Editorial
We hope you enjoy this edition of the In Step With Newsletter. We are pleased to introduce pediatric therapist & LiteGait trainer Jennifer Rosen, from Buffalo, NY. Jennifer reviewed this issue's research report.
We agree with Ms. Rosen that there is a lot of information to learn and examine and as always we strive to bring you the latest in clinical research. We hope you enjoy this inspiring case study and we encourage an active dialogue of what is working in your clinic & in your practice on our user forum LiteGait.org.
Introduction by Jennifer Rosen, PT
Thank you for the opportunity to share my summary and thoughts regarding the article Locomotor Training Restores Walking in a Nonambulatory Child with Chronic, Severe, Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury, by Andrea Behrman. Et al.
Being a pediatric physical therapist I am always looking for ways to increase the function of my kids even if it does not always translate to other parts of their lives. To see how this child's life (in the study) has changed is amazing. I think about the child and parents, who for so long have only seen their child belly crawl around the house, and know what a huge change they have in their lives. This child can now participate more fully in his life in a developmentally appropriate position. He can now keep up with his friends in school. He now has more confidence in himself. It is important to note, however, that the patient received an incredible amount of therapy, much more than my typical patients would be able to receive.
Overall it got me thinking, I would like to know how little practice is needed, with only one therapist and no aide, is needed to improve at all. This would simulate more of a clinical/real life situation that we all work in. I also would like to know if the BWS locomotor training works the same in children with developmental disabilities, with the kids who are unable to comprehend to step when we want them to. Also, I want to know if this type of therapy can help kids who have never walked so do not have the experience prior to injury or disability.
In conclusion, BWS locomotor training seems very promising in its ability to help our clients increase their abilities but there is a lot more information to learn about it in relationship to daily practice in a clinic.
Locomotor Training Restores Walking in a Nonambulatory Child
With Chronic, Severe, Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Physical Therapy Volume 88 Number 5 May 2008
The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects is locomotor training on a child. There is literature to show the locomotor training enhances walking ability in adult animals and humans all of whom have a fully developed nervous system. When thinking about a child, their nervous system is mot fully developed and more plastic. With the increased neural plasticity, therapy techniques may affect them differently. The authors have decided to study what the affects of locomotor training have on a young child.
The authors completed a case study of a child with a C8 SCI. Prior to the test, the researchers used an ASIA classification system of impairment to assess the child’s neurological status and voluntary strength and the Ashworth scale to measure muscle tone. Clonus was assessed along with the Babinski test to identify upper motor neuron lesion. Lastly, range of motion for standing and walking was assessed over ground and on treadmill using a body weight support system. Walking trials were video taped for gait analysis. Walking independence was assessed using the Walking Index for SCI revised. A step activity monitor was used to quantify number of community steps outside of training. Read More
Education
Train the Trainer 2008
Mobility Research believes that the key to successful LiteGait® use is a well trained clinician. Our recent Train the Trainer Workshop proved to be an absolute success. Trainers from across the nation came together with enthusiasm, interest in teaching and sharing their own personal experiences using the LiteGait. During this 2 day work intensive they were given all the information needed to obtain the success in becoming a definitive LiteGait trainer. In addition to reviewing the rationale and clinical protocols of partial weight bearing gait therapy, hands on practice with various devices, it was the in depth discussions of current research that proved to be particularly thought provoking. We are extremely excited and have begun the process of putting together out next Train the Trainer Workshop.
New Addition to Our Newsletter
We will introduce you to one of our LiteGait trainers in each edition of our newsletter.
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Meet the Trainer
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Darren Joffs, MPT
Darren Joffs attended Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles where he received his Master of Physical Therapy. His undergraduate work was done at Brigham Young University in Exercise Science.
While he has worked in the outpatient clinic at UCLA, his preference is in the skilled nursing setting helping the geriatric population. He brings a very proactive approach in helping many return to the lifestyles they love. He incorporates high intensity strength training with products like Lite Gait to help his patients achieve and surpass their goals.
He and his wife, Amy, have three daughters - Sarah, Hannah, and Grace. He is involved in the local youth soccer association, and has coached for many years. If you can't find him at home, work, or on the pitch, he's probably on the links playing a round of golf.
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Testimonials
Rehabilitation Supervisor, Lubbock,TX
Rehab Services ManagerOverland Park, KS
Users' Corner
Tenettie P. Sims Griffin
New Orleans, Louisiana & Saint Louis, Missouri
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Sometimes you have to travel to the end of the rainbow to find your pot of gold. On October 10, 2007, I had a severe spinal cord compression in New Orleans, Louisiana. After surgery, I had residual symptoms of increasing spasticity and ataxia when I walked (it looked like I had cerebral palsy). My physicians and therapists stated that after extensive rehab therapy walking was a very slim chance, and I was lucky to be able to stand. They also informed me that I had reached my plateau of recovery.
In March 2008, I went to Saint Louis, Missouri for a second opinion. The therapist in Saint Louis incorporated the LiteGait device into my rehab program. I was able to walk with reduced spasticity and ataxia. For the first time, after seven months, I was able to walk nearly normal. I had to fight back the tears when I saw the results of the LiteGait device. When I arrived back to New Orleans, my physicians and therapists could not believe their eyes. They were all in shock on how well my walking improved.
I am currently using the LiteGait device in New Orleans and everyday I am able to see an enhancement in my health and ambulation. Finding out about the LiteGait device in Saint Louis was similar to finding a pot of gold for my recovery process. |
Did You Know?
Mobility Research provides a forum for clinicians to post their specific questions, success stories, experiences and ideas related to patient treatment and LiteGait use. Membership is free to all LiteGait users and other clinicians, and we welcome your participation. Visit
LiteGait.org to register today! All you need is a valid email address to join. And as always, your e-mail and any other information will not be shared.
Just Posted ⇒ Clinical FAQs with answers are now available at
LiteGait.org.
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InServices
Mobility Research is currently scheduling educational sales presentations throughout the U.S. Please call 800-332-9255 to schedule an appointment, or click to submit a request.
Visit us at:
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November 21-23, 2008
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February 9-12, 2009 |
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