Researchers are developing methods to restore mobility and recover function in individuals with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. A new NIH-funded study led by Dr. Guang Yue will investigate the impact of high-effort training on muscle strength in women with breast cancer.
A study confirmed that damage to the right frontal-subcortical network can cause ipsilateral spatial neglect in patients. Additionally, a greater proportion of patients with ipsilateral neglect had frontal subcortical damage than anticipated, resulting in 'where' errors rather than 'aiming' errors.
A study published by Kessler Foundation researchers found that using a foot drop stimulator during walking can retrain the temporal activation of the tibialis anterior muscle, improving muscle function. The results suggest that this intervention may facilitate recovery from foot drop, a common complication of stroke.
A 10-week psychoeducational wellness program improved mood, overall mental health, perceived stress, and pain in people with multiple sclerosis. The study, published in the International Journal of MS Care, suggests that individuals with MS may benefit from comprehensive wellness programs.
The International Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Alliance awarded a $30 million grant to researchers worldwide to tackle the devastating form of MS. Kessler Foundation's pilot study in rehabilitation addresses cognitive dysfunction, aiming to improve quality of life for individuals with progressive MS.
Kessler Foundation researchers have discovered a link between slowed processing speed and executive deficits in people with multiple sclerosis. The study found that slower processing speed accounted for the observed executive function deficits, suggesting a potential target for cognitive rehabilitation strategies.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found that working memory capacity explains the relationship between intellectual enrichment and long-term memory in individuals with MS. This suggests that interventions targeting working memory may help build cognitive reserve to protect against decline in long-term memory.
Researchers used functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to examine brain activation during a working memory task in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls. The study found differences in brain activation patterns between the groups that were dependent on task load.
Researchers emphasize the need for cultural competence in brain injury research and rehabilitation to address growing minority populations and their higher risk of poorer outcomes. Studies highlight persistent health disparities among minorities with acquired brain injury, underscoring the importance of patient-centered interventions.
A new Kessler Foundation study reveals that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) can enhance their self-awareness through hands-on task experiences. Researchers found improved metacognitive knowledge and online awareness in participants, suggesting potential benefits for cognitive rehabilitation.
A study published by Kessler Foundation found small but significant differences in self-care and mobility at discharge among patients with motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI), with non-Hispanic blacks showing less improvement compared to Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. The study used data from the Spinal Cord Injury Model System...
Researchers found an association between over-estimating medication self-administration ability and memory loss among stroke survivors. Assessing patients for their ability to estimate medication skills accurately may predict memory disorders.
Researchers found that rule monitoring, an executive function, facilitates more accurate prospective memory in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study identified predictors of prospective memory deficit post-TBI and highlights the importance of including rule monitoring in clinical assessments.
Researchers identified associations between community and neighborhood land uses and community participation among adults with acquired chronic disabilities. Living in communities with diverse land use and open spaces was linked to decreased reporting of social and physical participation.
Cognitive research by Kessler Foundation scientists reveals that unexpected task constraint following self-generated task choice impairs task-switching performance. The study shows that individuals struggle to undo preparation for a task, leading to negative effects on multitasking ability.
Kessler Foundation researchers confirm that cognitive rehabilitation in MS maintains patterns of increased cerebral activation correlated with learning six months after memory retraining. The study's results support the long-term effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in individuals with cognitive impairment caused by MS.
The NIH Stroke Trials Network brings together teams of researchers to identify priorities and provide training opportunities. Kessler Foundation & Kessler Institute participate in the network, focusing on rehabilitation and neuroimaging research.
A longitudinal study of 22 MS patients found significant declines in cognitive function, including processing speed and memory, over an 18-year period. The study provides valuable insights into the natural evolution of cognitive changes in MS.
Dr. Ekaterina Dobryakova, a postdoctoral fellow at Kessler Foundation, received an award to study motivation's influence on cognitive fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The research aims to determine whether motivation activates brain regions thought to be impaired in cognitive fatigue.
The article highlights the potential of social enterprise businesses in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The author, Elaine E. Katz, details two successful examples, Hudson Community Enterprises and Destination Desserts, which have generated revenue and provided market-driven pay rates for employees.
A study confirms that brain reserve and cognitive reserve provide protective effects against cognitive decline in MS patients. The beneficial effects of these reserves persist for several years.
Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, was named the 63rd Mendel Lecturer by Saint Peter's University for her research on treating cognitive deficits following neurological illness and injury. Her work focuses on improving cognition in individuals with multiple sclerosis, TBI, stroke, and dementia.
A multi-site study will test strategies to improve bone and muscle strength after spinal cord injury, with the goal of minimizing secondary complications. The study aims to develop safe and effective interventions to address rapid wasting of muscles and bones in individuals with SCI.
Researchers will assess daily tasks like buying tickets and making food using the internet's Actual Reality platform. The goal is to broaden assessment scope for people with MS, making it more accessible and relevant.
Kessler Foundation will conduct a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of speed of processing training on cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis. The study aims to improve everyday functioning and address the impact of processing speed deficits on daily activities.
