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Researchers from Madonna’s Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering and the University of Nebraska-Omaha are collaborating to provide greater mobility for people who are recovering from a stroke. The research study, which kicks off this month, aims to address how high-intensity gait training after a stroke leads to better outcomes. You can read more about it here.
Despite a life-changing car accident, Jemiama Menkhus maintains a positive attitude about life and is optimistic about the future. Read more about her story here.
High-intensity interval training or HIIT is a cardio workout that features repeated short bursts of activity interspersed with rest periods. Years of evidence has shown the HIIT can help an individual lose weight, build muscle and boost metabolism. Now Madonna's Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering is looking into how beneficial this type of workout could be for survivors of serious illnesses, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease or breast cancer.
Judith M. Burnfield, Ph.D., P.T., Institute Director, who leads research to advance guidelines for use of the ICARE, made a special visit to Western New York to oversee the introduction of the new equipment purchased by the Motion Project Foundation. Natalie Barnhard is the founder of Motion Project. She sustained a spinal cord injury at work in 2004 and is making a difference for others through The Natalie Barnhard Center for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation and Recovery located in Cheektowaga. “Natalie is just fantastic. She and her family are real visionaries for making rehabilitation available in the community for people,” said Dr. Burnfield. “She recognizes that rehabilitation and fitness are not just something you do in the hospital but a lifestyle you pursue once your return to your homes and communities.” The Madonna ICARE by SportsArt integrates an external body weight support system, as well as an elliptical, with a specialized motor that can sense the need for assistance for the user. The ICARE system allows persons with serious injuries and illnesses to exercise safely for longer periods of time while lessening the physical demands placed on clinicians’ and fitness trainers’ bodies while assisting. “We had a wonderful time working with Natalie and her trainers and helping them learn how to use the ICARE,” said Dr. Burnfield. |
As a Rehabilitation Engineering Center of Excellence, members of Madonna’s Institute are known for their involvement in and contributions to national research and development. Recently, Madonna was named in a five-year, multimillion dollar federal grant to improve communication access for individuals with communication deficits.
The INDEPENDENT is a quarterly magazine published for friends of Madonna highlighting patient stories, development and acquisition of new technology, Madonna Foundation events and more. To be added to the mailing list to receive a copy, visit the link below.
Interested in sharing your Madonna recovery story or providing our team with an update on your progress since leaving our hospitals? Visit the page below.