Posted on October 10, 2018
Mary Free Bed and University of Michigan collaborate on research
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and the University of Michigan’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are partnering on research to help people with spinal cord injuries. Researchers from Mary Free Bed and the University of Michigan are collaborating on a three-year study investigating the effect of a novel exercise training program on physical activity and quality of life for persons with spinal cord injuries. It’s funded by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation.
“We’re excited to expand our research efforts for spinal cord injury patients,” says Dr. John F. Butzer, director of Research and Innovation at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. “It’s an honor to work with our colleagues in Ann Arbor to improve the lives of patients who sustain these devastating injuries.”
Shared efforts include, but are not limited to: writing research proposals, recruiting patients for studies, sharing data, creating joint publications and presentations as well as performing community outreach and education.
“One of our strategic objectives is to build a statewide system for research in spinal cord injury that can lead to new innovation and discoveries,” says Denise Tate, professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Michigan Medicine and co-director of the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems. “Our partnership with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is helping both institutions potentially impact more patients across the state of Michigan.”
The ongoing study already has had a positive impact on participants. Shelly Loose, who was injured 30 years ago, didn’t work out regularly before the program. She regained enough strength and built more confidence, to the point she could compete in a five-kilometer handcycle race. Another participant started using a manual wheelchair after using his power chair for three years.
Mary Free Bed is seeking new participants for the two-month program. Candidates should be over 18, have had a traumatic spinal cord injury at least three months prior and not be involved in an organized exercise program.
For information on participating in the study, call 616.840.8926 or email research@maryfreebed.com.