Miriam Hwang's article on longitudinal changes in medical complications in adults with pediatric spinal cord injury won the Ernest Bors, M.D., Award. The award recognizes excellence among young investigators pursuing careers dedicated to bettering lives of individuals with spinal cord injury.
The Kessler Foundation will lead a new MS Collaborative Network of New Jersey, focusing on cognitive-motor interactions in MS. The network aims to design and conduct novel studies and expand professional training to improve treatment options for people with MS.
Parkinson's patients without dementia show impaired ability to learn new information, but not recall or recognition of previously learned material. This study suggests that improving new learning is crucial for cognitive rehabilitation interventions.
Lauren Strober, a neuropsychologist at Kessler Foundation, has been awarded a $75,000 Patterson Trust Award to investigate factors influencing employment in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Her research aims to address the high rate of unemployment among MS patients and explore long-term outcomes associated with leaving the workforce.
Researchers found elevated body temperature linked to worse fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, supporting previous studies on cooling garments and antipyretics. The study suggests a complex relationship among fatigue, body temperature, and inflammatory processes.
The Kessler Foundation has received funding for five research projects focused on spinal cord injury rehabilitation. These projects aim to improve pain management, functional outcomes, and quality of life for individuals with SCI.
Researchers found that higher educational attainment attenuates the negative impact of TBI on cognitive status. The study suggests that intellectually enriching activities may protect against further cognitive decline.
Researchers studied 30 adults with TBI to understand the relationship between self-awareness, depression, and self-reported quality of life. They found that higher levels of self-awareness were associated with poorer quality of life and lower satisfaction, while depressive symptoms significantly impacted self-reports.
Researchers found that self-generation may be influenced by variables such as task meaningfulness during learning and memory in MS. Significantly more words were recalled from the generated condition, indicating a more effective learning strategy.
Researchers found that discarding data from subjects with multiple sclerosis who exhibit significant head movement during fMRI may bias sampling away from those with lower cognitive ability. This could lead to skewed results if not addressed by correcting for motion or recruiting a diverse range of participants.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) to be a reliable predictor of employment status in people with MS, distinguishing employed from unemployed individuals. The study analyzed demographic and disease-related factors to identify predictors of employment status.
Researchers found that retrieval practice (RP) significantly improved memory in individuals with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly after short delays. RP was more effective than massed restudy (MR) or spaced restudy (SR) strategies, indicating its potential to improve real-life performance.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found an association between acute, severe spatial neglect post-stroke and long-term recovery of mobility. The study suggests early detection and intervention of spatial neglect may be necessary to achieve better return of mobility.
The Kessler Foundation is conducting a 3-year research study to improve the health and quality of life of military personnel and civilians with spinal cord injury. The study aims to develop an assessment tool that evaluates individuals' ability to direct their care and their caregivers' skills in performing care tasks.
A pilot study will test the effectiveness of self-generated learning in individuals with multiple sclerosis who have memory and learning difficulties. Researchers aim to improve memory performance, functional performance, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment.
A new study found that patients with Aiming deficits improved on the Catherine Bergego Scale, while those with only Where deficits did not. Prism adaptation therapy showed intermediate improvement in patients with both types of deficits.
Researchers Dr. O'Neill and Botticello will study ways to improve disability statistics, focusing on disparities in employment outcomes and geographic concentration of people with disabilities. The goal is to bridge the divide between data producers and users, supporting better decision-making and more effective programs.
Researchers identified five promising treatments, including constraint-induced movement therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation, to improve rehabilitation outcomes in stroke patients. These non-invasive methods have potential applications beyond stroke rehabilitation.
A randomized controlled trial found that a modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT) improved learning and memory in people with MS, leading to better daily functioning and increased satisfaction. The effects persisted for six months, providing first Class 1 evidence for cognitive rehabilitation in MS.
A new study by Kessler Foundation scientists investigates the neural correlates of cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis using functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging. The findings suggest a 'fatigue-network' in persons with MS, which could help define the pathophysiology of this symptom.
Researchers found aerobic exercise increases hippocampal volume, improves memory, and enhances connectivity in individuals with MS. Aerobic exercise resulted in significant benefits for memory but not other cognitive functions.
Researchers found greater BOLD activation in brain areas typically activated by MS patients during task performance when exposed to warmer temperatures. This suggests neural inefficiency and may impact independence, education, employment, and daily activities.
Kessler Foundation collaborates with VA New Jersey Health Care System on a $761,222 grant to examine cognitive fatigue in Gulf War veterans using fMRI. The study aims to establish the set of brain regions critical to fatigue and develop treatments. Cognitive fatigue affects 25% of veterans, impacting daily life.
Denise Krch, PhD, of Kessler Foundation has been awarded a $600,000 NIDRR grant to develop a virtual reality program that targets executive functioning impairments in individuals with TBI. The project aims to improve problem-solving, mental flexibility, and divided attention in those with moderate to severe impairment.
Peter Barrance, a senior research scientist at Kessler Foundation, received the 2013 Clinical Biomechanics Award for his study on tibiofemoral contact location changes associated with lateral heel wedging. The study used weight-bearing MRI and was funded by NIDRR.