A four-year grant funds a collaborative study with 11 centers worldwide to assess the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation and aerobic exercise on cognitive function in people with progressive MS. Researchers aim to demonstrate improved brain activity in regions responsible for memory, learning, and executive functioning after treatment.
Kessler Foundation will analyze the impact of its spatial neglect assessment and treatment protocols on stroke survivor recovery and independence. The two-year grant aims to confirm functional benefits and improve clinical benchmarks for stroke rehabilitation.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 29.5% in August 2017 to 30.2% in August 2018, up 2.4%, reflecting a positive trend reversal after two down months.
Dr. Potter-Baker received the award for her research on transcranial direct current stimulation for upper limb functional recovery after spinal cord injury. The study was published in 2017 and has shown promising results.
Trevor Dyson-Hudson, MD, of Kessler Foundation, is honored for his outstanding contributions to improving the lives of individuals with spinal cord injury. He has made significant contributions to user guidelines for wheelchair maintenance and training, helping people remain active and confident.
Dr. Lequerica's work focuses on the relationships between insomnia and fatigue after TBI, aiming to generate effective interventions to address the needs of TBI survivors. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and is a leading expert in brain injury rehabilitation.
Researchers found a lower retention rate among Hispanics (85.2%) compared to blacks (90.5%) and whites (98.5%) in TBI outcomes research. Environmental and socio-economic factors with race/ethnicity interactions are crucial to consider for effective retention strategies.
Dr. Silvana Costa receives a National MS Society grant to investigate the effect of visual, cognitive, and motor deficits on information processing speed in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The four-year study will utilize neuropsychological evaluations and eye-tracking technology.
A study found that foreign-born Hispanics living in areas with many foreign language speakers were 2.8 times more likely to engage in productive activities like employment and volunteer work one year after TBI. The researchers emphasize the importance of tailoring interventions to individual needs, considering neighborhood factors.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 29.7% in July 2017 to 29.3% in July 2018. Despite the decline, experts believe that accommodations can play a crucial role in retaining employees with disabilities.
Researchers explore the influence of dietary nitrate supplementation on cerebral hemodynamics and cognitive function in veterans with Gulf War Illness. Studies suggest that beetroot juice may improve cerebrovascular system functioning due to its high organic nitrate composition.
A collaborative study funded by NIH aims to assess the effects of treadmill walking exercise on cognitive processing speed, brain volume, and functional connectivity in individuals with MS. Researchers hope to develop exercise training guidelines to improve cognition and brain health in people with MS.
The National Trends in Disability Employment - Monthly Update (nTIDE) reports a modest downturn in employment for working-age people with disabilities, marking the end of a 26-month job gain trend. The labor force participation rate also decreased, from 33.0% in June 2017 to 32.5% in June 2018.
The New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Injury Research has awarded four grants to Kessler Foundation scientists to study learning deficits, cognitive assessments, neuropathic pain, and brain activity during exoskeleton-assisted walking. These $1.5 million grants aim to improve rehabilitative care for individuals with spinal cord injury.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 29.2% in May 2017 to 29.7% in May 2018, up 1.7%. Employment First has been adopted in 49 states and the District of Columbia, with nearly every state acknowledging its goal.
Researchers compared two tests for assessing learning deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS), revealing clear differences in performance. The Open Trial Selective Reminding Test (OT-SRT) identified all participants as impaired, while the California Verbal Learning Test II (CVLT-II) only identified 34% as similarly impaired. Differences in...
Researchers confirm that frontal cortical lesions moderate response to prism adaptation treatment, with improvement seen only in individuals with frontal lesions. The study suggests early identification of patients with hemiparesis and frontal lesions is crucial for optimal recovery.
A new study led by Dr. Olga Boukrina of Kessler Foundation investigates the neural mechanisms behind recovery of impaired reading after stroke. The research aims to predict reading recovery using neuroimaging and may lead to improved rehabilitation outcomes.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation are investigating a new treatment using micro-fragmented adipose tissue injection to alleviate chronic shoulder pain in wheelchair users with SCI. The pilot study has shown promising results, with all six participants experiencing improved range of motion and reduced pain.
According to the April 2018 National Trends in Disability Employment report, Americans with disabilities added another month of job gains, increasing their employment-to-population ratio from 28.2% to 30.6%. This gain outpaces that of non-disabled individuals, who saw a slight increase in employment-to-population ratio.
The VR-SRT System, a virtual reality-based treatment for spatial neglect after stroke, aims to enhance therapy participation through immersive training scenarios. This innovative intervention leverages 3D virtual environments to maximize improvement of health and function in stroke survivors with spatial neglect.
A national survey by Kessler Foundation reveals that 69% of people with disabilities are striving to work, overcoming barriers through job preparation and negotiation. The study also finds that many employees report experiencing and successfully addressing obstacles such as negative attitudes and pay disparity.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased to 31.7% in March 2018, up from 28.6% in March 2017. This represents a 10.8% increase and the longest duration of job gains in five years.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation and Stevens Institute are testing the SAFE Orthosis to facilitate recovery of gait symmetry in stroke survivors. The study aims to assess the immediate effects of locomotor training with the orthosis on ambulatory participants.
A five-year grant funds a multi-center clinical trial testing the effectiveness of intermittent hypoxia therapy on hand and arm function in individuals with incomplete cervical SCI. The study aims to improve neuroplasticity and increase muscle contractions, leading to better outcomes for rehabilitation.
