SCI Science Perspectives

Join us in this episode for a conversation with Matthew Rodreick, Executive Director of Unite 2 Fight Paralysis (U2FP). Matt offers a concise perspective on U2FP, including reflection on interaction between U2FP and ASIA. The thrust of the conversation then moves to the timely topic of state-level funding, with Matt running through success stories from U2FP's Cure Advocacy Network (CAN) and sharing his insider perspective on setting up state funding for spinal cord injury (SCI) research. We hope you enjoy this episode with Matt on the the past, present, and future of U2FP with a unique eye for a novel funding source.

Join us this episode for a conversation with Bharadwaj "Bharad" Nandakumar, PhD, of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, for a conversation about the paper titled "Exercise therapy guides cortical reorganization after midthoracic spinal contusion to enhance control of lower thoracic muscles, supporting functional recovery" published in the journal Experimental Neurology. In this paper Dr. Nandakumar and his team leverage the proven power of somatotopic mapping to examine the less explored area of brain-trunk circuits and the effect that exercise has on recovery of neurological control of the trunk after spinal cord injury. We trust you will enjoy our conversation with Dr. Nandakumar on the important yet often overlooked topic of trunk control and rehabilitation.

Join us this episode for a conversation with Bharadwaj "Bharad" Nandakumar, PhD, of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, for a conversation about the paper titled "Exercise therapy guides cortical reorganization after midthoracic spinal contusion to enhance control of lower thoracic muscles, supporting functional recovery" published in the journal Experimental Neurology. In this paper Dr. Nandakumar and his team leverage the proven power of somatotopic mapping to examine the less explored area of brain-trunk circuits and the effect that exercise has on recovery of neurological control of the trunk after spinal cord injury. We trust you will enjoy our conversation with Dr. Nandakumar on the important yet often overlooked topic of trunk control and rehabilitation.

Join us this episode for a conversation with Dr. James D. Guest, MD, PhD, of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, for a conversation about the paper titled "Non-invasive spinal cord electrical stimulation for arm and hand function in chronic tetraplegia: a safety and efficacy trial" published in the journal Nature Medicine. This paper is the culmination of commercialization efforts to bring to market a noninvasive ("transcutaneous ") electrical spinal cord simulator for the purpose of recover of upper extremity motor strength. We trust you will enjoy our conversation with Dr. Guest, who was a site-Principal Investigator (PI) for the Up-LIFT trial sponsored by Onward Medical Inc., in the timely wake of the exciting FDA approval of the now-titled ARC-EX® device that was studied in this pivotal clinical trial.

Join us this episode for a conversation with Dr. James D. Guest, MD, PhD, of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, for a conversation about the paper titled "Non-invasive spinal cord electrical stimulation for arm and hand function in chronic tetraplegia: a safety and efficacy trial" published in the journal Nature Medicine. This paper is the culmination of commercialization efforts to bring to market a transcutaneous ("noninvasive") electrical spinal cord simulator for the purpose of recover of upper extremity motor strength. We trust you will enjoy our conversation with Dr. Guest, who was a site-Principal Investigator (PI) for the Up-LIFT trial sponsored by Onward Medical Inc., in the timely wake of the exciting FDA approval of the now-titled ARC-EX® device that was studied in this pivotal clinical trial.

Join us for the episode for a conversation with Drs. Ona Bloom and Adam Stein on the topic of including people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the education of medical students. In this conversation we discuss the paper titled "Experiences and recommendations from people with spinal cord injury following participation in a disability education session at an allopathic medical school: a qualitative study" published in the journal Spinal Cord Series and Cases. We hope you enjoy this exploration of the important topic of incorporating people living with SCI in medical education, with Drs. Ona Bloom and Adam Stein.

Join us for the episode for a conversation with Drs. Ona Bloom and Adam Stein on the topic of including people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the medical education (MD) curriculum. In this conversation we discuss the paper titled "Experiences and recommendations from people with spinal cord injury following participation in a disability education session at an allopathic medical school: a qualitative study" published in the journal Spinal Cord Series and Cases. We hope you enjoy this exploration of the important topic of lived-experience consultation in medical education, with Drs. Ona Bloom and Adam Stein.

Join us in this episode for throwback to conversations from the 2024 American Spinal Injury Association annual scientific meeting in Puerto Rico. Along with a presidential handoff from Suzanne Groah, MD, to Susan Charlifue, PhD—the first time in ASIA's history that an acting female president has handed the torch to an incoming female president—we chat with some of the winners of awards in both poster and oral formatted presentations. We hope you enjoy this episode as we remember the 2024 annual meeting and usher in a new president.

