Neuro Note #5

With the Stanley Cup Finals currently taking place, I could not pass up the opportunity to write a reflection on a hockey article. The news article is titled "Exclusive: 1-on-1 with injured hockey player, Matt Olson." After learning about spinal cord injuries (SCI) in class and having a guest speaker on the subject matter, I have gained interest in that area of practice. Another reason I chose this article was due to this and wanting to learn and observe as much as I can in the area of SCI.

Matt Olson was a standout hockey player. The very sport he loved and spent so much time on is what caused his life-altering injury. During a game Mr. Olson was at top speed when he ran into the wall. He reflects on the day of the injury and said he immediately knew he could not move. His therapist and doctor talk about Matt's ability to master the therapy activities quickly, mainly because of his training as a high caliber athlete. He finds enjoyment in therapy and being able to work hard at something, even if it is not hockey. The article does not specify the level of Matt's injury, but does describe it as the most severe type of SCI. The doctor says he will be able to strengthen his arms but will likely never gain his leg strength back. Yet he is in therapy working hard on a bike. I googled the different forms of bikes that can be used during therapy for this type of injury. The one shown in Matt's video straps his feet into it so they are moved along with the pedals. This type of bike is called a functional electrical stimulation (FES) bike. The injured muscles are aided in restoration and function through small electrical pulses. The muscle pulses allow for the bike to pedal.

I gained a lot of inspiration from this article. Matt discussed how he still has is same sense of humor and work ethic, and I think that is very admirable after what all he has been through. I recommend this article to any health care professional or to someone suffering from a SCI. I also recommend it to anyone in general who just needs a little pick me up!






Reference:
Exclusive: 1-on-1 with injured hockey player, Matt Olson. (2016, May 19). Retrieved June 01, 2017, from 
http://www.kare11.com/mb/news/exclusive-1-on-1-with-injured-hockey-player-matt-olson/205434233

Functional electrical stimulation. (n.d.). Retrieved June 01, 2017, from https://www.christopherreeve.org/living-with-paralysis/rehabilitation/functional-electrical-stimulation