MicroTransponder is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 11243. The Live activity format is offered at .6 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 course will introduce you to the science and implementation of vagus nerve stimulation for individuals suffering from chronic UE deficits following stroke. We will review the evidence-based interventions that will drive neuroplastic change resulting in improved upper limb recovery and occupational performance following stroke. We will use lecture, small group discussion, hands-on practice, and case-based learning techniques.

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 and Small Group

    5. Course Review

    6. Quiz

    7. Course Feedback

About this course

  • 6 Contact Hours / .6 CEUs
  • Live Lecture Format
  • Small Group Discussion

Learning Outcomes

  • Recall the key principles of neuroplasticity.

  • List 4 clinical impairments that are commonly seen following stroke.

  • Describe the neuroscientific principles and research findings of electrical nerve stimulation, including paired VNS, in people with chronic stroke.

  • Describe how electrical nerve stimulation can improve functional recovery for better engagement in ADLs/IADLs.

  • Identify appropriate activities for task-specific training interventions while using paired VNS based on patient’s specific presentations.

Instructor(s)

Kara Schneider

DPT

Kara Schneider graduated from Indiana University in 2009 with a degree in Exercise Science, followed by receiving her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Mount St. Joseph University in 2012. She dedicated 10 years to treating the neurological population within the inpatient rehab setting where she received her certification in Neuro IFRAH. Kara utilized her training to optimize the use of neuro based principles to aide in improved functional outcomes for patients with hemiparesis. Kara further developed her role in education by serving as Adjunct Professor at Mount St. Joseph University in 2021 and 2022 in the Physical Therapy graduate program, as well as continuing education course instructor for Stroke 101 and 201 for Select Medical healthcare employees. Prior to joining MicroTransponder as the Therapy Development Specialist for the IN/OH/KY territory, she served as Clinical Research Associate for new medical device and therapeutic drug clinical trials at Medpace, a contract research organization. Kara lives in Cincinnati, OH, with her husband and two kids.

Jon Kuerzi

Biomedical Engineer

Jon Kuerzi graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2005 with a degree in Biomedical Engineering, followed by receiving his Masters of Science in Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology from the University of Louisville in 2008, studying neuroplasticity during task-specific training after spinal cord injury in rat models. After completing his Master's degree, Jon started his career in the medical device industry, working as a field representative for 15 years with Medtronic, Stryker, and AtriCure. Most recently with AtriCure, he worked to bring multidisciplinary clinical teams together to treat advanced forms of atrial fibrillation. Jon joined MicroTransponder in 2023, aligning his research and professional experience of developing hospital teams using innovative technologies to improve the lives of those affected by ischemic stroke. He currently lives in Louisville, KY, with his wife and two daughters.

Cancellations/Accommodations/Disclosures

  • 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.