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Characterization of serum biomarkers in individuals with SCI receiving Acute Intermittent Hypoxia
We seek to quantify the serum inflammatory markers in individuals with SCI, and correlate inflammation with responsiveness to AIH therapy.
Research Project

Payton's Story: Paralysis to SkyRise
Payton experienced a spinal hematoma in 2018 and became paralyzed from the waist down. Following intensive rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, she was able to walk again.
Patient Story

Neuromodulation Study Has Participant Take Her First Steps
The neuromodulation study conducted by our principal investigator, Dr. Monica Perez, and her team members of the Neuromodulation & Motor Control Lab has created some excitement in the rehabilitation community with recent gains in neurological response in a person with a spinal cord injury who has taken her first steps.
In the News

Study participant walks for the first time following injury
Non-invasive neurostimulation paired with physical therapy temporarily mends broken connection between brain and spinal cord in patients with spinal cord injury.
News

Five Lessons My Patients Taught Me About Surviving a Pandemic
Although it can be a lot of effort to support what our patients are going through, we rehab nurses are lucky to get to know some amazing people as they go through an epic, if not always glamorous, journey. I’d like to share a few examples of ways my patients’ resilience has informed my capacity to get through this time of shared difficulty.
Blog
Sights Set on Returning to Active Duty after Spinal Cord Injury
Ryan Novack was in an off-road motorcycle accident that broke his spine.
Patient Story

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

Dr. Monica Perez Earns Elite Grant from NIH
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) — part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) — has awarded Monica A. Perez, PT, PhD, with the intensely competitive and prestigious R35 grant to create breakthroughs in spinal cord injury science and therapy.
News

COMPLETE: Locomotor Function Following Acute Intermittent Hypoxia and Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury
The purpose of this study is to determine if acute intermittent hypoxia therapy (AIH) combined with transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) during ambulation training improves locomotor function in individuals with spinal cord injury.
Research Project

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