutional practices. Participants will also explore how policies and environmental adaptations can foster neurodivergent-friendly spaces in both clinical and academic settings. Evaluation will include active participation in discussions, analysis of case studies, and reflective assignments to assess understanding and application of course concepts. By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to support neurodiverse populations effectively, both as individual practitioners and as advocates for systemic change.

This session explores how video-based pose estimation and computer vision technologies are transforming physical therapy assessment and rehabilitation. Learn how these innovative tools enable clinicians to analyze movement kinematics and gait parameters using accessible, low-cost devices such as smartphones. With the ability to provide high-precision, markerless motion capture, these technologies complement traditional evaluation methods and open new possibilities for enhancing patient care. A key focus will be the potential of these tools to expand access to care in rural and underserved areas. By facilitating remote assessments and tele-rehabilitation, pose estimation can overcome geographical barriers, offering equitable access to advanced, quantitative assessments for patients who may not have convenient access to healthcare facilities. Participants will gain practical insights from recent research, which highlights the effectiveness of these technologies in tracking motor recovery, assessing compensatory movement patterns, and quantifying repetitive motion frequencies. The session will also address current limitations, such as user interface and integration hurdles, and discuss how clinicians can work around these barriers to adopt these tools effectively in the future. Join us to explore the integration of cutting-edge, accessible technologies into clinical workflows and redefine physical therapy delivery in diverse settings, including resource-constrained environments. This session is ideal for physical therapists, educators, and researchers seeking to innovate their practice with transformative digital tools.

Physical therapists frequently face challenges in motivating individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) to maintain consistent physical activity, a critical component of effective management. This discussion explores the psychological barriers to adherence and introduces self determination theory (SDT) as a framework for fostering sustainable behavior change. SDT emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness, providing actionable strategies to improve patient outcomes. Participants will learn about a study that applied SDT-based education to address adherence challenges in adults aged 50 and older with knee OA. The study assessed physical performance outcomes using the one-minute sit-to-stand test and evaluated patient-reported measures of physical function, self-efficacy, and commitment to tasks. Findings revealed clinical improvements in performance and highlighted the association between higher self-efficacy and greater task commitment. These results underscore the importance of integrating SDT principles into patient education to enhance physical activity and improve functional outcomes. Through an interactive one-hour session, participants will: - Analyze the study findings and their implications for clinical practice. - Discuss strategies to address psychological barriers and tailor interventions to individual needs. - Discuss SDT-informed patient education plans to support adherence and improve outcomes in knee OA care. This course equips physical therapists with practical tools to identify patients who may benefit from SDT-based interventions and apply these principles effectively in their practice.

This 1-hour seminar will talk about all aspects of residency such as pros and cons, day in the life, specialty exams, and Q&A panel. Residents from the Portland VA orthopedic residency, Providence sports residency, and the OHSU orthopedic residency will speak about what their day looks like in the clinic, the opportunities they have, and why they chose to do a residency. Questions will be moderated by their shared mentor Evan Liu PT, DPT.

This 2-hr course provides a comprehensive review of the clinical steps to providing an appropriate wheelchair seating and positioning system based on the clients’ medical and functional needs. This course will be focused on recognizing and addressing changing postural, functional , and tissue needs of wheelchair users over time, particularly in relation to aging with a disability. It underscores the importance of the clinical team’s ongoing support and the need for early education about the wheelchair system in use. Included in this pre-con will be an in-depth review of the postural assessment, as well as the use of case examples to highlight concepts discussed. Common typical postural tendencies and related risks will be discussed as well as potential interventions for addressing seating needs. ISO wheelchair cushion standards testing will be reviewed as relates to cushion characteristics as well as how to interpret and apply ISO results with a focus on specific client priorities. Attendees will be able to immediately incorporate course concepts and learned skills into their clinical practice.

In any setting or circumstance, members of the physical therapy profession may interact with people who are affected by trauma. Being able to realize the impact of trauma, recognize it’s signs, and respond appropriately is vital to optimizing our impact on public health in all settings. The APTA recently adopted a position statement recommending education on Trauma-Informed Care for PTs, PTAs, and students. This course will introduce principles of Trauma-Informed Care and facilitate discussion around best practices to resist re-traumatization across the physical therapy profession.