Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Spinal Cord Injury

For many of us medical complications such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc comes with age. For individuals with spinal cord injury age related medical complications might occur earlier. This month our quick survey is focusing on aging with spinal cord injury.

These surveys are an easy way for the RRTC team to hear from the SCI community on certain topics. Information from these surveys will help the RRTC team understand the needs of the community. Please take a moment to take our survey.

We really appreciate your feedback! Please click here to fill out the comment page.

Please use the scroll bar on the right to view the rest of the survey questions. Thank you.

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This month focus is on exercise. Exercising is a goal for many of us, but it can be hard to get started, finding a wheelchair accessible gym etc. Our “How To” exercise videos focuses on exercises that can easily be done at home with wrist weights or exercise bands. This month our “How To” videos show Myron (C5-C6) completing arm exercises using both exercise band, and wrist weights

If you are new to exercise, please see our “Exercise and SCI” factsheet for additional exercise info. Also remember to consult with your physician if you plan on starting a new exercise routine.

Please stay tuned for additional exercise videos specific to level of injury coming during the spring.

Resistance Bands Exercise

Wrist Weights Exercise

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Happy New Year!!! The RRTC team hopes you all enjoyed the holidays.  Many of us make New Year resolutions about living healthier and exercising, so this month our focus on the quick survey and “How To” video will be on exercise.

These surveys are an easy way for the RRTC team to hear from the SCI community on certain topics. Information from these surveys will help the RRTC team understand the needs of the community. Please take a moment to take our survey.

We really appreciate your feedback!

Please use the scroll bar on the right to view the rest of the survey questions. Thank you.

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Please see the press release from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) about our participation in the pre-conference State of the Science symposium held in June 2011 preceding the international joint American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) and International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) conference meeting.

The primary investigator for the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) Dr. Suzanne Groah chaired the Aging and Secondary Conditions Track, one of  four themes geared to focus new research! The issues identified were brought to the White House for detailed presentation on November 8, 2011!

Click here to view the SCI White House Meeting Press Release.

For more information see references below for some aging related articles form the RRTC team.

Groah SL, Stiens SA, Gittler MS, Kirshblum SC , McKinley WO. (2002). Spinal Cord Injury Medicine: Preserving wellness and independence of the aging patient with spinal cord injury: a primary care approach for the rehabilitation medicine specialist. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 83(3) Suppl1: S82-S89.

Groah SL, Weitzenkamp D, Sett P, Soni B, Savic G. (2001). The relationship between neurologic level of injury and symptomatic cardiovascular disease risk in the aging spinal injured. Spinal Cord, 39:310-317.

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The focus in December is on cushions.  We really appreciate your feedback regarding our website in the previous quick survey. We received several suggestions and questions about cushions. In order for the RRTC team to gain more information about the topic, this month our quick survey is about cushions. Our goal is for the website to be a useful resource for consumers, family members, caregivers and professionals within the spinal cord injury field.

These surveys are an easy way for the RRTC team to hear from the SCI community on certain topics. Information from these surveys will help the RRTC team understand the needs of the community. Please take a moment to take our survey.

We really appreciate your feedback!

Please use the scroll bar on the right to view the rest of the survey questions. Thank you.

Click here to view our previous polls.

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Are you ready for the winter???? Ready or not, it is that time of the year when winter is around the corner (for those of us in the North). Outside recreational activities can be hard during the winter season. Downhill skiing could be a good option even if you have never tried it before! Adaptive skiing programs are available throughout the country. This month, take a look at adaptive newbie skiers Dominique and Chanelle while they are getting ready to ski, learn to ride the ski lift and the best part of skiing going down the mountain! Dominque’s level of injury is C5-6 and Chanelle’s level of injury is T6.

Please consult with your physician and other clinical experts before attempting.  Make sure you are prepared with the right equipment and physical needs!

Below are Adaptive Skiing informational websites for programs across the country. Even if you are located in a warmer state, who couldn’t use a real winter vacation?

Adaptive Ski and Sport Programs: http://www.sitski.com/pg3.htm

• Has information about adaptive programs in United States, Canada and Europe

What is Adaptive Skiing? http://www.sitski.com/whatisit.htm

• General information about adaptive skiing and different kinds of adaptive ski equipment

How to Get Ready to Ski

How to Ride a Ski Lift

How to Do Sit Down Skiing

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The focus in November is on our website content. This month we are asking you for some feedback on our website. Our goal is for the website to be a useful resource for consumers, family members, caregivers and professionals within the spinal cord injury field.

These surveys are an easy way for the RRTC team to hear from the SCI community on certain topics. Information from these surveys will help the RRTC team understand the needs of the community. Please take a moment to take our survey.
We really appreciate your feedback!

Please use the scroll bar on the right to view the rest of the survey questions. Thank you.
Click here to view our previous polls.

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This month’s “How to” video will follow our quick survey theme of pressure reliefs. Doing pressure reliefs are often thought of as one of the most efficient ways to prevent pressure ulcers and there are multiple techniques to use to relief pressure off your buttocks and your boney areas.
The RRTC has created a video and a factsheet focusing on different pressure relief techniques that can be used in a manual wheelchair.

Click here to view the Pressure Reliefs in a Manual Wheelchair Factsheet in PDF version.

Pressure Reliefs in a Manual Wheelchair

We want your feedback. Please click here to fill out the comment page.

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The focus in October is on pressure relief techniques. These surveys are an easy way for the RRTC team to hear from the SCI community on certain topics. Information from these surveys will help the RRTC team understand the needs of the community. Please take a moment to take our survey. Later on this month you will receive a factsheet and How To video about pressure relief techniques. Click here to view our previous polls.

Please use the scroll bar on the right to view the rest of the survey questions. Thank you.

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