Balance rehabilitation workshop: using virtual-reality technology to enhance patient care

This course will connect the diagnostic assessment to technologies that support objective functional assessment and successful rehabilitation of the patient. Topics covered include: 

• Identification of VOR deficits and evaluation of functional changes in the VOR response
• Upright sensory integration and postural control testing using static force plates and computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) assessments
• Using virtual reality to design postural control, vestibular, and dual task exercises

The combination of diagnostics and objective functional assessments will give practitioners valuable insights to guide retraining strategies and exercises and make individualized adaptions to facilitate symptom reduction.

Intended Audience

Physical therapists, audiologists. otolaryngologists, and other healthcare professionals interested in using virtual reality in their balance rehabilitation program. It is an ideal training opportunity for professionals that have recently acquired a Virtualis virtual-reality-based rehabilitation system. 

Course Presenters

Darren Whelan

Interacoustics Clinical Trainer, Interacoustics Academy

Darren holds an undergraduate degree in audiology and a master’s degree in Health Science, Neurophysiology and Clinical Research. His resumé includes several clinical positions in the National Health Service (NHS). Prior to his current occupation as an International Clinical Trainer at the Interacoustics Academy, Darren held a clinical and research scientist role, where he investigated patients with auditory and vestibular pathology, and managed a portfolio of research studies.

Cassie Anderson PT, DPT

Global Clinical Educator for Balance Rehabilitation

Global Clinical Educator for Balance Rehabilitation

Cassie holds her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and has served as a licensed physical therapist for 11 years. She began her career in the inpatient rehab setting working primarily with patients post stroke then transitioned to the outpatient setting working primarily with the vestibular/balance population in a multidisciplinary ENT and neurology clinics. Cassie has participated in research and quality improvement projects aimed at incorporating technology into clinical practice and has presented at both the national and international level.

Anna Payne, PT, DPT, NCS

Clinical Education and Training Specialist (Vestibular and Balance)

Anna Payne holds her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN. Prior to her current occupation, Anna worked clinically in an outpatient setting treating patients with a wide variety of diagnoses, including neurologic, orthopedic, and vestibular disorders across the age spectrum. As a board certified neurological physical therapist, she managed care for patients post stroke, with Parkinson’s disease, vestibular conditions, spinal cord injuries, and balance impairments.

Hotel Information

Attendees are responsible for obtaining their own lodging and transportation to/from the training location. As a courtesy, we have pre-arranged for a limited supply of rooms to be available at a nearby hotel. Room cost is $169 USD per night on April 28, 29, 30, May 1 & 2, 2025. Last day to book under the group rate is March 28, 2025. 

Hotel location

Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington

3900 American Blvd W.

Bloomington, MN

844-856-8554 

Click button below to book a hotel room online (preferred method).

Rooms can also be booked via mobile app or telephone.

• Hilton Honors Mobile App: When searching for a hotel, click “Special Rates” and enter “937” under “Group code”. Note this group code is specific to the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
• Telephone: Please call 844-856-8554 and ask for group code “937”. When calling, please confirm hotel address is 3900 American Boulevard West, Bloomington, MN 55437 (off 494/France Avenue) as there is two Hilton’s on American Boulevard in Bloomington.