APTA Michigan 2020 Fall Conference Research Day

Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is a common orthopedic condition with known biomechanical and physiologic changes. This presentation will consider whether or not current orthopedic PT interventions are reflective of the scientifically proven byproducts of LDD. PURPOSE: The purposes of this presentation are to review the historical bench science research on discogenic instability, the role of the disc as a pain generator, the current science regarding the combined biomechanical and physiologic phases of LDD, and relate the bench science to PT practice.

Clinical decision making regarding physical therapy (PT) treatment for individuals with rare neurodegenerative diseases can be challenging given the paucity of available evidence. Although it is common for clinical practice guidelines to draw on results from large-scale randomized controlled trials to make recommendations, consideration of a wider range of designs is needed in rare diseases. Without this consideration, it is likely that recommendations for rare diseases will be set back while the necessary evidence to support clinical practice is generated.

PURPOSE: This course will focus on Huntington’s disease (HD), which is marked by motor, cognitive and psychological impairments, and shares many similarities with other neurodegenerative diseases. HD will be used as an illustrative example of the need for the development and application of clinical guidelines for physical therapy assessment and treatment of individuals with rare diseases, for which research is often limited.

Vestibular hypofunction may occur unilaterally or bilaterally.  Unilateral vestibular hypofunction is most often caused by vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis.  The primary symptoms associated with unilateral hypofunction are vertigo, gaze instability, and postural instability.  Although the cause of bilateral vestibular hypofunction may be idiopathic, the use of ototoxic medications can result in this disorder.  Spinning vertigo is seldom present with bilateral hypofunction.  However, it often results in oscillopsia and severe balance problems.  PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this presentation is to provide participants with the most current evidence-based interventions for treating vestibular hypofunction.