In this episode, we explore how moderate-intensity cycling may improve memory, thinking speed, and even brain structures in individuals with traumatic brain injury. Pioneering research from Kessler Foundation includes the study design, results, and what it means for TBI rehabilitation. Hear how exercise could become a key tool in cognitive recovery and why these findings matter for patients and caregivers alike.

This Real-Life Science summary is part of our series that translates peer-reviewed research into practical, real-world understanding.

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Kessler Foundation Investigators:
Lead: Carly Wender, PhD

https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/carly-wender-phd

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READ this journal article:

“The preliminary effects of moderate aerobic training on cognitive function in people with TBI and significant memory impairment: a proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial,” published in Neurocase, The Neural Basis of Cognition (2021). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34704543/.

EXPLORE our traumatic brain injury research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury

PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to kesslerfoundation.org/join

LISTEN to more Real-Life Science Summaries:
https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science

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LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?

Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.

This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in December 2025.

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Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at [email protected].

A proven cognitive training program is being adapted and tested in new ways at Kessler Foundation. Led by Dr. Nancy Chiaravalloti, the study explores the Kessler Foundation modified Story Memory Technique (KF-mSMT®️), which helps adults aged 60 and older improve memory and daily functioning. Over ten bi-weekly sessions, participants learn to use visualization and contextual cues to strengthen recall—methods previously shown to benefit people with multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury. This five-year study examines both short- and long-term effects on thinking skills and quality of life, offering a promising path for supporting healthy cognitive aging.

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Kessler Foundation Investigators:

Lead: Nancy D. Chiaravalloti, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20Chiaravalloti

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EXPLORE our research

Neuropsychology and Neuroscience: https://kesslerfoundation.org/center-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research

Traumatic Brain Injury: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation

PARTICIPATE:

Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join


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LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS? 


Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.

This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in October 2025.

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Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at [email protected].

Are you ready to be part of something bigger? Join a research study TODAY and help transform lives.

At Kessler Foundation, our award-winning scientists are developing and testing breakthrough interventions to improve mobility, cognition, and quality of life for people with neurological and developmental disabilities.

More than 10,000 volunteers have already joined us - And over half have come back to participate in more than one study!

Since 2020, we've completed over 7,000 research sessions - Thanks to participants who showed up, stayed committed, and helped drive real progress.

Here are 3 reasons to join a research study:

#1 - You Can Help Drive Discovery

Support the development of rehabilitation strategies

Provide valuable data that improves care and independence

Test new therapies and help scientists better understand medical conditions

#2 - Flexible Options for Taking Part

Join us in person at our research centers in East Hanover and West Orange, NJ

Or participate from home - some studies require no in-person visits

Time commitments vary, and we'll make sure you know what to expect

We make participation easy - and even enjoyable!

#3 - Experience Hands-On Research

Depending on the study, you might:

Engage in exercise-based programs or imaging studies using MRI

Complete questionnaires or cognitive tests that feel like fun brain games

Try cutting-edge tech like robotic exoskeletons or virtual reality equipment

Ready to make an impact?

Contact Jackie Leddy at 973.323.3686

Email us at [email protected]

Or visit kesslerfoundation.org/join

Be part of the discovery. Join a research study today.

Anthony H. Lequerica, PhD brings deep expertise and heart to his work at Kessler Foundation’s Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research. As a Senior Research Scientist and staff neuropsychologist at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, he’s on the front lines of advancing care for individuals recovering from brain injury.

His research dives into critical areas like sleep and wake disorders following brain injury, and how cultural diversity shapes rehabilitation outcomes. Passionate about equity, Dr. Lequerica is dedicated to improving neuropsychological testing and cognitive rehabilitation for Spanish-speaking and underserved communities.

A respected voice in the field, he’s an active member of the American Psychological Association and the Hispanic Neuropsychological Society. He also co-chairs the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Special Interest Group within the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System—championing inclusive practices in research and care.

Missed our past events? View them to https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL21CEB6CAC402EA50

Want to Get Involved?

