Mike Studer

Touro University Department of Physical Therapy, Las Vegas, Nevada

Abstract Title: Neurons that Error Together, Terror Together: Unlocking the mysteries in and rehabilitation for the Yips and other movement disorders in sport

Biography: Dr. Studer has been a PT since 1991, an NCS since 1995. Dr. Studer is an adjunct professor at Touro University and UNLV. Mike has been recognized as Clinician of the Year and appointed as a Fellow of the APTA. He has presented invited lectures in all 50 states and 14 countries across 5 continents and has authored over 45 articles, 7 book chapters, serving as a consultant to multiple professional and sponsored athletes. In 2024, Mike authored The Brain That Chooses Itself, a practical and applications-based guide to increasing both healthspan and lifespan for laypersons and medical professionals alike.

Research Interest: In his 1949 book, “The Organization of Behavior”, Donald Hebb coined the now famous phrase, "neurons that fire together, wire together". As our understanding of Functional Neurologic Disorders (FNDs) has evolved, we have come to understand the similarities between the Yips, Twisties, Flikkikammo, Motare and the very changes described in Hebb's Theory. Advances in pain neuroscience, coupled with an improved understanding of FNDs brings us to an elevated time in rehabilitation of athletic FNDs (FND-A). This program will define the phenotypes and most importantly guide attendees in an evidence based yet applications-filled session including video case studies, references, and a framework for precision rehabilitation, including phenotype-specific, sport-specific and personalized clinical decision making.