Currently Funded Research Projects
SPINAL CORD INJURY
Interventions for SCI Shoulder Function in Wheelchairs
(National Institutes of Health #RO1 HD37098)
Following a Spinal Cord Injury, many individuals must
rely on pushing a manual wheelchair for mobility. Better wheelchair
designs and improved community accessibility have significantly
increased work and recreational opportunities. Unfortunately,
after many years of increased arm use, some persons develop
disabling shoulder pain. In an attempt to reduce the demands
placed on the shoulder during manual wheelchair propulsion,
this project evaluates two therapeutic interventions: adjusting
seating posture and exercise.
Engineering Solutions for a Shoulder Preserving Wheelchair
(National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research
#H133E020732)
The Engineering Solutions for a Shoulder Preserving
Wheelchair project is being conducted in the Pathokinesiology
Laboratory as part of a Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center
(RERC); Keep Moving: Technologies to Enhance Mobility and Function
for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). This project is
designed to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative propulsion systems
for reducing the demands associated with manual wheelchair use.
This includes a lever design, power-assisted push-rim design,
and compliant push-rim design. A combined approach using
laboratory-based experimentation and computer modeling
techniques will be used to develop specific clinical criteria
for prescription of currently available manual wheelchair propulsion
devices. Upper extremity mechanical and muscular demands, and
metabolic energy cost will be quantified from individuals with
varying strength levels during wheelchair propulsion.
Dynamic simulation, numerical optimization, and analysis techniques
will be utilized to identify factors that may further reduce
stress on the shoulder of individuals with SCI.
Strengthening and Optimal Movement for Painful Shoulders in
Chronic Spinal Cord Injury “STOMPS”
(Foundation for Physical Therapy and National Institute of
Disability and Rehabilitation Research #H133B031002-04)
The STOMPS project is being conducted as part of a clinical
research network in collaboration with the Department of Biokinesiology
and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California.
This clinical investigation is designed to evaluate the efficacy
of an exercise program on shoulder pain in persons with paraplegia
following spinal cord injury. Participants are
randomly assigned to receive either a 12-week home exercise program or
education about shoulder care. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations,
performed at the Pathokinesiology Laboratory, will evaluate shoulder function,
pain, and activity level.
DIABETES/AMPUTEE
Quantified Custom Inserts - An Amputation Prevention Program
for Diabetes Mellitus
(National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research H133G020002)
Structural irregularities in the forefoot are a common cause
of injurious pressure concentrations during walking. Persons
with normal sensation recognize these areas of high pressure as painful and
quickly seek relief. Persons with diabetes, who lack sensation in
their feet, frequently develop foot ulcers, which often lead to
infection and amputation. Preservation of the patient’s limb
depends on reducing the foot’s injurious pressure experienced
while walking. Today’s techniques of shoe and insert production
are inconsistent and varied because no objective criteria for
an effective shoe system has been developed. This project is designed to
identify the footwear factors that will reduce plantar pressures in the
diabetic foot to a safe walking level.
STROKE
Strength Training Effectiveness Programs for Stroke
(Foundation for Physical Therapy)
The Strength Training Effectiveness Programs for Stroke
(STEPS) project is being conducted as part of a clinical research
network in collaboration with the Department of Biokinesiology and
Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California.
This multi-center clinical investigation is designed to evaluate
the effectiveness of various therapeutic treatment interventions in persons
with stroke. Six-week treatment interventions include combinations of
body-weight supported treadmill training, stationary bicycle ergometry, and
lower extremity resistance exercises. In addition to clinical testing and
isometric strength assessments, a subset of 20 subjects in the project will
have quantitative gait evaluations at the Pathokinesiology Laboratory. Pre- and
post-intervention gait evaluations will include stride analysis, motion and
forceplate analysis, as well as dynamic electromyography.
A Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel
Group Safety Study of Pulmonary Function in Patients with Reduced
Lung Function Treated with BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin Type A)
Purified Neurotoxin Complex for Focal Upper Limb Spasticity
Due to Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome
Principle investigator: Ziyad Ayyoub, M.D.
Research coordinator: Shawn Phipps, M.S., OTR/L