The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) founded and now develops the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) exam, more commonly known as the "ASIA exam." This exam, which assigns a level and "completeness" of SCI, is the most common neurological exam performed in those with SCI. The most recent updates included the addition of zone of partial preservation (ZPP) and a "non-SCI taxonomy" (listen in to learn what that means

The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) institutionalized, and now stewards, the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) exam, the most ubiquitous neurological exam performed for spinal cord injury (SCI). Join us in this episode with Dr. Rudiger Rupp for a deep dive on the most recent update to the ISNCSCI, headed by ASIA's International Standards Committee chaired by Dr. Rupp. We hope you enjoy this zoom into the zone of partial preservation (ZPP) and non-SCI taxonomy, with Dr. Rudiger Rupp.

Join us in this episode for a conversation with Allison Kessler, MD, MSc on the topic of motherhood after spinal cord injury (SCI). In this conversation, Dr. Kessler discusses two recent publications that apply to the topic of motherhood after SCI: the peer-reviewed Motherhood after Spinal Cord Injury: Breastfeeding, Autonomic Dysreflexia, and Psychosocial Health: Clinical Practice Guidelines, and the corresponding "consumer guideline Breastfeeding Following SCI: A Consumer Guide for Mothers. We hope you enjoy this exploration of the important topic of mothering after SCI, with Dr. Allison Kessler.

Join us in this episode for a conversation with Allison Kessler, MD, MSc on the topic of motherhood after spinal cord injury (SCI). In this conversation, Dr. Kessler discusses two recent publications that apply to the topic of motherhood after SCI: the peer-reviewed Motherhood after Spinal Cord Injury: Breastfeeding, Autonomic Dysreflexia, and Psychosocial Health: Clinical Practice Guidelines, and the corresponding "consumer guideline Breastfeeding Following SCI: A Consumer Guide for Mothers. We hope you enjoy this exploration of the important topic of mothering after SCI, with Dr. Allison Kessler.

Join us in this episode for a panel conversation on nontraumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) with Alexandra Bennewith, MPA, Keara McNair, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP, Kristen Walden, BS, Ron Reeves, MD, and Stephen Burns, MD. Paralysis due to problem in the spinal cord come can come from many causes, and historically an emphasis has been placed on traumatic—like from an impact—SCI. As put forth by this panel of nontraumatic experts selected by ASIA's Education Committee, the time has come to integrate nontraumatic SCI into the existing networks of standardized reporting. The panelists discuss expert consensus, best practices, and future directions for classifying and tracking outcomes as to deliver better care for people living nontraumatic SCI. We hope you enjoy this episode as we usher in an era in the union of SCI regardless of cause.

Join us in this episode for a panel conversation on expert consensus, best practices, and future directions for classifying and tracking outcomes for people living with nontraumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) with Alexandra Bennewith, MPA, Keara McNair, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP, Kristen Walden, BS, Ron Reeves, MD, and Stephen Burns, MD. Disorders of the spinal cord come in many forms, and when categorizing based on cause there has historically been an emphasis placed on traumatic—e.g., from an impact—SCI. As put forth by this panel of nontraumatic experts selected by ASIA's Education Committee, the time has come to integrate nontraumatic SCI into the existing networks of standardized reporting. We hope you enjoy this episode as we usher in an era in the union of SCI across etiology.

Join us this episode for a conversation with Dr. Sina Sangari of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for a conversation about the paper titled "Spasticity Predicts Motor Recovery for Patients with Subacute Motor Complete Spinal Cord Injury" published in the journal Annals of Neurology. Regardless of the functional implications of spasms, Dr. Sangari and his colleagues explain the predictive value that spasticity, early after an acquired spinal cord injury, can have in predicting recovery of volitional motor function. We hope you enjoy this scholarly episode that offers a fresh take on the classic topic of spasticity.

Join us this episode for a conversation with Dr. Sina Sangari of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for a conversation about the paper titled "Spasticity Predicts Motor Recovery for Patients with Subacute Motor Complete Spinal Cord Injury" published in the journal Annals of Neurology. Regardless of the functional implications of spasms, Dr. Sangari and his colleagues explain the prognostic value that spasticity, early after an acquired spinal cord injury, can have in predicting recovery of volitional motor function. We hope you enjoy this scholarly episode that offers a fresh take on the classic topic of spasticity.

