Sydney, 16 hours, Jan 17/18, 2026

Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation

NISE-Stim Certification Level 1

by Gerti Motavalli

For physical therapists and other medical parctitioners

Presented by: Gerti Motavalli, MPT
Date: Saturday January 17, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (9 hours)

Date: Sunday January 18, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m.– 3:15 p.m. (7 hours)

Course Location: Full Potential Paediatrics
Level 3, Suite 4, 223-237 Liverpool Road, Ashfield.

Continuing Education Hours: 16 contact hours

Cost:
Early Bird Discount until Dec 17, 2025 US $660 (about A$1000)
Group Discount (3+) US $660
Regular after Dec 17, 2025 US $690 (about A$1050)
Registration: Through this Jotform

Hosted by:  Full Potential Paediatrics

Course Coordinator: Debbie Bell
Email: debbie@fpphysio.com
Phone: 0421736818

Program Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Define the required stimulation parameters, protocols, and procedures used in pediatrics for electrical stimulation.
Analyze the advantages, limitations, contraindications, and indications for electrical stimulation in managing pediatric patients.
Explain the mechanisms by which functional electrical stimulation (FES) and NISE-Stim impact the peripheral neuromuscular, vascular, skeletal, and central nervous systems.
Demonstrate nerve conduction testing procedures and the application of lower spinal stimulation protocols effectively.
Develop functional electrical stimulation protocols for gait training and illustrate electrode placement for upper spinal stimulation in plexus paralysis.
Evaluate patient suitability for NISE-Stim for neuromotor impairments such as spina bifida and implement treatment effectively.
Train caregivers on how to properly use electrical stimulation at home to optimize outcomes.

Course Coordinator:
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Course Description
This 16-hour course is designed for physical therapists and other clinicians seeking advanced training in the use of non-invasive electrical spinal stimulation (NISE-Stim) to enhance clinical outcomes in children with hypotonia, spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, brachial plexus paralysis, cerebral palsy, and other neuromotor impairments.

A significant portion of the course will focus on developing and applying the most effective treatment plans to improve trunk stability and upper/lower extremity control through functional electrical stimulation (FES). Participants will receive instruction on assessing muscle-nerve function, identifying optimal stimulation parameters, and progressing treatment techniques.

Hands-on practice sessions, live demo treatments and video case studies of actual clinical applications will be featured throughout the course. This is the first course in a three-part certification series in Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation (NISE-Stim).

No prior experience with electrical stimulation is required; however, clinical experience is essential.

Course devices include the Chattanooga Continuum, EMPI Continuum, and Cefar Rehab X2 e-stim units. The presenter will supply enough units and electrodes for up to 30 participants.

Instructor Biography
Gerti Motavalli, MPT has over 40 years of experience as a pediatric physical therapist, with a career spanning Germany, India, and the United States. In collaboration with Dr. Gad Alon, PhD, PT—a globally recognized expert in electrical stimulation—she co-developed the first surface spinal electrical stimulation protocol for children with spina bifida.

Their groundbreaking findings have been published in Child Neurology Open and were presented as a poster at the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) of the American Physical Therapy Association. Gerti was also a featured speaker at the Spina Bifida World Conference in March 2023 in Tucson, Arizona.

She currently treats children with spina bifida and other impairments both in-person and through online consultations worldwide. Many of her former course participants are successfully integrating NISE-Stim into treatment plans for their patients with a variety of central and peripheral neurological conditions.

Program Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Define the required stimulation parameters, protocols, and procedures used in pediatrics for electrical stimulation.
Analyze the advantages, limitations, contraindications, and indications for electrical stimulation in managing pediatric patients.
Explain the mechanisms by which functional electrical stimulation (FES) and NISE-Stim impact the peripheral neuromuscular, vascular, skeletal, and central nervous systems.
Demonstrate nerve conduction testing procedures and the application of lower spinal stimulation protocols effectively.
Develop functional electrical stimulation protocols for gait training and illustrate electrode placement for upper spinal stimulation in plexus paralysis.
Evaluate patient suitability for NISE-Stim for neuromotor impairments such as spina bifida and implement treatment effectively.
Train caregivers on how to properly use electrical stimulation at home to optimize outcomes.

