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14
31 pairs
of nerves make up the spinal cord
Zaghloul Ahmed
,
Associate Professor, Center for Developmental Neuroscience & Physical Therapy
College of Staten Island
Professor Ahmed studies spinal cord injury and treatment in his project,
Electrical Stimu
lation to Improve Mobility in Patients with Cerebral Palsy & Hemiplegia.
The first aspect of
his two-part research project was sponsored by NYS DOH for two years in the amount of
$309,000 and involved studying spinal cord injury, injury mechanisms, and treatment in
animal models. The clinical trial aspect of the study involves human subjects and is spon-
sored by the NYC Partnership Foundation for two years in the amount of $250,000. Professor
Ahmed discovered that using electrodes to artificially stimulate the brain and peripheral
areas resulted in a synchronization of pulses, improving neurological connections. Both
cohorts were treated in clinical trials (stroke and cerebral palsy patients and a control
group) and both showed improvement in mobility, strength and motor skills in affected
areas. “We recruit patients from the community to receive treatment for spinal cord injuries
and these treatments reduce their disability and improve their quality of life.”
P
78
195.08