Locomotor training for SCI has split reaction

A spinal cord injury, caused by trauma rather than disease, may be devastating, taking away not only a person’s ability to walk, but also affecting cardiovascular function, muscle composition, bone and fat mass, and quality of life. Rehabilitation is aimed at helping people with an SCI regain their independence. Many people with an SCI do not regain their ability to walk even though it’s a primary goal of rehabilitation. Locomotor training is an emerging way to address this problem, but reaction to it has been mixed.

The training is an intense workout that allows an individual with an SCI to step train on a treadmill using full body weight support.  The participant is strapped to a harness that is connected to an overhead-motorized lift suspended over the treadmill. Once the treadmill starts moving, therapists move their legs, with the goal for the repetition to trigger what researchers are calling “muscle memory.”

The activity-based, rehabilitative therapy is based on the idea that mammals with spinal cord injuries can learn to step with their hind limbs on a treadmill when trained with sensory input associated with stepping. The theory is that comparable training may also promote recovery for human beings after an SCI.

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation touts its benefits: “Recovery of walking and balance can occur even years after injury in people with incomplete spinal cord injury who participate in locomotor training,” states a September media release that includes results from 11 peer-reviewed studies funded by them and published in the September issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

The Foundation is named after “Superman” star Christopher Reeve, who became the face of spinal cord injury prior to his death in May 2004, and his late wife, Dana Reeve, who died of lung cancer in 2006, after championing his legacy. "The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation NeuroRecovery Network is the fruition of Christopher Reeve's vision and the legacy he left us - to provide locomotor training to as many people as possible across the country," says Maggie Goldberg, a spokesperson for the Foundation.

But debate continues: “Body weight–supported treadmill training (BWSTT) and robotic-assisted step training (RAST) have not, so far, led to better outcomes than a comparable dose of progressive over-ground training (OGT) for disabled persons with stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or cerebral palsy,” an abstract of the May issue of Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair states.

Still it is giving some people more hope. "It's just a great feeling to be up again,” says John Benedetto, in a testimonial about his participation in the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation NeuroRecovery Network, a network of rehab centers that deploy therapies such as locomotor training. The testimonial is on the Reeve Foundation’s website. Benedetto suffered a C6 SCI from a body surfing accident in July 2009, and he began the NRN program in December 2011. Prior to his accident, he was a runner and a baseball player, and he continues to participate in hand-cycling marathons. "I know that if I work hard and stay positive," says Benedetto, "I will continue to get stronger and become more independent."

But Tiffiny Carlson, a New Mobility.com blogger, is skeptical.  “The issue I have with locomotor training is that it's being touted as pretty miraculous. It isn't,”’ she wrote. “This isn’t a challenge; I’m sure there are a lot of incompletes who it’s helped walk again, but for the completes….can it really help us walk?”

An anonymous blogger that went by the name “Priority Seating” and responded to Carlson’s blog on New Mobility.com indicated that the biggest benefit of locomotor training may stretch beyond walking to quality of life issues by strengthening leg muscles, and improving bladder and bowel function.

Veteran Amputees Inspire Others to Accomplish Goals

Completing a marathon is a major accomplishment in itself. Completing a marathon after surviving a catastrophic injury, on the other hand, is a whole different story.

This past Sunday, October 7, nearly 40,000 people competed in the Chicago Marathon. Two of these competitors defied the odds and accomplished something many people would, at first thought, consider impossible. Traumatic amputation survivors Cpl. Ben Maenza and Special Forces Sgt. 1st Class John Masson raced on hand cycles.

Two years ago, both soldiers survived traumatic amputations after being injured by improvised explosive devices (IED) while servings overseas. Maenza lost both of his legs while Masson, a father of three, lost both legs and his arm below the elbow.  The two injury survivors met during their trip back to the U.S. for rehabilitation at the Walter Reed Medical Army Medical Center. They went through their recovery journey together and formed a bond which Maenza describes is unlike any other. They were there for each other through the low points, like battling bouts of depression, and the milestones, like learning how to walk again.

During recovery, they became involved with Achilles International, an organization that helps injured soldiers compete in running events. It was at that point that both Masson and Maenza decided they had to do something to show others that, no matter what kind of difficult times your experience; anyone has the capability to do great things.

