Hi, I just finished my second week here at the Frazier Institute in Louisville, Kentucky! This week I was able to learn about so many new things, from the research aspects to the clinical aspects of spinal cord neurorecovery. I was allowed to strap into a harness, which would be used to support patients during sessions that involve walking on what we call the treadmill.
The treadmill assists in recovering neuroplasticity for individuals who have experienced damage to their spinal nerves.
Neuroplasticity in this case refers to the neurons ability to relearn and improve the neurological connections in the spinal cord required to carry out different tasks, like bending one’s knee and flexing their foot in order to take a step.
I also got to observe how simple devices, like the nut and bolt block pictured below, could help researchers assess a research participant’s ability to engage function in their fingers and hands. This could include the different ways a participant approached turning the nuts — for some could twist each nut on and off of a bolt using the tips of their fingertips while others had to rely only on their thumbs.
Additionally, my wonderful host family introduced me to so many new things this week! I got to see my host mom, Brigid, preform at one of her gigs where she not only sung, but played the guitar and musical saw as well. I also was able to watch my first Broadway performance in Louisville: Hamilton! I have had such an amazing week, and can’t wait for the weeks to come.
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