Rewiring Rehabilitation: Upper Extremity, Vagus Nerve and Electrical Stimulation in combination with Hippotherapy

Intended Audience:
This course is an intermediate course for therapists (PT, PTA, OT, COTA, SLP, and SLPA). 

Course Description:
In addition to functional electrical stimulation (FES) and neuromuscular stimulation (NMES), there is also vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Implanted vagus nerve stimulation is FDA-approved for the treatment of epilepsy and depression and for stroke rehabilitation. Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation is FDA-approved for migraines. Both implanted and transcutaneous VNS are currently being investigated for many other indications, including: upper extremity impairment post stroke, symptoms of long COVID, cognitive disorders, and more. VNS can be combined with treatment sessions utilizing hippotherapy. This presentation will review the use of FES/NMES for UE function in an adult post-stroke and provide an overview of some of the theoretical basis behind vagus nerve stimulation in stroke rehabilitation, as well as the impact on a patient who is currently using tVNS and potentially receiving animplanted device.

Learning Outcomes: 

• Identify 2 different ways electrical stimulation can be used for UE rehabilitation post stroke along with hippotherapy

• Explain 3 functions of the vagus nerve

• Identify 3 indications for vagus nerve stimulation (either FDA approved or experimental)

• Identify 3 ways the vagus nerve can be stimulated

Presenter Biography:

Michelle earned her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 1999. Michelle has practiced physical therapy in public schools, a pediatric clinic, pediatric home visits and currently at Chastain Horse Park in Atlanta, GA where she incorporates equine movement into her clinical practice. Michelle has treated patients across the lifespan from infants through age 65+. She is a board certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist and is on the American Hippotherapy Certification Board. She also volunteers on the AHA, Inc website committee.

Presenter Disclosure:

Financial: Michelle Winer is an independent contractor for AHA, Inc. and does not receive a fee from AHA, Inc. for instructional services.

Non-Financial: Michelle Winer is a member of the AHA, Inc.