Class Schedule (subject to change)

Day 1

8:00–8:30 AM: Registration

8:30–9:30 AM: Electrical stimulation technology (electrical parameters, electrodes). What we must know about the stimulation systems

9:30–10:30 AM: Hands–on laboratory I: Sensory vs. muscle activation, twitch vs. tetanic contraction

10:30–11:00 AM: Research

11:00–11:15 AM: Break

11:15 AM–12:00 PM: Electrical excitability testing for peripheral nerve damage, upper and lower extremity, and trunk

12:00–1:00 PM: Introducing surface non-invasive spinal cord stimulation

1:00–1:30 PM: Lunch

1:30–2:30 PM: Demo patient: nerve conduction testing and spinal stimulation treatment

2:30–3:00 PM: Discussion of the evaluation findings and treatment approach

3:00–3:30 PM: Spinal Stimulation for club foot, nerve pain, CP, scoliosis, plexus paralysis, bowel, and bladder

3:30–3:45 PM: Break

3:45–5:00 PM: Hands–on laboratory II: Various placements and settings for surface non-invasive spinal cord stimulation for lower extremity, spinal stimulation on sensory level

5:00–6:00 PM: Hands-on Laboratory III: Spinal Electrical Stimulation for upper extremity and trunk for various impairments, spinal stimulation on the sensory level

6:00–6:30 PM: Questions

Day 2 Schedule

7:30–8:00 AM (30 min): Review of key points

8:00–10:00 AM (60 min): Functional Electrical Stimulation

10:00–10:15 AM (15 min): Break

10:15–11:15 AM (60 min): Hands-On Laboratory: FES for sit-to-stand transitions, bilateral reaching, gait, transitions, crawling, and unilateral reaching

11:15 AM–12:15 PM (60 min): Demonstration patient: assessment and treatment. Discussion of findings and treatment approach

12:15–12:45 PM (30 min): Lunch

12:45–1:45 PM (60 min): Lab: Applying NISE-Stim for different impairments

1:45–2:45 PM (60 min): Five demonstration patients for class treatment

2:45-3:15 PM (45 min): Feedback from treatment and wrap up

Research:

Motavalli, Gerti, Jan J. McElroy, and Gad Alon. "An exploratory electrical stimulation protocol in the management of an infant with spina bifida: a case report." Child Neurology Open 6 (2019): 2329048X19835656.

Goutam Singh, PT, PhD; Anastasia Keller, PhD; et al.
Safety and Feasibility of Cervical and Thoracic Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation to Improve Hand Motor Function in Children With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. Neuromodulation 4/2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurom.2023.04.475

Kristin Girshin 1,2, Rahul Sachdeva, et al. Spinal Cord Neuromodulation to treat Cerebral Palsy in Pediatrics: POUNCE Multiside Randomized Clinical Trial 6/2023 Frontiers in Neuroscience, 10.3389/fnins.2023.1221809

James J. Laskin, Zeina Waheed,et al. Spinal Cord Stimulation Research in the Restoration of Motor, Sensory, and Autonomic Function for Individuals Living With Spinal Cord Injuries: A Scoping Review, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2022;103: 1387-97, http://www.archives-pmr.org/

Parag N. Gad, Evgeniy Kreydin, Non-invasive Neuromodulation of Spinal Cord Restores Lower Urinary Tract Function After Paralysis, Frontiers in Neuroscience, doi: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00432

Samejima, S. Caskey, C. D. Inanici, F. Multisite Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation for Walking and Autonomic Recovery in Motor-Incomplete Tetraplegia: A Single-Subject Design. Phys Ther 2022;102: DOI10.1093/ptj/pzab228.

Anastasia Keller1,2, Goutam Singh 1,2, et al. Noninvasive spinal stimulation safely enables upright posture in children with spinal cord injury NATURE COMMUNICATIONS https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-26026-z

Solopova IA, Sukhotina IA, Zhvansky DS, et al. Effects of spinal cord stimulation on motor functions in children with cerebral palsy. Neurosci Lett. 2017;639:192-198.

