May 13, 2011
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 29, No. 37
Rehabilitation center to reshape therapy BY DAWN BRAZELL
Physical therapy student Eric Monsch demonstrates the technology in the locomotor analysis lab.
Public Relations
E
ric Monsch walked about the Locomotor Energetics and Assessment Lab with 65 red lights flashing about his body, 12 cameras mounted high on the walls monitoring his every move. This motion capture system— the same type used by the Black Eyed Peas to animate its latest music video—is coupled with a split-belt treadmill that measures the forces acting on Monsch’s feet. The data being collected will allow researchers to create a specific mathematical model of his musculo-skeletal system with a high power computer. It was one of the demonstrations being held May 4 as visitors packed MUSC’s Center for Rehabilitation Research in Neurological Conditions at 77 President St. to celebrate the center’s grand opening. It’s a center expected to reshape the way rehabilitation therapy is done for a variety of neurological conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy. Like a proud father, Steve Kautz Ph.D., the center’s co-director, points out features of the lab’s high-tech capabilities, explaining how some of the equipment is the only kind of its design in the world. Data that used to take See Center on page 6
7
DID YOU KNOW?
q The 22,355 square-foot center includes six high-tech labs in the areas of Locomotor Energetics and Assessment, Locomotor Rehabilitation, Upper Extremity Motion Function, Neuromuscular Assessment, Voice and Swallowing and Neurological Conditions Research. q It is one of only five other centers with this range of capabilities in the nation. q The center has already created eight new jobs within the last year and center researchers have generated $5
million in external research funding in the first three quarters of this fiscal year. q The center is estimated to cost $8 million to build and sustain. It has already received a commitment for $2.3 million toward the completion of its research labs. An additional $1 million in funds for three new faculty lines will be sought through federal grants. The remaining $5 million will need to be raised through a combination of private and public sector contributions.
Cutting the ribbon are: Drs. Ray Greenberg (from left), Mark Sothmann, Steve Kautz, Jim Krause and Lisa Saladin.
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Darius Rucker will present the graduation address May 20.
9
COMMUNITY LIAISON
2
Nurses of the Year honored
Dr. Steven McLeod-Bryant represents MUSC in state and local organizations.
5
Meet Kathi
11
Classifieds
READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst