Print This Page NeuroRecovery Network to Celebrate Enrollment of 50th Patient June 13, 2008 Media Contact: Alison Damerow (404-350-7645) Shepherd joined the NRN in January 2006, and the program has been on a steady increase ever since–now treating a full schedule of seven patients every weekday. “Our 50th patient began the program in May, and we’ve seen very positive results with nearly every person we’ve worked with,” notes Sarah Morrison, a physical therapist and program director for Shepherd’s Spinal Cord Injury Program. “NRN patients are progressing more quickly in their recoveries, and more of them are re-learning to walk on their own or with fewer assistive devices.” The NRN is a partnership of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and seven of the nation’s leading rehabilitation centers, including Shepherd. The network is using locomotor training to help patients with motor-incomplete spinal cord injuries regain functional recovery and improve their overall health. Locomotor training involves repetitive stepping exercises with body weight support on a moving treadmill. “Outcome scores for NRN participants show substantial improvements in balance and walking,” adds Leslie VanHiel, clinical director of locomotor training at Shepherd. “This training also provides a vigorous cardiovascular workout that increases strength, stamina and physical condition. Even when walking skills can’t be regained, patients are better able to perform daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and getting in and out of bed.” Charlene Caswell of Harriman, Tenn., believes the NRN program played a key role in her successful recovery following a C-6 spinal cord injury in early 2006. When she arrived at Shepherd, Charlene was unable to move below her shoulders, and her blood pressure was high. Following inpatient treatment, she completed a rigorous regimen of outpatient therapy and NRN locomotor training. “This therapy improved my stamina, lowered my blood pressure and re-started movement in my arms and legs,” Charlene explains. “Locomotor training was great because it felt normal to be up and moving again, and it made me want to work hard to get better.” By the time she left the program, Charlene no longer needed a wheelchair, and today she walks – and even hikes – without assistance. Shepherd has planned a special NRN reunion on July 18 for all current and former NRN participants. The daylong event will include an informational forum, lunch and talent competition, plus a tailgating party and Atlanta Braves game at Turner Field. “People have achieved tremendous results through the NRN, and the reunion provides an opportunity to celebrate their success,” Sarah says. “We’re very pleased with the growth and development of this program, which is advancing the field of spinal cord injury rehabilitation.”
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