About the Program
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The Community of Hand Ability Training (CHAT) is a fun community-oriented group program that explores the use of upper body exercises, targeted tasks and innovative technology for anyone with a neurological condition that affects hand and upper limb function.
This program is not considered therapy, but it gives individuals a free and accessible opportunity to continue working on their upper body mobility and strength post-injury in a supportive, social setting as part of a community of individuals who may have similar deficits.
Participants do not need to register but are welcome to contact Kat Wiersum at kwiersum@sralab.org or 312.238.5012 with questions.
Exercises We Focus On
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- Pinching
- Using fingers to open and close resistance clips, moving pegs onto elevated surfaces and squeezing marbles out of putty all practice different types of pinch grips.
- Grasping
- Opening jars and containers, picking up large or weighted objects, writing and holding a writing utensil and building up and breaking apart towers of blocks focus on grasping and releasing skills.
- Dexterity
- Games that require a high level of control such as Connect4, Perfection, Operation and Jenga offer a fun and challenging way to work on fine motor movements.
- Upper Body Strengthening
- Strengthen your upper body and cardiovascular system using a motorized arm bike, finger, wrist, or arm weights and so much more.
Eligibility
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The program is for adult individuals with upper limb deficits after neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or brain injuries.
Robotics
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Barrett Upper-extremity Robotic Trainer (BURT) Hand Training Robot:
The BURT is an FDA-Approved neurorehabilitation device that is designed to enhance plasticity for those affected with stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and anyone with a neurological condition affecting the function of their upper limbs.
Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (The nation's #1 rehab hospital) and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (#2) are both running clinical trials on the efficacy of BURT.
For more information, visit the BURT website.
