Autonomic Dysfunction: Exertion Therapy Course

Based on the same clinical framework taught in our live continuing education courses.

Autonomic dysfunction is a common contributor to prolonged symptoms following concussion. Impairments in the autonomic nervous system can affect heart rate regulation, exercise tolerance, and overall recovery. Clinicians who understand how to properly assess and prescribe exertion therapy can play a critical role in helping patients safely return to normal activity.

This course provides an evidence-based framework for understanding, evaluating, and treating autonomic dysfunction following concussion using exertion therapy.

We begin by reviewing the physiology of the autonomic nervous system and how concussion can disrupt normal autonomic regulation. This foundational knowledge helps clinicians better understand why patients often experience exercise intolerance, symptom exacerbation, and delayed recovery.

Next, the course explores the benefits of exertion therapy in concussion rehabilitation, highlighting current research supporting sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise as an effective treatment strategy for patients with persistent symptoms.

Who Is This Course For: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Athletic Trainers, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physicians, and Physician Assistants, and Chiropractors.

Price: $75

(1.5 CEU’s / 1.5 contact Hrs’s)

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Secure checkout and course access are provided through our educational platform partner, Brain Recovery Project.

Common Challenges with Exertion Testing & Therapy with Concussion Recovery

Key Outcomes

• Understand the basics of autonomic dysfunction and how it impacts exercise tolerance and recovery

• Safely implement exertion testing and therapy protocols for patients with autonomic dysfunction

• Recognize signs of symptom exacerbation or dysautonomia during exertion therapy

• Apply evidence-informed progression strategies to safely increase activity tolerance

• Individualize therapy based on heart rate, and symptom responses

• Optimize recovery by integrating exertion therapy with other rehabilitation strategies

What You Will Learn

• The physiology of the autonomic nervous system and its role in exercise tolerance

• How autonomic dysfunction impacts heart rate, blood pressure, and symptom response during exertion

• Evidence-informed exertion testing protocols for patients with autonomic dysregulation

• How to design and progress individualized exertion therapy programs

• Recognizing red flags and safety considerations during exertion therapy

• Strategies to integrate exertion therapy with broader concussion or neurologic rehabilitation plans

• Practical methods to monitor patient response and adjust therapy accordingly

Skills Gained

• Perform the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test safely and effectively

• Perform the Buffalo Concussion Bike Test to assess exertion tolerance

• Perform the Pediatric Concussion Treadmill Test for children and adolescents

• Monitor and interpret heart rate, blood pressure, and symptom responses during exertion testing

• Design individualized exertion therapy programs based on patient responses

• Recognize signs of autonomic dysfunction or symptom exacerbation and adjust therapy accordingly

• Integrate exertion testing results into overall concussion rehabilitation planning

Course Modules

Exertion Therapy & Testing Basics
Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test
Buffalo Concussion Bike Test
After Buffalo Concussion Testing
Pediatric Concussion Treadmill Test
What to do after Exertion Testing & Case Studies

Take a Look Inside the Course…

See exactly how the course is structured, what you’ll learn, and how you can immediately apply these strategies in clinical practice.

Meet Your Instructor

Dr. Michael Steiner, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist specializing in concussion, vestibular, and headache rehabilitation. He serves as the lead physical therapist for the Sport Concussion Program at Twin Cities Orthopedics, one of the largest sports medicine providers in the United States.

Dr. Steiner is passionate about translating the latest concussion research into practical, evidence-based strategies clinicians can immediately apply in practice. His educational resources have reached clinicians and patients in countries around the world, reflecting his mission to make high-quality concussion care more accessible globally.

Learn More About Dr. Steiner

Why Clinicians Choose This Course

• Evidence-informed, practical content that can be applied immediately in clinical practice

• Structured frameworks and clinical decision-making tools to guide patient care

• Taught by a clinician with specialized expertise in concussion, vestibular, and headache rehabilitation

• Designed for busy clinicians – efficient, practical, and directly relevant to daily practice

• High-quality CEU credit course recognized for professional development

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
"This was one of the most practical concussion courses I’ve taken. Dr. Steiner does an excellent job breaking down complex concepts into clear evaluation and treatment strategies that I could immediately apply in the clinic."

— Tim H, Physical Therapist

Accreditation: Continuing Education Credits

This course is approved by the Board of Certification (BOC) for Athletic Trainers for category A credit (Provider #P12183) and is eligible for Category 2 credit through the Minnesota Physical Therapy Association. Additional accreditations are in progress, including approval for Occupational Therapists.

Please note: CE credit applicability varies by state or country. Always check with your licensing board or regulatory body to ensure this course meets your professional requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Athletic Trainers, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physicians, and Physician Assistants, and Chiropractors.
Yes. The course content is built on the latest concussion research and clinical best practices, with practical frameworks you can apply immediately in the clinic.
No. The course is designed for both clinicians new to concussion care and those looking to expand or refine their skills.
CE credit applicability varies by state or country. Always check with your licensing board or regulatory body to ensure this course meets your professional requirements.
We want you to feel confident in your purchase. If you request a refund before starting the course or within the first 24 hours of access, you are eligible for a full refund. Once the course has been accessed beyond this initial window, refunds are not available, as the content is immediately accessible.

Advance Your Concussion Rehabilitation Skills

This course is designed for Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Athletic Trainers, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physicians, and Physician Assistants, and Chiropractors.

You will learn how to:

Understand the basic pathophysiology and presentation of concussion
Perform a structured concussion screening in clinical practice
Identify red flags requiring referral or advanced medical evaluation
Recognize when advanced imaging may be appropriate
Use screening results to guide next steps in patient care

Advance Your Concussion Rehabilitation Skills Today
Join clinicians from around the world who are learning practical, evidence-based strategies to evaluate and treat concussion. Apply what you learn immediately in your practice and improve patient outcomes.