9th International Symposium on Gait and Balance in Multiple Sclerosis: Technology for Assessment and Intervention

A pair of legs wearing stockings, walking on a white background

This year's meeting focuses on advances in technology to accurately assess and treat gait and balance impairment in people with multiple sclerosis. Specifically, this year's symposium will detail current knowledge regarding the use of cutting-edge technology to enhance both laboratory and clinical analysis techniques. Additionally, this meeting will detail novel intervention approaches for gait and balance impairment in people with MS, providing insight for healthcare professionals who serve them, as well as scientists and those involved in MS advocacy, to improve the quality of life of people living with MS.

Saturday, October 5
8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, Colorado

Who should attend

Multiple sclerosis clinicians or researchers, including physicians (neurologists, physiatrists), physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation scientists, nurses, physician assistants, and others in the field of gait and balance.

Learning objectives

Describe technologically-based approaches to monitor the quality and quantity of gait and balance dysfunction in MS
Detail the underlying neural mechanisms contributing to gait and balance dysfunction in MS
Understand how to utilize advances in technology to treat gait and balance in people with MS
Apply intervention approaches utilizing cutting-edge technology (both high and low fidelity) to optimize gait and balance in MS

Agenda

Download the agenda

Saturday, October 5, 2019

8 a.m.
Registration and continental breakfast

Morning sessions - use of technology for assessment

8:30 a.m.
Introduction and welcome: The emerging relationship of technology for rehabilitation in MS
Kathleen M. Zackowski, Ph.D., O.T.R., M.S.C.S.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society - New York, NY
Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, M.D.

9:15 a.m.
Using brain imaging and brain stimulation for mobility assessment in MS
Brett Fling, Ph.D.
Colorado State University - Fort Collins, CO

10 a.m.
BREAK

10:15 a.m.
Virtual reality and in-home monitoring
Christopher Rhea, Ph.D.
University of North Carolina - Greensboro, NC

11:05 a.m.
Understanding body worn sensors for assessment in MS
Valerie Block, P.T., D.P.T.Sc.
University of California San Francisco - San Francisco, CA

12 p.m.
LUNCH

Afternoon sessions - intervention and translation to the clinic

1 p.m.
Use of perturbation training to improve protective postural control in MS
Daniel Peterson, Ph.D.
Arizona State University - Phoenix, AZ

1:50 p.m.
Therapeutic benefits of electrical nerve stimulation in MS
Roger Enoka, Ph.D.
University of Colorado - Boulder, CO

2:35 p.m.
BREAK

2:45 p.m.
Evidence for the use of telemedicine in MS
Dawn Ehde, Ph.D.
University of Washington - Seattle, WA

3:35 p.m.
The three E's of integrating technology into clinical practice: Ethically, effectively, efficiently
Lecture and facilitated panel discussion
Deborah Backus, P.T., Ph.D., F.A.C.R.M.
Shepherd Center - Atlanta, Georgia

5:00 p.m.
Wrap up
Michelle Cameron, M.D., P.T., M.C.R.
OHSU and Portland VA Health Care System - Portland, OR

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Poster presentation and reception with hors d'oevres and drinks.
Authors are available for discussion from 6 to 7 p.m.

Call for posters

Please send abstracts on topics related to gait and balance in multiple sclerosis to Gail Widener at gwidener@samuelmerritt.edu by June 14, 2019 for review.

When submitting your abstract please indicate if the poster will be prepared/presented by a trainee (either a student or post-doctoral trainee).

Abstracts must meet the following criteria:

A maximum of 300 words
Use 12 point font, single spaced
Title contain a maximum of 150 characters (including spaces)
Authors names (last name followed by initials separated by commas) and affiliations must follow the title

Research abstracts must include the following headings:

Background and Purpose
Methods
Discussion

Case report abstracts must include the following headings:

Background and Purpose
Case Description
Outcomes
Conclusion

The top 5 posters from trainees will be selected to receive waived symposium registration.

Venue and accommodations

Symposium venue

University of Colorado
Anschutz Campus, Research Building 2
12700 E. 19th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045

The Research 2 Building is located between 19th and 17th streets and to the east of Revere Court.
Parking
Monte Vista and Ignacio Parking Lots
Parking rate is a flat rate of $5 for all day on Saturday
View or download the parking map

Hotel accommodations

Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center
13200 E. 14th Place, Aurora, CO 80011
Toll Free: 877-803-7534

A discounted room rate of $129 per night plus tax is being provided until September 13, 2019 or until the block is sold out.
Reference "Gait & Balance Symposium" to receive the group rate.
Book now with group rate

Accreditation and credit

Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Physician credit
OHSU School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Brochures and abstracts