Krucoff MO, Rahimpour S, Slutzky MW, Edgerton VR, Turner DA. Enhancing Nervous System Recovery through Neurobiologics, Neural Interface Training, and Neurorehabilitation. Front Neurosci. 2016;10:584.

Gerasimenko Y, Gad P, Sayenko D, et al. Integration of sensory, spinal, and volitional descending inputs in regulation of human locomotion. J Neurophysiol. 2016;116(1):98-105.

Lee NG, Andrews E, Rosoklija I, et al. The effect of spinal cord level on sexual function in the spina bifida population. J Pediatr Urol. 2015;11(3):142 e141-146.

Sayenko DG, Atkinson DA, Floyd TC, et al. Effects of paired transcutaneous electrical stimulation delivered at single and dual sites over lumbosacral spinal cord. Neurosci Lett.2015;609:229-234.

Shideler, B.L., et al., Toward a hybrid exoskeleton for crouch gait in children with cerebral palsy: neuromuscular electrical stimulation for improved knee extension. J Neuroeng Rehabil, 2020.

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Liability Waiver and Agreement

1. Intellectual Property and Teaching Restrictions

I acknowledge that all course materials, presentations, videos, documents, and recordings related to NISE-Stim are the intellectual property of Gerti Motavalli, LLC, protected by copyright law.
I agree that I will not teach NISE-Stim courses, workshops, or training sessions to other therapists or professionals, nor will I reproduce, distribute, or modify any NISE-Stim materials for instructional, promotional, or commercial use.
I may, however, educate families, caregivers, and other professionals about what NISE-Stim is, its purpose, and its general benefits—provided such communication does not constitute teaching or training in the NISE-Stim method.

2. Purpose of Instruction

I understand that the purpose of the Class is to provide professional education, demonstrations, and hands-on learning in Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation (NISE-Stim).
The Class is intended to expand professional knowledge and clinical skill and does not authorize participants to teach NISE-Stim.
To receive full continuing education credit, I must attend the entire course as scheduled.

3. Assumption of Risk and Safety

I understand that participation in this Class involves the use of electrically powered therapeutic equipment. I agree to exercise appropriate care and caution in its use and acknowledge that I am responsible for my own safety and personal belongings at all times.
I hereby release and hold harmless Gerti Motavalli, MSPT, LLC, and all affiliated instructional staff, assistants, contractors, and facilities from any and all liability for injury, loss, or damages incurred during my participation in the Class.

4. Professional Responsibility

I understand that the Sponsor and its affiliates are not responsible for my conduct or professional services as a licensed therapist, health professional, or provider of related services.
I remain fully responsible for the care and safety of my own patients and for adhering to the laws and regulations governing my professional license.
If I request mentorship from Gerti Motavalli regarding a specific patient, I acknowledge that I remain the licensed professional responsible for that patient’s care and clinical outcomes.

5. Release of Liability

I hereby release and hold harmless Gerti Motavalli, MSPT, LLC, its employees, contractors, assistants, and affiliates from any and all claims, damages, or causes of action arising out of or related to my participation in the Class or mentorship, including but not limited to injury, property loss, or professional disputes.

6. Acknowledgment

I have read and fully understood this Liability Waiver and Agreement. I voluntarily accept and agree to all terms and conditions set forth herein.

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My Products

Early Bird Sign Up in US$$660.00

Sign up before December 17, 2025.

Group Sign Up in US$$660.00

Sign up with at least 2 other participants.

Regular Course Cost in US$$690.00

Sign up after December 17, 2025.

NAPA Therapist$ Free

NAPA will pay directly

For Bev Only$ Free

Will pay by bank transfer

Total $0.00

Please note that in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as sudden severe illness or canceled flights, that prevent me from attending the course, I will refund the course fee in full. However, I cannot be held responsible for any additional expenses that participants may incur, such as travel or accommodation costs.

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January 17/18, 2026