Free Patient Screening To Be Held March 16

CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio, February 18, 2010—Stroke, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury can significantly impair an individual’s neurological abilities, making hand movements, like grasping, difficult. Even with the most aggressive occupational therapy regimen, many patients are only able to recover a portion of their hand function. Now Lake Health is offering a revolutionary technology that is helping patients—even those whose injuries are years old—regain use of their hands, allowing them to return to daily activities with confidence.

The NESS H200™ developed by Bioness Inc. is an advanced therapy system that uses mild electrical stimulation to improve hand function and promote motor recovery.  The device, which Lake Health incorporated into its therapy program in January, consists of a soft polymer fitting that surrounds the patient’s hand and forearm. Five electrodes, embedded into the fitting, activate muscle groups in the forearm to produce functional movement patterns in the hand and facilitate neuromuscular re-education. A separate control unit allows the therapist to program the system with a series of exercises customized for each patient.

“While we’ve just begun to utilize this technology as part of our therapy program, we’re already seeing amazing results,” said Lisa Rubin Falkenberg, director of rehabilitation for Lake Health. “Once the H200 is fitted on a patient, movement can begin immediately, providing an encouraging experience for our patients. Using the device, patients can practice grasping and releasing objects, which trains their hand so it will eventually work better on its own.”

In clinical studies, the technology has been shown to improve hand function in patients with brain and spinal cord injuries and improve hand and upper limb function impaired by stroke. Additionally, the H200 has been proven to minimize pain and spasticity, and help stroke survivors with grasp, hold and release tasks.

“With the H200, we’re witnessing dramatic improvements in our patients’ quality of life,” said John Baniewicz, M.D., medical director of Lake Health’s Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation. “Patients are regaining strength and overall arm and hand function at faster pace than they would be able to achieve with traditional therapy alone. In many cases, the result is not only a quicker recovery, but a more full recovery as well.”

For Willoughby resident Kathleen Heydorn, regaining full function of her left arm and hand is the final step in an arduous, two-year journey to put her body back together. The 62-year-old former triathlete suffered a severe spinal cord injury in 2008 after being struck by a drunk driver as she relaxed on a park bench during a bike ride.

“I went from competing in triathalons and being an avid cyclist to spending six months in a wheelchair and having to learn to walk again,” Heydorn explained.   

Heydorn has seen significant improvement in the function of her left arm and hand since she started using the H200 a month ago.  The results have given Heydorn renewed hope that she will one day be able to resume the activities she loves, namely cycling. 

“When I started therapy at Lake Health, my goal was to be able to squeeze my bike brake. With the progress I’ve made in this short period of time using the H200, I’m confident that I’ll be riding again very soon,” she said. 

Heydorn said the benefits of the H200 last a day or more beyond her therapy sessions. She is now looking into purchasing a unit for home use to further maximize her rehabilitation.

Heydorn’s occupational therapist, Heidi Thomas, is impressed with the results.

“This technology is incredible,” Thomas said. “It augments traditional therapy by boosting patients’ progress and therefore enhancing their confidence. By integrating the technology into our treatment plans, we’re maximizing rehabilitation potential for many of our patients.”

Lake Health will hold a free screening on March 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to identify patients who could potentially benefit from this life-changing technology as well as another innovative technology for foot drop. For more information or to schedule a screening, call 800-454-9800.