Join us this episode for a conversation with Dr. Parag Gad, co-founder and CEO of SpineX, for a conversation about the Spinal Cord Neuromodulator by SpineX and Scone to Treat Neurogenic Bladder, or the SCONE “CONTINENCE” Clinical trial (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05301335). Dr. Gad talks gives a brief history on SpineX, the scientific inspiration for the current neuromodulation trial targeting incontinence, and visions for the company's future commercial targets. This episode on a neuromodulatory device targeting urinary function was recorded in collaboration with our friends at Bladder Buzz, (in our opinion) the podcast on neurogenic bladder that "brings together physicians, researchers, and individuals living with neurogenic bladder" (https://bladderbuzzpodcast.buzzsprout.com/). We hope you enjoy this collab episode with Dr. Gad from SpineX.

Join us this episode for a conversation with Dr. Parag Gad, co-founder and CEO of SpineX, for a conversation about the Spinal Cord Neuromodulator by SpineX and Scone to Treat Neurogenic Bladder, or the SCONE “CONTINENCE” Clinical trial (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05301335). Dr. Gad talks gives a brief history on SpineX, the scientific inspiration for the current neuromodulation trial targeting incontinence, and visions for the company's future commercial targets. This episode on a neuromodulatory device targeting urinary function was recorded in collaboration with our friends at Bladder Buzz, (in our opinion) the podcast on neurogenic bladder that "brings together physicians, researchers, and individuals living with neurogenic bladder" (https://bladderbuzzpodcast.buzzsprout.com/). We hope you enjoy this collab episode with Dr. Gad from SpineX.

Join us this episode for a conversation with Dr. Gino Panza for a conversation about the interaction of autonomic dysfunction, the brain, and sleep. Dr. Panza talks us through their recent review paper (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2023.08.006) that shines a clinical lens on the interaction of three topics that are complicated by themselves and that complexify after spinal cord injury (SCI). We trust you'll enjoy this conversation about the nonobvious yet meaningful ways that SCI impacts autonomic function and the brain in a manner relevant to sleep, with Dr. Gino Panza.

Join us this episode for a conversation with Dr. Gino Panza for a conversation about the interaction of autonomics, the brain, and sleep. Dr. Panza talks us through their recent review paper (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2023.08.006) that shines a clinical lens on the interaction of three topics that are complicated by themselves and that complexify after spinal cord injury (SCI). We trust you'll enjoy this conversation about the nonobvious yet meaningful ways that SCI impacts autonomic function and the brain in a manner relevant to sleep, with Dr. Gino Panza.

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This episode features two insider perspectives on the Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship (SCIMF) that leads to the boarded "SCI docs". Dr. Doug Ota, a Program Director, gives an overview and history of the SCIMF while Dr. Marla Petriello, a recent SCIM Fellow, shares her recent experience with undergoing the fellowship as an early career physiatrist.

In this administrative episode we speak with some of this year's recipients of the Annual Awards of ASIA, awarded as part of the ASIA 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting. Each guest introduces themself and the project they were awarded for, and then gives a brief (~3 min) synopsis of the project and (~2 min) followup on future directions.

Join us for this scholarly episode where Stephane Philippe-Ratway, a Speech-Language Pathologist, discusses her Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Allied Health Professional Research Award of ASIA titled “The Use of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Conjunction with Respiratory Muscle Training to improve unaided cough in individuals with Acute Spinal Cord Injury." https://asia-spinalinjury.org/research-awards/neilsen-info/

Join us for this scholarly episode where Stephane Philippe-Ratway, a Speech-Language Pathologist, discusses her Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Allied Health Professional Research Award of ASIA titled “The Use of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Conjunction with Respiratory Muscle Training to improve unaided cough in individuals with Acute Spinal Cord Injury." https://asia-spinalinjury.org/research-awards/neilsen-info/

In this episode, we speak with Isaac Hernández Jiménez, M.D., about their paper titled "The state of spinal cord injury respiratory rehabilitation in Latin America" published in The Journal of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.

