EverythingALS, a technology- and data-focused nonprofit, has launched an app to support people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), their families and caregivers, researchers, and health-care professionals. In a late August news release, Seattle-based EverythingALS said the new app, compatible with iOS and Android devices, “represents a significant upgrade from the previous version, which was…
EverythingALS Launches App for ALS Community
New Research Examines Mobility Devices, Patient Characteristics of People Reporting Falls
The study used information from the Functional Mobility Assessment and Uniform Dataset Registry.
New research by clinical investigators at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of South Carolina reports on characteristics of people with limited mobility who experienced falls. An Aug. 19 news announcement from U.S. Rehab said the study — Falls in People with Mobility Limitations: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a U.S. Registry of Assistive Device…
Briefly: Colin Farrell Launches a Foundation; CP Foundation Updates Research Study Opportunities
Featuring the Colin Farrell Foundation and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
Actor Colin Farrell Launches Foundation to Support Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Irish actor Colin Farrell has launched the Colin Farrell Foundation, “committed to transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability through education, awareness, advocacy and innovative programs.” In an Aug. 7 announcement, the Oscar-nominated actor launched his foundation’s website, which noted…
Inflammation Associated with Nervous System Damage in MS Study
Inflammation caused by common illnesses such as colds can impact the cervical spinal cords of people with multiple sclerosis.
Inflammation that occurs in parts of the body other than the brain and spinal cord has been associated with atrophy in the cervical spinal cord in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study said. The study — “Systemic inflammation associates with and precedes cord atrophy in progressive multiple sclerosis” — was published this spring…
Study: Falling, Fall-Related Injuries Are Significant Fears for Wheelchair Riders
Researchers found some riders were more reluctant to use mobility devices after falling.
A new study published in Disability and Rehabilitation examined wheelchair riders who experience falls and fall-related injuries — and how those incidents impacted their lives going forward. The research — “Factors associated with fear of falling and fall-related injuries among people who use wheelchairs and motorized mobility scooters: a cross-sectional study” — was published in…
New Drug Trial Seeking Participants with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
The Kinect-DCP clinical research study is testing a drug called valbenazine.
A new drug trial is seeking pediatric and adult participants, age 6 to 70, who have dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP) — including chorea, athetosis, or dystonia — that causes involuntary movements that are difficult to control. The Kinect-DCP clinical research study “is testing a study drug, called valbenazine, to determine if it is safe to…
Study: Physically Active Men, But Not Women, at Lower ALS Risk
Other studies have shown increased ALS risk for professional athletes.
A new study from Norway found reduced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) risk for physically active men, but not for similarly active women. The research — Physical Activity, Fitness, and Long-Term Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Prospective Cohort Study — will be published in the July 23 issue of Neurology. The study’s abstract noted that…
Research Examines Characteristics of Clients Using Telerehabilitation for Wheelchair Assessments
The study used data from the Functional Mobility Assessment and Uniform Dataset.
A newly published paper studied the characteristics of patients who have used telerehabilitation for their wheelchair assessments, versus patients who had in-person evaluations. The paper — Telerehabilitation for New Wheelchair Evaluations: A Retrospective Study of Patient Characteristics — was published in June in the International Journal of Telerehabilitation. The study’s authors were Chelsea McClammer, OTDS,…
The National Academies Report: Make ALS Livable in the Next Decade
Livability includes greater quality of life for people with ALS, as well as greater longevity.
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine discusses how the health-care field and its professionals could most effectively support people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The consensus study report was introduced during a June 18 webinar. “At any one time, at least 30,000 people in the U.S. are living…
University of Pittsburgh Survey to Identify Attributes of New CRT Coverage Policy
The questionnaire seeks input from a wide range of stakeholders.
An ongoing survey from the University of Pittsburgh and other investigators is asking for stakeholder opinions on the attributes of a new coverage policy for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT). Project investigators — led by co-investigators Mark Schmeler, Ph.D., OTR/L, and Brad Dicianno, M.D. —are seeking “broad feedback” from everyone involved in or impacted by CRT…