Whether you're interested in participating in our research remotely or in person, we’d love to hear from you! Go to https://KesslerFoundation.org/join to learn how you can contribute to advancing brain injury research.

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Focusing%20on%20Strengths%2C%20Not%20Deficits%20in%20Neurodiversity%20-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

At Kessler Foundation’s Center for Autism Research, scientists are redefining how they support neurodiverse individuals—especially those on the autism spectrum—by focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Led by Helen Genova, PhD, associate director of the Center, the team developed KF-STRIDE, a specialized program that uses positive psychology to help adolescents and young adults identify their strengths and prepare for the workforce. Early results show increased confidence, self-awareness, and improved interview skills. Through strategic partnerships, this research is expanding to include individuals with ADHD and dyslexia, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

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Kessler Foundation Investigators:

Lead: Helen M. Genova, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Helen-Genova

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EXPLORE our autism research:

https://kesslerfoundation.org/autism-research

LEARN more about KF-STRIDE

https://kfstride.org

PARTICIPATE:

Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join


READ our 2024 Impact Report:

https://kesslerfoundation.org/2024-impact-report

LISTEN to all our 2024 Impact Report stories:

https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/kessler-foundation-impact-reports

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LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS? 


Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.

This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in September 2025.

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Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at [email protected].

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/From%20Stroke%20to%20Strength_How%20Robotics%20Are%20Transforming%20Rehab-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

Research scientists at Kessler Foundation are pioneering a new frontier in neurorehabilitation through groundbreaking studies in robotic exoskeletons. This research helps individuals recovering from stroke and brain injury walk again. It also explores how intensive robotic therapy can drive lasting brain changes, potentially redefining recovery protocols for millions. Led by Karen J. Nolan, PhD, associate director in the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, our scientists are investigating how wearable robotics can restore mobility and independence. With support from Liz Lowenstein and the Reitman Foundation, the Foundation’s work has led to FDA-clearance for multiple devices and a federally funded clinical trial—the first of its kind for adults with acute stroke.

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Kessler Foundation Investigator:

Lead: Karen J. Nolan, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Karen-Nolan

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EXPLORE our mobility research:

https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-mobility-and-rehabilitation-engineering

PARTICIPATE:

Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join


READ our 2024 Impact Report:

https://kesslerfoundation.org/2024-impact-report

LISTEN to all our 2024 Impact Report stories:

https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/kessler-foundation-impact-reports

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LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS? 


Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.

This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in October 2025.

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Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, Darcy Keith shares candid insights from her TBI journey and offers practical tips to manage memory and daily life challenges. Topics include:

Using repetition, verbal, and visual cues to improve memory

The importance of regular routines and structure to avoid overwhelm

Embracing new interests when physical abilities change

Utilizing devices and notes for organization

Prioritizing rest and self-care.

Darcy also reflects on her career achievements post-TBI, including earning three professional insurance designations and working as a business analyst for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Her story is one of determination, gratitude, and living life to the fullest despite adversity.

Catch Up Anytime!

Missed one of our past BrainStorm events? No worries — you can watch all previous presentations on our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL21CEB6CAC402EA50. Dive into inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical tips at your convenience.

Want to Get Involved?

Whether you're interested in participating in our research remotely or in person, we’d love to hear from you! go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join to learn how you can contribute to advancing brain injury research.

- Learn more about Darcy at www.DarcyKeith.com

In this episode of the Estabrook Distinguished Research Scientist Lectureship series, Dr. Karen Minassian from the Medical University of Vienna shares groundbreaking research on transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). This non-invasive method uses surface electrodes to activate spinal circuits and induce coordinated leg movements in chronic spinal injury patients. Stemming from accidental observations during epidural studies, his work combines computational modeling and clinical research to show how spinal anatomy and pulse duration affect tSCS effectiveness. Now FDA-approved, this approach offers new hope for neurorehabilitation by enhancing spinal function without surgery. Tune in to discover how these findings are advancing spinal cord injury treatment.

