On Demand - Retraining Automaticity through Dual Task Programming: Evidence and Practical Application for PT, OT and SLP

Course Description:

This is a recording of the live course presented on March 14, 2025. 

Why are some movements “automatic”, processed without direct and consistent conscious control, or even resistant to environmental distractions? How do movements become automatic in the unimpaired learner and begin again in those with brain injury or other impairment? In this full-day course, we will review, APPLY, and ADVANCE the science of procedural learning (regaining automatic function) in gait, speech, ADL, athletics and more! Dr. Studer will review how the best applications of dual task facilitate the transfer of experiences into procedural memories. Additionally, attendees will get a sneak peek into the emerging world of Dual Task Fitness, for the benefit of fall prevention, ADL, speech for those with fall risk, MCI, concussion, some PD, MS, ALS, and stroke.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this course participants will be able to:

1. Identify the 4 main modalities of distractions in clinical and real world DT applications.

2. Name the three guiding principles of DT training

3. Identify the physiology of attention and DT in normal, rehabilitative, and impaired conditions.

4. Identify compensatory strategies for those unable to improve DT

5. Create an individualized program for patients in accordance with your scope of practice.

Agenda:

45 min The physiology of attention and learning, including pathophysiologies of: AD, MCI, PD, stroke, concussion, and TBI

45 min Evidence-based learning for normal and impaired subjects/patients

45 min The relevance of dual task tolerance: fall risk, ADL automaticity, attention reserve.

60 min The physiology of dual task tolerance in the brain

135 min Dual task testing across each of the professions

30 min Measurement and documentation for skilled therapy in PT, OT, or SLP

45  min Applications in: communication, ADL, mobility, fall prevention and automaticity

30 min Questions and summative comments

About the Speaker:

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA

Mike Studer received his physical therapy degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1991. He received his post-professional MHS degree in physical therapy with neurologic emphasis from the University of Indianapolis. He has been board certified as a clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy since 1995 and designated a certified exercise expert in the aging adult (CEEAA) by the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy since 2011. Mike has served as the vice president of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and has been the chair and vice-chair of several special interest groups at the national level in each of the Academies of Neurologic and Geriatric Physical Therapy, including balance and falls, stroke, and the practice committee in neurology. He is a full-time treating therapist and founder of Northwest Rehabilitation Associates in Oregon. Dr. Studer has presented courses and published articles on neurologic and geriatric rehabilitation since 1995 and has authored and co-authored more than 30 articles on topics of neurology and geriatrics, as well as several book chapters on stroke, cognition, Parkinson's disease, and preventive care. Mike is now regularly a guest lecturer on a national and international basis at several universities and national meetings on the topics of stroke, Parkinson's disease, balance, motor control, motor learning, cognitive impairment, and case management. He was awarded the 2011 Clinician of the Year award by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, and in 2014 received the same award from the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. He was the first to receive this national distinction from each entity.

Registration information:

Registration Fee: 

$175 for Providence employees, $200 for all other participants. Registration fees include an electronic course handout, access to the recorded course video and electronic certificate of attendance. 

Refund Policy: Due to having immediate access to this course, no refunds are available.

Contact Hours: This course qualifies for 7.0 contact hours for Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech language Pathologists and Speech Language Pathology Assistants in Oregon and Washington. Continuing education credit in additional states may be available.  Please email joanna.mullett@providence.org to determine if continuing educations credits can be submitted for your state.  Certificates of attendance will be issued to all participants completing the CEU requirements.