MicroTransponder is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 15558. The Live activity format is offered at .1 CEUs, Introductory Level, Occupational Therapy Service Delivery. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA or indicate AOTA approval of a certification or other professional recognition.


Course Overview

This 1 hour course provides an evidence-based overview of neuroplasticity principles in motor learning and their application in upper-limb stroke rehabilitation, with an introduction to Paired VNS Therapy as an adjunct to these principles. Learners will explore the mechanisms of neuroplastic change, principles of motor learning, and the clinical evidence supporting vagus nerve stimulation paired with task-specific rehabilitation. Practical strategies for integrating neuroplasticity principles into high-repetition, goal-directed therapy sessions for individuals with chronic ischemic stroke will be emphasized.

The live class is intended for medical professionals (e.g. OT/OTA, PT/PTA, Physicians, etc.) directly related to the neuro recovery of a patient or client. To participate in this course and receive a certificate, the participant must be a licensed, treating clinician. Following successful completion of the course and a ≥ 80% score on the quiz, learners will receive a certificate.

Resources will be provided for you to take back to your practice to help you deliver salient, task-based therapy to all of your neuro patients. 

We look forward to seeing you at this live event!


Course curriculum

    1. Overview

    2. Learning Outcomes

    3. Course Resources

    4. Lecture

    5. Course Review

    6. Quiz

    7. Course Feedback

About this course

  • 1 Contact Hour / .1 CEU
  • Live Lecture Format
  • Small Group Discussion

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify how neuroplasticity principles and task-specific training can be applied to improve performance in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) for individuals with chronic upper-extremity impairment following stroke.

  • Recall the neuroscience rationale behind high-repetition, task-specific practice and its role in driving cortical reorganization.

  • Identify evidence-based treatment strategies that incorporate repetition, intensity, specificity, and salience in stroke rehabilitation.

Instructor(s)

Matthew Bernardo

Matthew Bernardo is an occupational therapist with over 15 years of experience specializing in neurorehabilitation. His clinical focus includes advanced vision, vestibular, and comprehensive stroke rehabilitation. In addition to his clinical expertise, Matthew is a dedicated neuroscience educator who is passionate about bridging research with real-world practice. Before joining MicroTransponder as a Vivistim Therapy Development Specialist, Matthew held positions in various rehab settings, including Penn Medicine, MossRehab, and Penn State Health. He also is currently an Adjunct Professor at Alvernia University in Reading, PA.

Cancellations/Accommodations/Disclosures

  • Cancellation

    Learners can request a cancellation of a paid course by providing written notice via letter, email, or fax within 24 hours of placing his or her order and we will refund the full course fee.

  • Extra Accommodations

    Please provide extra accommodation requests via email to [email protected] explaining what you require to participate in the course(s) of your choosing. We will do our best to accommodate you.

  • Disclosures

    Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is provided by MicroTransponder. Financial Disclosure: Speakers received an honorarium for this course. Non-Financial Disclosure: No relevant non-financial relationship to disclose.