Kessler Foundation joins four sites to investigate optimal timing and methods for intensive hand rehabilitation after stroke, utilizing robotics and game-based virtual reality training.
The nTIDE report shows Americans with disabilities experienced a 23-month streak of positive job growth, with an 8.5% increase in employment-to-population ratio and a 6.7% boost in labor force participation rate.
Researchers will collect data on community activity spaces and participant behavior using smartphones. The goal is to better understand how people with severe mobility impairments adapt to life after SCI and the role of the environment in their daily lives.
The Kessler Foundation will conduct a pilot study assessing the clinical, functional and neurophysiological effectiveness of robotic exoskeleton-assisted gait therapy for children and young adults with traumatic brain injuries. The study aims to understand the neural mechanism involved in recovery through training.
Researchers will conduct a pilot study to assess the efficacy of combined cognitive rehabilitation therapies, including training in memory strategies and the RehaCom computerized cognitive therapy tool. The goal is to improve patient care for individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI by devising tailored memory strategies.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased by 10.3 percent, while the labor force participation rate rose by 7.1 percent in January 2018. Targeted funding initiatives are helping employers connect with jobseekers with disabilities, leading to a record trend of two years of job growth.
Dr. Olga Boukrina's research aims to identify high-risk patients with brain damage and type of reading difficulties after stroke, enabling early intervention. Her goal is to develop criteria for effective interventions to help stroke survivors regain their reading ability.
Research scientist Ekaterina Dobryakova is studying the effects of performance feedback on cognitive fatigue levels in individuals with TBI. The goal is to develop a behavioral intervention that can reduce cognitive fatigue and improve quality of life for affected individuals.
The Kessler Foundation has been awarded a major federal grant to train doctoral-level rehabilitation researchers in partnership with Rutgers University. The five-year grant aims to improve overall health and function of individuals with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal diseases and injuries.
Dr. Chiaravalloti will test the modified Story Memory Technique's impact on new learning and memory abilities in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The study aims to improve daily functioning and quality of life for this population.
Dr. Helen Genova has been awarded a $44,000 grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to study emotional processing deficits in people with MS. The research aims to improve facial affect recognition and enhance quality of life for individuals with MS.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 28.7 percent in December 2016 to 30.8 percent in December 2017, reflecting a 21 consecutive month upward trend. People with disabilities are finding competitive jobs through public-private partnerships and initiatives like NYC:ATWORK.
The Kessler Foundation has received a two-year $150,000 grant from the Hearst Foundations to support a postdoctoral fellow in cognitive rehabilitation research. This funding will enable the fellow to use research tools and innovations created by Foundation scientists while focusing on identifying breakthroughs in cognitive rehabilitation.
Dr. Peii Chen has been awarded a $600,000 NIDILRR grant to develop a Virtual Reality Spatial Retraining Therapy (VR-SRT) System to improve rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with spatial neglect after stroke. The therapy aims to be accessible, affordable and flexible, enabling more stroke survivors to access treatment.
Dr. Peii Chen, a research scientist at Kessler Foundation, has been awarded a 2017 Switzer Research Fellowship to investigate the impact of family-clinician collaboration on stroke rehabilitation outcomes. Spatial neglect affects approximately half of stroke survivors and can lead to poor rehabilitation outcomes.
The job outlook for Americans with disabilities remained positive in November 2017, with a 20th consecutive month of gains in the labor market. The employment-to-population ratio increased to 30.0 percent, up from 27.7 percent in November 2016.
Amanda Botticello at Kessler Foundation leads a study on a six-week cognitive-behavioral intervention to enhance self-efficacy and community participation in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The five-year grant aims to enroll over 250 participants and improve outcomes for people with SCI.
The Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System will improve quality of life for people with traumatic brain injury through comprehensive care, research, and resource dissemination. The system aims to optimize individual outcomes by addressing complex medical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges.
Post-stroke delirium and spatial neglect affect approximately half of individuals with right-brain stroke, increasing their risk for prolonged stays and rehospitalization. Stroke survivors with spatial neglect are more likely to develop delirium, suggesting that these conditions may share a common brain mechanism.
Dr. Bing Yao has received a major grant to investigate the relationship between brain iron concentration and fatigue symptoms in MS patients. The study aims to explore the role of basal ganglia in cognitive fatigue and its correlation with iron deposits in gray matter.
A new three-year Qualitative Research Award from the Department of Defense will explore strategies used by veterans with spinal cord injury to succeed in the workplace. Researchers will compare data from Spinal Cord Injury Model System and Veterans Health Administration to identify barriers and success factors.
The National Trends in Disability Employment - Monthly Update shows a 9.3% increase in employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities, outpacing those without disabilities. Effective practices and processes for inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace are identified as key factors.
The 2017 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey: Supervisor Perspectives shows that most employers have processes and practices in place for the inclusion of employees with and without disabilities. Effective practices like centralized accommodation funds are highly effective, but underutilized by many organizations.
According to the nTIDE September 2017 jobs report, Americans with disabilities have seen a significant increase in employment-to-population ratio, rising from 28.0% in September 2016 to 30.4% in September 2017. The labor force participation rate also increased for working-age people with disabilities.
A recent study demonstrated that the prospect of monetary reward stimulates the fronto-striatal network, resulting in reduced cognitive fatigue in individuals with MS and healthy controls. This nonpharmacological approach shows promise for treating cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis.