Hello! My third week in the Spinal Cord Injury Research Center at the Fraizer Rehab Institute was far less hectic than the week before. It started off with a SATco experiment that consists of measuring the patient’s trunk control (control of there upper body) and simultaneously getting recordings of there lung capacity. We started off with a “typically developing” child without a spinal cord injury as a sort of control. Next, we began a Supine experiment to measure the child’s ability to move their upper extremities. This time we were testing a child with spinal cord injuries. These experiments are especially helpful for children with SCIs as throughout their recovery the results can be used to track their progress and show them tangible evidence that their hard work is paying off. After wrapping up these experiments I worked on a couple more readings and updated the schedule.
The next day looked fairly similar but we started off with a new experiment neither Nick or I had done yet. This made things very interesting but overall it went pretty smooth. We were measuring the movement of the child on a treadmill during “active therapy” meaning that there are therapists on either side of the child moving their legs in stepping motion with someone behind them supporting their trunk. Of course, we usually do this on kids with SCIs but every once in a while we try to get control data using typically developing children. For the next experiment, we were doing another Supine FNPA on a child with an SCI. For the rest of the day me and my fellow intern Mahima ran through an entire experiment by practicing on each other, while also updating the manual.
Updating the manual
The next day was the Fourth of July which turned out to be a pretty relaxed day as it was unbearably hot out. After an extreme heat warning, we decided it was best to stay inside and have a chill Independence Day. Luckily we got out to go down to the waterfront and watch some fireworks after it cooled off a little (although it was still unbelievably hot).
Fireworks under the bridge!
The next day was a sort of recuperating day as one of the main research techs (Laura) returned from vacation, we got her all caught up I worked a little more on updating the manual I got to head home early. My Friday looked fairly similar as I finished up the manual, got some readings done and got to head home early.
The park and the Orchestra 🙂
As for the weekend, Noah and I went down to the Orchestra and enjoyed the warm weather at the farmers market and the park. I cannot believe we are already halfway through our internship and I am so excited for the weeks ahead!
Already looking forward to your next post. Great share Ellie 🙂