They trained separately in their hometowns of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Nashville, Tennessee. However, both injury survivors were side by side in their hand cycles on race day, making everyone proud of their achievements.

These soldiers are a true testament to the power of perseverance and a positive attitude and we hope their story inspires others to go out and accomplish their goals.

 Read the orignal story by Fox News here.

Co-Op Cares

We started the Co-Op Cares program at Tampa General Hospital this past summer and we are extremely proud of the amount of success we’ve had in such a short period of time. All of the TGH staff has given us such a warm welcome and have really helped the whole program run smoothly.

We created Co-Op Cares because the days after a catastrophic injury can be the toughest part of recovery for survivors and their loved ones. The program is our little way of doing what we can to help others during this difficult phase. It has truly been an honor to work with the injury survivors recovering in the Level I Trauma Center of TGH and their family members keeping vigil.

Every week, we visit these patients to give them advice, prepare them for the next phase of recovery or simply just talk about every day things with them and their families (sometimes this is the best form of therapy). We also give each patient we meet with an Injury Co-Op backpack to help make the hospital stay feel as comfortable as possible. Each backpack includes:

·         A stress ball

·         A warm blanket for those cold waiting rooms

·         A recovery handbook

·         A guestbook for visitors to sign and leave encouraging words

·         Pen and Paper Pad

So far, we have met with seven SCI/TBI families who have all been extremely receptive of our program. The most rewarding part about the whole experience is that we get to track their recovery over the course of their hospital stay. It has been so incredible to celebrate milestones with the patients and their families because we’ve been there and we know how important these accomplishments are. We are so honored that these injury survivors have allowed us to be a part of their special moments and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Tampa Law Firm Swope Rodante Representing Family In Wrongful Death Case Against FINR

The Florida Institute for Neurological Rehabilitation has been the focus of controversy in recent weeks, after an investigation by Bloomberg uncovered a recurring theme of allegations of mistreatment, abuse, and fraud. As videos of FINR staff assaulting patients have surfaced in the past year, the traumatic brain injury treatment facility is on the receiving end of multiple lawsuits, including a suit filed by Allstate Corporation over claims that patients covered by the company’s insurance policies were forced to wash cars as part of their so-called therapy. FINR officials are also disputing claims by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration that the facility had been housing at least 50 patients that did not have traumatic brain injuries. Insight into FINR’s questionable business practices and treatment of patients was first brought to light in 2005 when Tampa-based law firm of Swope, Rodante P.A. tried a case against FINR over the wrongful death of a patient.  A Wauchula jury found that FINR staff were negligent in causing the death of a brain-injured patient. 

In the face of these various accusations and lawsuits, FINR’s policies are being highly scrutinized.

Attorney Lisha Bowen successfully tried the 2005 Swope, Rodante, P.A. case against FINR. Her involvement with and considerable knowledge of brain injury and wrongful death cases has made her a leader in the investigation of tragic acts that have been committed as a result of corporate negligence.

Wide Open Spaces

Open floor plans can make maneuvering a wheelchair less of a chore at home.

So, you’ve made it through the initial hospital stay and are getting ready to be back in the comforts of your own home. This is probably the moment you’ve been looking forward to since the injury occurred. But, what happens when you get home and realize those old ‘comforts’ may not be so practical anymore?

Truth is, you will have to make adjustments and consider what will work best for your new lifestyle. Chances are this means having to tailor the layout of your home.  This is particularly true for those of you who must use a wheelchair for mobility. 

Now, when it comes to layout, you will have to make an initial choice that will impact the sequence of events to follow.  You can either make changes to an existing home or build a new one. Either of these is a feasible option, it’s just a matter of what works best for you, in addition to finances and time constraints.

If you‘ve decided to build a new home, it’s important to do your research. You must consider every aspect of your daily life and what you’ll have to incorporate for your new needs. With a quick online search, you will find there are tons of online sites that provide accessible floor plans. Take the time to look at these and consider which elements you like. Here are a few websites we think you’ll find helpful:

·         The House Designers

·         Donald A Gardner Architects, Inc.

·         The Right Space

When looking at these plans you’ll notice they tend to be open. We probably don’t have to tell you the reason for this because it’s no secret that wheelchairs take up space. For those of you who are still in a home that isn’t handicap accessible, we’re willing to bet you feel more cramped in certain areas. Maneuverability can be difficult when it comes to turning radius and small hallways or bathrooms.

