Home-Based, Elastic Band Facilitated High-Intensity Gait Training in an Individual with Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report

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Meet Beth

Bio

I graduated from Ithaca College in 2004 with a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy and from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2007. I became board certified in neurologic physical therapy in 2014. The majority of my career was spent specializing in spinal cord injury and working at The Shepherd Center, in Atlanta, one of the nation’s top rehabilitation hospitals. While at Shepherd, I helped to develop the Activity Based Therapy Program where I helped patients to maximize their recovery potential by applying principles of neuroplasticity and using a wide range of technology and creativity. I have been a guest lecturer at various Physical Therapy programs on topics including neurologic gait, neuroplasticity, and robotic exoskeletons. I also have a special interest in health, wellness, and exercise after spinal cord injury and have published and performed research in this area as well. 

With a background in aquatics and a love for the water, I enjoy and recognize the many benefits of incorporating aquatics into physical therapy and wellness sessions. I strongly believe that movement is healing. I became a STOTT PILATES®  Certified Mat and Reformer Instructor in 2021 after personally experiencing the benefits of Pilates. I am also certified in PWR!Moves® for Parkinson’s Disease and have specialized training in treating individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. 

I am excited to share my experience and knowledge of neurology and movement to help others maximize their function and lead active and healthy lives. I enjoy being active through running, swimming, and Pilates as well as spending time enjoying the outdoors and the coast with my husband and two young boys.

Other SCI Success Stories

Jordan Valentine

Multiple fractures in spine and nerve damage

Jordan, a helicopter crash survivor, suffered spinal fractures and nerve damage, leading to muscle control and coordination issues. When the pandemic closed her clinic, NewGait stepped in, enabling her to continue rehab at home with virtual support. The device improved her stability, reduced unnecessary movements, and enhanced her posture and walking mechanics. Jordan’s progress has been remarkable, doubling her walking distance and regaining muscle strength, with NewGait playing a key role in her recovery.

Emily Devooght

Fractured T12 vertebra

Emily DeVooght fractured her T12 vertebra after a 12-foot fall onto concrete and was told she might never walk again. However, with the help of physical therapist Kim Spranger and the SpeedMaker device, Emily defied the odds. Initially skeptical, Emily found that the device stabilized her hips and pelvis, improved her gait, and helped her regain arm movement, enabling her to walk confidently. Originally designed for runners, the SpeedMaker proved transformative in Emily’s recovery, taking her from unsteadiness to running again. Emily credits the device for restoring her confidence and believes she will one day walk without it.

Discover how NewGait can transform mobility for your patients—sign up for a trial today.

References

  1. Ardestani MM, et al. Compensation or Recovery? Altered Kinetics and Neuromuscular Synergies Following High-Intensity Stepping Training Poststroke. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair. 2019; 33(1): 47-58. 15.
  2. Ardestani MM, Henderson CE, Salehi SH, Mahtani GB,Schmit BD, Hornby TG. Kinematic and Neuromuscular Adaptations in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury after High-versus Low-Intensity Locomotor Training. J Neurotrauma. 2019 Jun 15;36(12):2036-2044. doi: 10.1089/neu.2018.5900. Epub 2019 Feb 1. PMID:30362878; PMCID: PMC6599383.
  3. Lotter JK, Henderson CE, Plawecki A, Holthus ME, Lucas EH, Ardestani MM, Schmit BD, Hornby TG. Task-Specific Versus Impairment-Based Training on Locomotor Performance in Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Crossover Study. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2020 Jul;34(7):627-639. doi:10.1177/1545968320927384. Epub 2020 Jun 1. PMID:32476619; PMCID: PMC7329565.
  4. Ustinova KI, Langenderfer JE. Feasibility of using the NewGait assistive device for correcting gait deviations in individuals with various neurological disorders: Case study. Physio ther Res Int. 2024 Jan;29(1):e2055. doi:10.1002/pri.2055. Epub 2023 Oct 11. PMID: 37818770.
  5. Leech KA, Kinnaird CR, Holleran CL, Kahn J, Hornby TG. Effects of Locomotor Exercise Intensity on Gait Performance in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. Phys Ther. 2016 Dec;96(12):1919-1929. doi:10.2522/ptj.20150646. Epub 2016 Jun 16. PMID:27313241; PMCID: PMC5131185.
  6. Brazg G, Fahey M, Holleran CL, Connolly M, Woodward J,Hennessy PW, Schmit BD, Hornby TG. Effects of Training Intensity on Locomotor Performance in Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Crossover Study. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2017 Oct-Nov;31(10-11):944-954. doi: 10.1177/1545968317731538. Epub2017 Oct 30. PMID: 29081250; PMCID: PMC5729047.
  7. Moore JL, Nordvik JE, Erichsen A, Rosseland I, Bo E,Hornby G. Implementation of high-intensity stepping training during inpatient stroke rehabilitation improves functional outcomes . Stroke . February 2020.doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.119.027450.
  8. Bowden MG, Balasubramanian CK, Behrman AL, Kautz SA. Validation of a speed-based classification system using quantitative measures of walking performance poststroke. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2008 Nov-Dec;22(6):672-5. doi: 10.1177/1545968308318837. PMID: 18971382; PMCID: PMC2587153.
  9. Globas C, Becker C, Cerny J, et al. Chronic stroke survivors benefit from high-intensity aerobic treadmill exercise: a randomized control trial . Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair. 2011;26(1):85-95. doi: 10.1177/1545968311418675
  10. Kirshblum, S., Snider, B., Eren, F., & Guest, J. (2021). Characterizing natural recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury. Journal of neurotrauma, 38(9), 1267-1284.
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