KSCIRC Motor Systems – Victory Over Paralysis

Motor Systems takes a comprehensive look at in-vivo skeletal muscle contractile properties, architecture, volume, and oxidative capacity; bone density; dietary intake, total body fat mass, and fat-free mass. These assessments can give researchers a good look at what is going on inside the body and how efficiently it is functioning. The researchers conduct a comprehensive analysis of functional movements involving the upper and lower limbs and trunk in individuals with spinal cord injuries. We use this approach to understand the way you move and optimize the design of your individualized training interventions. Our team is composed of researchers, research technicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and activity-based technicians who work together to provide scientific expertise in an environment that supports individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Metabolic, Neuromuscular, and Skeletal Team
Scientific Director Susan Harkema, PhD
Core Manager Aaron Bullock	Activity-Based Technician Senior Lead / Study Lead Anthony Gallahar	Activity-Based Technician Senior Lead Kristin Benton, BS
Therapists
Jamie Ochsner, MBA, PT Senior Manager	Caitlin Brush, OTR/L Occupational Therapist	Tudor Panta, OTR/L Occupational Therapist

Activity-Based Recovery Trainers
Luis Chapa Activity-Based Technician II	Chris Gray Activity-Based Technician Senior	Bianca Saucedo Activity-Based Technician Lead

Interventions

Exercises to improve locomotor function: We design training individualized interventions consisting of gait-specific exercises (walking over ground and on a treadmill) and non-gait specific exercises (bipedal and quadrupedal cycling, elliptical exercises) selected from your locomotor function assessment.
Exercises to improve upper extremity function: We design individualized training interventions consisting of reaching, grasping, arm swing and daily tasks selected from your upper extremity function assessment.
Stimulation techniques: Alongside the exercises presented above, we use various stimulation techniques such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation and spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation to further improve the ability of your nervous system to control the movements while increasing the ability of your muscles to produce force.

What to Expect During Testing

Our experienced scientists, research technicians, physical and occupational therapists and activity-based technicians perform assessments in dedicated laboratory spaces and evaluation rooms
Any special preparations or requirements, such as stopping certain medication, is communicated prior to testing
A medical history interview and physical exam are performed prior to any testing
Blood pressure and heart rate are monitored throughout any testing

Research-driven

We employ a “Discovery-to-Recovery” approach and work closely across disciplines to expand knowledge and bring innovative treatments to practice so that individuals with spinal cord injuries can experience their own personal Victory Over Paralysis. Our work is published in leading scientific journals.

Evidence-based

The majority of individuals with SCI experience neurogenic dysfunction that affects their ability to perform functional tasks. The assessments we perform are leading to greater understanding of how we can optimize the design of Activity-Based Interventions and the use of stimulation techniques such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, spinal cord Epidural Stimulation or spinal cord Transcutaneous Stimulation to regain locomotor and upper extremity function and improve quality-of-life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Whole Body Systems Neuromodulation

Cardiovascular and Respiratory

Studies

Proof of Principle

Inter-system Participation

Interventions

Bladder, Bowel, and Sexual Function

Studies