In this episode, we speak with Isaac Hernández Jiménez, M.D., about their paper titled "The state of spinal cord injury respiratory rehabilitation in Latin America" published in The Journal of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Niña Carmela Tamayo about the resource document "The SCI Traveler: Navigating Barriers to Domestic and International Travel (2022 Manual Update)" scheduled to be published by the American Spinal Injury Association this year. We will drop the link in this description once the document becomes publicly available.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Niña Carmela Tamayo about the resource document "The SCI Traveler: Navigating Barriers to Domestic and International Travel (2022 Manual Update)" scheduled to be published by the American Spinal Injury Association this year. We will drop the link in this description once the document becomes publicly available.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Aaron Phillips about the paper titled "Neuroprosthetic baroreflex controls haemodynamics after spinal cord injury" published in 2021 in the journal Nature (doi: 10.1038/s41586-020-03180-w).

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Aaron Phillips about the paper titled "Neuroprosthetic baroreflex controls haemodynamics after spinal cord injury" published in 2021 in the journal Nature (doi: 10.1038/s41586-020-03180-w).

In this administrative episode we speak with this year's six recipients of oral or poster awards, awarded as part of the ASIA 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting. Each guest introduces themself and the project they were awarded for, and then gives a brief (~3 min) synopsis of the project and (~2 min) followup on future directions. The guests include: 2022 Early Career Best Poster (and overall 1st Place Poster) to Marla Petriello, D.O. for their project "DISCOVER SCI: A Multimedia Educational Resource for People with Spinal Cord Injury and Their Caregivers." 2022 Oral Presentation Award, 1st Place to Antoine Dionne, M.D., M.Sc. for their project "Is it Safe to start Activity-Based Therapy within 72h of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury? Interim Results from the PROMPT-SCI Trial." 2022 Oral Presentation Award, 2nd Place to Kath Bogie, D.Phil. for their project "Genomic Biomarkers for Recurrent Pressure Injury Risk in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury." 2022 Oral Presentation Award, 3rd Place Matthew Davis, M.D. for their project "Do CAUTI Reduction Strategies provide a net Benefit for SCI Patients? Trends in Emergency Department Utilization, 2012-2017." 2022 Poster Presentation Award, 2nd Place to Diana Pernigotti, M.S.G. for their project "Exploring Peer Health Coach Roles in the Online Health-Management Program for Adults with Spinal Cord Injury." 2022 Poster Presentation Award, 3rd Place to Nicole Bajdek, M.S., A.C.S.M.-E.P. for their project "SCI Lynx: Development of a Physical Activity Social Network App for People with SCI." (Note: the awardees are listed in order of alphabetical order based on award name.)

In this administrative episode we speak with this year's six recipients of named awards, awarded as part of the ASIA 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting. Each guest introduces themself and the project they were awarded for, and then gives a brief (~3 min) synopsis of the project and (~2 min) followup on future directions. The guests include: 2022 Anthony F. DiMarco Fellowship Award to C. Kevin Park, MD, for their project "Benefit of Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation (MIE) on Ventilator Dependent Spinal Cord Injury Patients in Acute Rehabilitation Center.” 2022 Apple Award to Michael G. Fehlings, M.D., for their project "The Influence of Timing of Surgical Decompression for Acute Spinal Cord Injury: A Pooled Analysis of Individual Patient Data." 2022 Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Allied Health Professional Research Award of ASIA to Blake Perkins, PT, DPT, ATP, for their project "Reversing the Trend: Provisional Clinical Strategy to Mitigate Incidence and Impact of Wheelchair Repairs in Spinal Cord Injury?" 2022 Mulcahey Award for Research in Outcomes Measurement to Alberto Isaac Perez SanPablo, DSc, for their project "Reliability and Validity of the Assessment of Trunk Control in Pediatric Subjects with Spinal Cord Injury using Smartphones." 2022 Translational Research or Human Neuroscience Studies in Spinal Cord Injury (TRoHNS) Award to Andrew Smith, PT, DPT, PhD, for their project "Epidural stimulation-promoted standing ability and spinal cord lesion characteristics in motor complete SCI." 2022 Vogel Award to Matthew Hanks, PhD, ATC, for their project “The Influence of Sex on Upper Extremity Joint Dynamics in Pediatric Manual Wheelchair Users with Spinal Cord Injury.” (Note: the awardees are listed in order of alphabetical order based on award name.)

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrei Krassioukov and Dr. Suzanne Groah about their American Spinal Injury Association presidency. Parts of this episode were recorded live in New Orleans at the 2022 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) annual scientific meeting.

