One Ted Talk that stood out to me was the one entitled, Brain to Brain Communication. This video stood out to me because while I was watching it I immediately thought of the the little boy Ethan that has inspired my interest in exercise science and psychology. In this Ted Talk there was a paraplegic athlete that used this device, created by scientists and the presenter, that allows him to send a message from his brain to his foot to allow him to kick a soccer ball. Imagine how this athlete must have felt being able to walk, kick, and simply move his leg with this device. There are also other studies being done in order to help these athletes regain movement of their limbs. According to Susan Harkema, a University of Louisville professor, "We have uncovered a fundamentally new intervention strategy that can dramatically affect recovery of voluntary movement in individuals with complete paralysis, even years after injury. The belief that no recovery is possible and complete paralysis is permanent has been challenged." Susan has been conducting a new experiment with Epidural Stimulation. This study fascinated me because it allowed the man in the video below to move his legs again.
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It is amazing that these researchers are giving these people that have been through so much a chance, allowing them to do things that have been taken away from them. When I work with Ethan it is very hard for him to grab a pencil because his hand and fingers don't listen to the message being sent by his brain. I would be very interested to see if this device or therapy directed by Susan would help him be able to move the way he wants to.
Wolpert, Rebecca Laming and Stuart. “Breakthrough Therapy Allows Four Paraplegic Men to Voluntarily Move Their Legs.” UCLA Newsroom, 8 Apr. 2014, newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/breakthrough-therapy-allows-four-paraplegic-men-to-voluntarily-move-their-legs.
Nicolelis, Miguel. “Brain-to-Brain Communication Has Arrived. How We Did It.” TED: Ideas Worth Spreading, www.ted.com/talks/miguel_nicolelis_brain_to_brain_communication_has_arrived_how_we_did_it.
Heidi! I really enjoyed reading your new blog post following our study of the brain. It is so cool that you are able to connect everything with your interests. It is so impressive how the scientists were able to allow a paraplegic to regain function, I can only imagine his reaction when that happened. The challenge was significant and I hope scientists are able to further their research and will one day be able to help anyone in need!
ReplyDeleteHeidi this was a wonderful read, very heartfelt. I love the passion you have to think about how modern advances in technology could possibly help someone you are working with. Your words or the quote, "The belief that no recovery is possible and complete paralysis is permanent has been challenged." made me think there are only limits if you set limits for yourself. Life is limitless if you believe it is.
ReplyDeleteI met a person after an accident and I could see his evolution of the movements of his legs and arms after that. He was eight months in a coma in the hospital. I spoke with him frequently and it is fascinating to hear about how he has been gradually recovering his movement! He told me that his brain played an important role in that. Thanks Heidi for sharing your blog!
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