Distracted Driving (Don't Do It)

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.  If you've been following the news, then you may have heard that the deadly bus crash in Texas on March 29th was caused by a texting driver.  There are many victims of distracted driving (to name a few and to link to their stories: Xzavier Davis-Bilbo, Jacy Good, Pierre St. Brice).
It only takes an instant to have your life drastically changed by a distracted driver.  I was paralyzed almost four years ago by someone who wasn't watching the road and struck my family's car from behind.  Distracted driving is much more than a distraction to those who are affected by it.
Please don't text and drive - not just in April, but anytime.

Recovery Update/ Video

Stepping back again from research updates and the news . . .
Last year at this time I was recovering from a broken leg (not from a fall - a post for another time) and beginning to see some quadriceps return.  My newest video shows definite progress since then.  I'm using Allards modular braces, essentially Ankle-Foot Orthotics with a knee support on one side.  These are minimal knee braces.  I've also been able to raise the walker slightly.  Neither the lightweight bracing nor taller walker would have worked until recently.  Very good signs.
Oh - and in this video, I'm walking against a strong wind.  Not an easy task!

Implant Research - A New Study

Just up today: a study on implant technology, with two implant types used to help a man with quadriplegia.  See a video here.

Cheering on Ty-Juan

Good for Ty-Juan!  For two years, this ten-year-old has been working hard at physical therapy to recover from a spinal cord injury.  Now he's taking steps.  Take a look at his progress.  It's much more difficult than it looks.  

A Note on Exosuits

Curious about exoskeletons?  This article is a worthy source, with links and basic information about emerging models and the companies designing them.  As you can see, some people are actually taking exoskeletons home now.

Tom Looby of Ekso Bionics makes a good point in the article.  Commenting on the Kessler Foundation's findings that exosuits help with walking "faster and farther," Looby states,
"Why do steps matter?  Repetition."  He explains that those who leave rehab with more capability may live healthier, longer lives, with reduced healthcare costs.

I think that "repetition" is a great answer for another reason: the prospect of unexpected physical recovery linked to rebuilding neural pathways or achieving more muscle memory.  And as more people can work with bionic legs and exoskeletons in unconventional settings, we have the chance to find out!

Older Work with KAFOs

During my time with heavy long-legged KAFOs (Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses), I saw increasing ability and strength over time.  I began with locked braces that did not allow any knee flexion.  The locks were eventually able be disengaged and later removed altogether.  One of the big signs of progress was being able to reliably step up a curb and then back down again without any help.  Hopefully these older videos from May 2015 will encourage someone else, too!

Two Be Continued? Two Studies, Two Treatments

Two links with two angles for SCI research:

One article describes the "Neuro-Spinal Scaffold," an innovation of InVivo Therapeutics.  Designed specifically for thoracic injuries and to be implanted immediately after the injury, a scaffold inserted inside the spinal cord apparently works against the development of harmful scar tissue.

The second article is about a limited stimulation treatment study conducted at the BioMag Laboratory (Helsinki University Hospital).  Successful ongoing application suggests that it may help with regaining movement, even two years after the injury.

A big point here is that the different methods involve very different time periods.  Scaffolding is being tried soon after the injury.  Stimulation, much later.  And both show some promise - hopefully similar updates to come soon.