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John's Journey to Walk Again
John sustained a major multiple trauma with brain and spinal cord injuries, and was not walking upon arrival. Immediately following the accident, John’s trauma team said that he might never be able to walk again or reach his hands over his head. Just one month into his rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, John was able to do both.
Patient Story
Hoops and Hope Following a Freak Accident
Imagine being a week away from achieving your basketball dreams when suddenly everything changes... Watch Phil fight his way to get back on the court.
Patient Story
Bill's Story: The Importance of Family & Recovery
Commander Bill Swick began experiencing progressive weakness in his legs due to a herniated spinal cord. After courageously walking into surgery, he awoke paralyzed and unable to move his legs.
Patient Story
Monica Perez, PT, PhD — New Scientific Chair for Arms + Hands Lab
Monica Perez, PT, PhD, joined Shirley Ryan AbilityLab as the scientific chair of the Arms + Hands Lab.
In the News
Research study participant walks for the first time
Non-invasive Neurostimulation Paired With Physical Therapy Temporarily Mends Broken Connection Between Brain and Spinal Cord in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury.
In the News
Using a Health Technology Assessment Framework for Evaluating the Utilization and Efficiency of Wearable Exoskeleton for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
The goal of this collaborative module was to obtain evidence that informs consumers, clinicians, insurers, and manufacturers about the utilization and cost-effectiveness of robotic exoskeletons in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.
Research Project
Improving Adherence to Exercise Guidelines Using Smartphone-Based Technology and E-coaching: A Proof-of-Concept SMART-Design Study
In this Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) Site Specific Project, our research team will conduct a proof-of-concept project in which we use Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) design to test an intervention to enhance adherence to exercise guidelines in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) by using smartphone technology, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) monitoring, and e-coaching.
Research Project
Patient Engagement Intervention in Inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
We believe that EMR can be adapted successfully and that the manual and materials can be customized for use in inpatient SCI units. We anticipate that EMR will bring better experiences and outcomes to patients. Patients will engage more and put more effort into therapy, and they will have more positive changes in daily function, mood, and satisfaction than the SOC group.
Research Project
RIC Patient Heads to the Paralympic Games
Kelsey was born with scoliosis, kyphosis and diastematomyelia. Our Caring for Kids Program was Kelsey’s introduction to adaptive sports.
Patient Story
Evaluating the Utility of Spasticity and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Pre-dicting Neurologic and Motor Functional Recovery after SCI
This project aims to assess the potential of spasticity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as biomarkers of neurologic and functional recovery in patients with subacute spinal cord injury (SCI).
Research Project
Improving Adherence to Exercise Guidelines Using Smartphone-Based Technology and E-coaching: A Proof-of-Concept SMART-Design Study
In this Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) Site Specific Project, our research team will conduct a proof-of-concept project in which we use Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) design to test an intervention to enhance adherence to exercise guidelines in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) by using smartphone technology, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) monitoring, and e-coaching.
Research Project
Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Care System (MRSCICS)
The Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Care System (MRSCICS) at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is a leading center for innovative, integrated, interdisciplinary research and care for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and is one of the original five NIDILRR-designated Model System Spinal Cord Injury Centers (in partnership with Northwestern University and Northwestern Memorial Hospital).
Research Project