In this episode we talk to Dr. Jacob Long about their 2019 Neilsen-ASIA Research Award project titled "Does the Speed of Robotic Leg Movements During Tilt-Table Verticalization Mitigate Orthostatic Hypotension in Subacute SCI?" Note: this episode was recorded live in New Orleans at the 2022 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) annual scientific meeting. Dr. Long received his doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2013. He joined Methodist Rehabilitation Center in 2014, soon transitioning to the Spinal Cord Injury program to advance his education and clinical expertise with this complex condition. In parallel to his clinical duties, he achieved two assistive technology certifications from the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), and the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Seating & Mobility Specialist (SMS). After passing the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties board examination in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS) in 2018, he has been promoted to the position of Clinical Specialist. In this role, he serves as a resource and mentor for other therapists and students, and actively collaborates with the investigators at the Methodist research division, the Center for Neuroscience and Neurological Recovery.

In this episode we talk to Dr. Jacob Long about their 2019 Neilsen-ASIA Research Award project titled "Does the Speed of Robotic Leg Movements During Tilt-Table Verticalization Mitigate Orthostatic Hypotension in Subacute SCI?" Note: this episode was recorded live in New Orleans at the 2022 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) annual scientific meeting. Dr. Long received his doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2013. He joined Methodist Rehabilitation Center in 2014, soon transitioning to the Spinal Cord Injury program to advance his education and clinical expertise with this complex condition. In parallel to his clinical duties, he achieved two assistive technology certifications from the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), and the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Seating & Mobility Specialist (SMS). After passing the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties board examination in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS) in 2018, he has been promoted to the position of Clinical Specialist. In this role, he serves as a resource and mentor for other therapists and students, and actively collaborates with the investigators at the Methodist research division, the Center for Neuroscience and Neurological Recovery.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Melina Longoni Di Giusto and Nishu Tyagi about the paper titled "COVID-19 and spinal cord injury and disease: results of an international survey as the pandemic progresses" published in 2021 in the journal Spinal Cord Series and Cases (doi: 10.1038/s41394-020-00356-4).

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Melina Longoni Di Giusto and Nishu Tyagi about the paper titled "COVID-19 and spinal cord injury and disease: results of an international survey as the pandemic progresses" published in 2021 in the journal Spinal Cord Series and Cases (doi: 10.1038/s41394-020-00356-4).

In this episode we talk to Dr. James Milligan about the paper "A Primary Care Provider's Guide to Preventive Health After Spinal Cord Injury" https://doi.org/10.46292/sci2603-209) published in Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation. James Milligan is a family physician with the Centre for Family Medicine Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. He is director of the CFFM Mobility Clinic, an interprofessional primary care clinic with a focus to improve primary care for individuals with spinal cord injury and other physical disabilities. The clinic is dedicated to clinical research in SCI in primary care, working closely with the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute and the former Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at McMaster University and Adjunct Clinical Professor at Western University. He is a Clinical Specialist for Mobility and Falls with the Schlegel Research Institute for Aging.

In this episode we talk to Dr. James Milligan about the paper "A Primary Care Provider's Guide to Preventive Health After Spinal Cord Injury" https://doi.org/10.46292/sci2603-209) published in Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation. James Milligan is a family physician with the Centre for Family Medicine Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. He is director of the CFFM Mobility Clinic, an interprofessional primary care clinic with a focus to improve primary care for individuals with spinal cord injury and other physical disabilities. The clinic is dedicated to clinical research in SCI in primary care, working closely with the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute and the former Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at McMaster University and Adjunct Clinical Professor at Western University. He is a Clinical Specialist for Mobility and Falls with the Schlegel Research Institute for Aging.

In this episode we talk about the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) exam--commonly referred to as the "ASIA exam"--with Dr. Steven Kirshblum. Our conversation is centered around Dr. Kirshblum's recent paper titled "Characterizing Natural Recovery after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury" published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Neurotrauma in 2021 (10.1089/neu.2020.7473).Note: the audio file for this episode was updated on 10 February 2022. There were no content changes, only aesthetic edits.

In this episode we talk about the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) exam with Dr. Steven Kirshblum via a conversation about his recent paper titled "Characterizing Natural Recovery after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury" published in the Journal of Neurotrauma in 2021 (10.1089/neu.2020.7473).Note: the audio file for this episode was updated on 10 February 2022. There were no content changes, only aesthetic edits.

In this administrative episode we speak with the founders and producers--Dr. Suzanne Groah, Dr. Marla Petriello, and Dr. David W. McMillan--about the anatomy and physiology of the SCI Science Perspectives podcast.