Giving yourself ample room is key for functionality and open floor plans are the best. This is especially important when it comes to the kitchen, bathroom hallways and doorways. Here are a few dimensions you can use as a guide:

• Hallways-  4 ft. wide

• Doorway-  3 ft. wide
• Bathroom-  3 to 5 ft. radius
• Kitchen Aisles-  3.5 ft. wide

Another accessibility decision that will inevitably come up is the decision between a one or two story home. If you want us to chime in our opinion we’d be more than happy to… choose a single story home. It will not only be easier to navigate through, but it will be less expensive, as well.

However, if you decide on a two story home it will be necessary to install an elevator, which can range from $10,000 to $50,000, or a wheelchair lift, that can cost from $2,500 to $5,000. Clearly, both are costly investments, but they are necessary for easy access throughout your home.

Whichever type of floor plan you decide, you can rest assured there are options out there for you. Don’t let the changes and adjustments overwhelm you. There are millions of survivors out there who already found the answers to most, if not all, of your needs. Always remember, this is a personal choice and only you know what works best for you.

Paralympics Receive Unprecedented Coverage

In 1948, the Paralympics made their debut in London, England.  Now, over 50 years later, they are going back to the city where they had their humble beginnings…only this time there is nothing small about the games.

This year’s Paralympics, taking place August 29^th through September 9^th, have received an unprecedented amount of coverage. Although they aren’t being aired on TV, a little thing called the internet has made it possible for the general public to view the games. The IPC is taking full advantage of this and will air complete coverage of the games at www.paralympic.org.

With a ton of awesome athletes slated to compete, we can’t wait to watch them online! There are several injury survivors on Team USA that are expected to do big things. Take a look at their profiles below….

Monique Burkland

Sport: Wheelchair volleyball

Injury: Traumatic Amputation

Prior to her injury, Monique was an all around athlete, competing in softball, track and field and basketball. After her injury, she participated in an A2 sitting volleyball camp at the University of Central Oklahoma. Shortly after, she was invited to the 2010 Sitting Volleyball World Championships and has been active in the sport every since.

David Wagner

Sport: Wheelchair Tennis

Injury: Spinal Cord Injury

When Wagner survived a spinal cord injury in 1995, doctors told him he would never be able to play tennis again. Well, he certainly proved them wrong. Currently, he is ranked #1 in the world in Quad singles and Quad doubles.   He hopes to earn another gold medal at this year’s games.

Kortney Clemens

Sport: Track and Field

Injury: Traumatic Amputation

Clemens survived a traumatic amputation while serving overseas. After his injury, he attended a Learn to Run Clinic held by U.S. Paralympics at Brooke Army Medical Center…and he hasn’t looked back since. We’re excited to watch him compete this year!

Jennifer French

Sport: Sailing

Injury: Spinal Cord

In 1999, Jennifer French was the first women to receive the Implantable Stand & Transfer System. French has been recreationally active her entire life and regularly participates in canoeing, snowboarding, sailing, fly fishing, scuba diving/snorkeling and cycling. She plans to compete in sailing this year, a sport she began competing in as a college student.

Indy Racer Works to Break Barriers

For as long as he can remember, Mike Johnson has only had one passion in life – racing. By a young age, he had already earned national titles as a motorcycle racer. His family has a background in the industry he can't picture his life any other way.

However, in 2005 he was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, threatening to end his career as a racer. Bur Johnson didn’t allow his injury stop him from doing what he loved. In fact, after realizing he couldn’t feel his legs, his first reaction was to ask his father to allow him to continue racing. A racer himself, Johnson’s father said he would find a way to help his son get back on the track.

After several years of surgery and physical therapy, Johnson is at it again … only this time as a different kind of racer. Initially, he began racing on go-karts and even won championships in 2007 and 2008.Today, at 18-years-old, he has a new goal. He wants to be the first paralyzed racer to compete in the Indy 500. He is working toward that goal by participating in the ‘ladder’ system galled the Mazda Road to Indy.

Just as Danica Patrick has broken gender barriers in the industry, Johnson hopes to do the same for disabled racers. Considering everything he has overcome, I think Johnson will be able to accomplish his latest goal and I can’t wait to see him do it!