CURRENT RESEARCH
ICARE: Development of an Intelligently Controlled Assistive Rehabilitation Elliptical Training System to Promote Walking and Fitness in Persons with Physical Limitations
Funding Agency: The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR Award No. H133G070209 - Principal Investigator: J.M. Burnfield, Ph.D., P.T.)
Project Description: Regaining walking ability and physical fitness are central goals for many individuals participating in rehabilitation programs, and this desire continues beyond discharge. Yet many face barriers to accessing optimal treatment programs in healthcare settings and community based fitness facilities. Barriers include lack of affordable and accessible equipment, and sufficient staff with appropriate expertise. This project will develop ICARE, an Intelligently Controlled Assistive Rehabilitation Elliptical trainer and therapeutic program which will help physically challenged individuals regain and/or retain their walking ability and physical fitness. A total of 110 individuals with and without disabilities will participate in extensive biomechanical and equipment evaluations during the development period and subsequent clinical testing in inpatient and outpatient environments and a fitness center. The ultimate goal of this program is to increase the accessibility of elliptical trainers so that people with disabilities can engage in effective therapeutic exercise and gait programs in order to promote optimal health, quality of life, and maximum independence.
Muscular Demands Associated with Walking on a Treadmill with Partial Body Weight Support
Funding Agency: Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center (Principal Investigator: J.M. Burnfield, Ph.D., P.T.)
Project Description: The primary aim of this study is to systematically examine the influence of walking speed on stride characteristics, muscular demands and perceived exertion in persons participated in partial body weight support treadmill training therapy following a recent stroke (< 1 month).
Development of a Reliable Sonographic Method of Quantifying Tendon and Ligament Structure
Funding Agency: The Layman Award, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Principal Investigator: G. Bashford, Ph.D., P.E.; Co-Principal Investigators: J.M. Burnfield, Ph.D., P.T., K. Kulig, Ph.D., P.T.)
Project Description: The goals of this research include: 1) developing a reliable sonographic method to assess tendon and ligament structure; 2) validating this method using images acquired from tendons (Achilles, Tibialis Posterior) and the Patellar Ligament in persons with varying activity levels (wheelchair bound, ambulatory and runners); and 3) differentiating between tenalgic (pain in tendon) and non-tenalgic tissues.
Comparison of Gait Kinematics and Muscle Activation during Overground Gait, Treadmill Walking, and Elliptical Training in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Funding Agency: Health Future Foundation Faculty Development Grant, Creighton University (Principal Investigator: C. Goulet, Ph.D., P.T.; Madonna Site Principal Investigator: J.M. Burnfield, Ph.D., P.T.)
The specific aims of this study are 1) to identify the biomechanical and physiological demands of exercise on an elliptical trainer and 2) to compare the demands to those encountered during overground and treadmill walking for persons with multiple sclerosis. Adults with multiple sclerosis who are able to walk as well as adults without neurologic or orthopaedic conditions that would interfere with their walking ability are participating in this study.
Plantar Pressure Variations when Exercising on Commercially Available Cardiovascular Equipment in Persons with Diabetes
Funding Sources: Madonna Auxiliary and the Gifford Swenson Estate (Principal Investigator: J.M. Burnfield, Ph.D., P.T.)
Project Description: The purpose of this line of research is to better understand how pressures on the bottom of the feet vary during exercise on different types of cardiovascular exercise equipment. Special pressure mapping insoles quantify the pressures experienced between the foot and the shoe insole during exercise.
Monitoring Physical Activity using the BodyMedia Sensewear2 Device
Project Description: Identification of physical activities is important in the promotion of exercise for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is also valuable to the clinical profession for improving rehabilitation monitoring. The purpose of this study is to devise an algorithm that uses signals recorded from a single biaxial accelerometer in a commercially available body monitoring device to discern between three activity classes: 1) overground or treadmill running; 2) wheelchair propulsion; and 3) eight other common activities (e.g., walking overground and on a treadmill negotiating stairs, exercising on a stairclimber and reaching activities).
Establishing Levels of Upper Extremity Functional Ability for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Project Description: This study is exploring the recovery of arm function following a stroke with a specific emphasis on determining relationships between measures recorded on standard clinical assessment tools and the ability to use the arm in Madonna's simulated "real life" environment called Independence Square.
- The Nebraska Concussion Study at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
- Funding Agencies: U. S. Department of Education; State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure Medical Services/Trauma Program; Cline, Williams Wright, Johnson & Oldfather, LLP (Principal Investigator-Lori Terryberry-Spohr, Ph.D., ABPP-CN)
Project Description: The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of neurocognitive tools in improving the prevention, detection, and monitoring of concussive events in high school athletes. Researchers work collaboratively with school professionals including athletic trainers, coaches, and school nurses as well as healthcare professionals to implement the use of baseline testing protocols and concussion monitoring utilizing neurocognitive measures. Other projects have included the development of educational tools for distribution within area school districts and working with Lincoln Public Schools on the development of a screening tool for use by school nurses and staff in the school/playground setting.
