Welcome to the new year! Since 2022, I have been moderating webinars interviewing healthcare professionals and researchers who provide the latest care for individuals with paralysis. The idea began when I was at a conference learning about the work of these individuals at their professional peak. This caused me to think about how we can bring this information to individuals who are working in the field but may not be able to attend these conferences, especially the community of listeners who would probably never have the opportunity to participate in a scientific conference.
How Functional Electrical Stimulation Works included insight into the development and internal functioning of functional electrical Stimulation (FES). Many individuals have questioned how FES works in the body. Kevin Kilgore, PhD, an engineer who was instrumental in the development and ongoing improvement of FES answers all your questions.
How Individuals Can Successfully Utilize Research in Life is a question on the minds of individuals in the community and researchers. A vast amount of research is conducted every year. However, figuring out the merits and use of these detailed studies can be overwhelming. Rafer Willenberg, MD, PhD, Boston Healthcare System, provides an explanation using his own research as an example.
The Importance of Peer Support is a session where a rehabilitation nursing specialist and peer mentors discuss how to develop a peer support group and the availability of peer mentoring through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The lead presenter is Susan Newman, PhD, RN, CRRN, FAAN. Bill Cawley, Director of the Reeve Foundation Mentorship Program highlights opportunities.
Neurotechnology for Neuronal Repair is a hot topic that includes artificial intelligence. How to ensure this work is ethically safe and that it actually does something productive in the body was presented by Cristin Welle, PhD, the leader of the new FDA collaborative community for implantable Brain Computer Interface Devices (iBCI-cc).
Pregnancy and Paralysis include encouraging thoughts about pregnancy, birth, and labor. Points of consideration and treatments when pregnant while also having paralysis were precisely outlined for the listener. Dr. Rober Fuller, an experienced expert is the guest.
Metabolism function after spinal cord injury is explained with interesting points about bowel function and weight loss surgery after paralysis was presented by David R. Gater, MD, PhD, of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial Hospital.
SpineX Co. representatives discussed the mechanisms of how FES works, potential, and personal experience. This company is one of several that are working on stimulation for individuals including children. A second session was held to specifically discuss SCIP, a product available for children with cerebral palsy. Guests are Parag Gad, Ignacio Montoya, and Reggie Edgerton, PhD.