Editorial

We hope you enjoy this edition of our "In step with" Newsletter.

In recent years rehabilitation research has provided us with more evidenced based approaches to solve persisting rehab problems. In today’s economic environment with vanishing resources, clinicians are required to be proactive and even more creative than usual in the search to find funding for what is medically necessary.

The article featured in this issue not only discusses positive outcomes for a TBI patient but also includes an interesting discussion of how to approach higher level rehab services from a logistical perspective. The therapy provided in this study was a pro bono service, but they argue that clinically, such a program could be reimbursed through health insurance providers or the school system based on the benefits of cardiopulmonary fitness in terms of health and wellness. If “running” cannot be considered a covered benefit, they cite various scholarship programs available for post-rehabilitation exercise for disabled individuals. Additionally, they encourage facilities to partner with national sports or recreation programs that may have funding for people with disabilities in individual and team sports. Lastly, they point out that cash-based services should not be overlooked, especially in cases where there may be remaining funds from a settlement.

Do you have a suggestion for a source of creative funding for activities that may not be covered? Email us or post it on LiteGait.org or share it on our facebook fan page.

Research

Summary of: The Recovery of Running Ability in an Adolescent Male After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Study

Gabriele Moriello, PT, MS, GCS, Matthew Frear, SPT,
and Kristin Seaburg, DPT, ATC
Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 33:111-120

Summary by Sonya Seif-Naraghi

In traditional rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury, the goal is to return the patient to independence in daily functional activities. Given this benchmark of success, individuals are rarely given the opportunity to work on higher level tasks – running, for example. In an attempt to recover his ability to run one mile with his peers, a 17-year-old boy who had sustained a TBI in a skiing accident undertook a rehabilitation program designed to improve his range of motion, strength, balance, and motor control above what was simply necessary for walking  

Education

Mobility Research is NOW scheduling for 2010/2011 You provide a liason, we provide the rest.

Attention All AutoStep Users Watch for announcements - call us to schedule your live online training session New for Facilities: Invite us to your next lunchtime meeting. We now provide remote inservices...all you need is internet access, computer with mic & speakers

CEU seminars More Training Options

Meet the Trainer

Meet All of Our Current Trainers

MR: Why/How did you choose to become a LiteGait Trainer? Sean Preparations for the NCS exam really heightened my awareness of the loads of literature supporting many treatment approaches, but specifically, body weight support treadmill training.  While this reinforced my current approach to treating adults with neurologic impairments, it really opened my eyes to the fact that I could be doing much more for my patients.  I began using the BWS and BWSTT more and noted improved outcomes.  The most surprising results were in using BWSTT to assist those I did not previously believe needed much more than functional, across ground ambulatory training – ambulatory patients s/p CVA.   Thus, when I saw the opportunity to become a trainer, I immediately saw this as an avenue to share with others the experience of such clinical gains using the LiteGait MR: What would you consider the most rewarding aspect of being a trainer? Sean:The most challenging aspect is also the most rewarding – patient demonstrations. As a trainer, I am presented with four patients – previously unbeknownst to me – that I am hoping (as is everyone else present) will demonstrate an obvious benefit in performance through my interaction with each patient using the LiteGait. Actually, I am really trying to have the facility’s clinicians demonstrate such benefits as I facilitate their interaction with each patient using LiteGait. interview cont'd

From Anna Harper, pediatric PT. “I want to share with you what great things are happening with the LiteGait in this clinic. I was able to purchase a used LiteGait but was unable to get a harness donated that would be appropriate for the smaller kiddos. There were however a couple of kids that benefited from the equipment that was present and I want you to be able to see how it is helping.

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.

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