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RESEARCH THE KITE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Feeling Better
Computer-assisted training program improves confidence
ABOUT THE RESEARCH TEAM system. The researchers interviewed five
Dr. Kristin Musselman’s team, led by her past individuals who completed the program. “We
Master’s student David Houston, provided found that participants gained confidence in their
expertise in rehabilitation for individuals with abilities, became more willing to try new activities
spinal cord injury. Dr. Kei Masani’s lab provided and were motivated to continue with balance
the know-how for the computer-assisted training,” explains Dr. Musselman.
engineering and movement tracking.
J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2021 Apr 1. doi: 10.1186/s12984-021-
KEY FINDINGS 00861-z. Supported by the University of Toronto EMHSeed
The team developed a balance training program Program and UHN Foundation.
for individuals recovering from ‘incomplete’ spinal
cord injury (when the spinal cord is not entirely
cut and recovery can occur). The four-week
program involved balance exercises combined with
feedback displayed on a computer monitor. During
the exercises, the ankle muscles were electrically
stimulated to induce contractions (pictured right).
Electrical muscle stimulation, when timed
correctly and paired with exercise, is known
to promote recovery by retraining the nervous
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