Intro & Welcome: 00:04

Lecture: 01:06

Q&A: 55:01

Closing remarks: 1:20:37

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Learn more about:

Karen Minassian, PhD, https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/forschung/researcher-profiles/researcher-profiles/detail/?res=karen_minassian&cHash=e1a4705d6c154272ca49e231996ec501

Associate Professor

Medical University of Vienna, Austria

Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering

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VIEW Dr. Karen Minassian's presentation:

https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Karen%20Minassian-Presentation%20tSCS-OCT25.pdf

EXPLORE our spinal stimulation research:

https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation

PARTICIPATE:

Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join

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LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS? 


Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.

=====================================================================================

Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at [email protected].

Read the transcript, https://KesslerFoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/Stroke-RLS%20-%20Shifting%20Perspectives-%20Prism%20Adaptation%20and%20Stroke%20Recovery%20%E2%80%93%20Peii-CHen.pdf

Spatial neglect is a common but often overlooked condition following stroke or brain injury, where individuals struggle to notice one side of their environment—making everyday tasks like eating, dressing, or walking more difficult. In this episode, we explore Kessler Foundation Prism Adaptation Treatment (KF-PAT®), a promising, low-cost therapy that uses special goggles to shift the visual field and retrain the brain through simple pointing exercises. This innovative approach helps stimulate spatial awareness and reduce neglect symptoms.

We dive into a major review led by Kessler Foundation researchers, analyzing over two decades of PAT data from more than 4,000 stroke patients across 16 U.S. rehabilitation hospitals. While real-world clinical use shows strong benefits, formal trials have produced mixed results due to variations in treatment protocols. Learn how key factors—like prism strength, session frequency, and measurable after-effects—are shaping the future of stroke rehabilitation and helping integrate PAT into more recovery programs worldwide.

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Podcast Links:

Read the full study, doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2025.1539887

Visit our website to learn more about clinical tools that support spatial neglect recovery developed by Foundation scientists, featuring Kessler Foundation Neglect Assessment Process (KF-NAP®) and Kessler Foundation Prism Adaptation Treatment (KF-PAT®) - https://KesslerFoundation.org/research/stroke/rehabilitation

Read this summary at https://KesslerFoundation.org/xxxxxxxx

Missed a summary, check out our Real-Life Science archives, https://KesslerFoundation.org/publication-archives#block-consumer-friendly-tbi-study-summaries

Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join

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Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities.

 

These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to [email protected]

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Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast was recorded in July 2025 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Welcome to this special podcast series for people living with paralysis due to spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or related conditions and their families. We know that finding a new path forward can be challenging, but through expert talks and peer discussions, we’re here to help you set meaningful goals and take actions to experience a fulfilling life—whether in health, recreation, family, work, or community.

Our first event, "Creating a New Vision for Life with Spinal Cord Injury," features Reveca Torres, founder of BACKBONES, who shares insights on identity and goal setting. You’ll also hear from inspiring BACKBONES Leaders who offer real-life stories and practical tips for navigating your journey and achieving your goals.

Join us to explore resources, strategies, and research opportunities that empower you and your loved ones to create positive change—both personally and in your community. Together, we’ll build new paths forward with hope and determination.

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Podcast Timestamps:

00:04 – Welcome by Jeanne Zanca, MPT, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Jeanne-Zanca

01:19 – Reveca Torres

04:54 – Panel Discussion with Shante Nelson, Andrew Lewis, Michael Maruzzi

1:00:21 - Episode Wrap-Up with Jeanne Zanca, MPT, PhD and Announcer

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Guest speaker:

Reveca Torres, founder of BACKBONES, https://www.linkedin.com/in/reveca-torres-539b816/

Panel:

BACKBONES Leaders Program members, https://www.backbonesonline.org

LEARN more about this event series:

https://kesslerfoundation.org/2025-spinal-cord-injury-community-event-series

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TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SCI RESEARCH:

LISTEN to more podcasts:

https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/spinal-cord-injury-research

EXPLORE our website:

https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-spinal-cord-injury-research

PARTICIPATE:

Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join

===========================================

LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS? 


Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.

This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in July 2025.

===========================================

Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at [email protected].