Fast Takes Episode 48

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In this podcast, Research Scientist Timothy Rich, PhD, discusses a new study, the first to show the need to expand the application of prism adaptation treatment for spatial neglect. Dr. Rich was part of a team that discovered prism adaptation therapy was as beneficial for treating right-sided spatial neglect as left-sided spatial neglect in a cohort of individuals with stroke and traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries. The findings were published in June 2023 in a peer-reviewed article, “Prism Adaptation Treatment for Right-Sided and Left-Sided Spatial Neglect: A Retrospective Case-Matched Study,” in the journal Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation.

Funding source: the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Improvement, the Charles and Ann Serraino Foundation, and Kessler Foundation

Learn more about:

Timothy Rich, PhD, Center for Stroke Research, the peer-reviewed article

Co-authors: Marinos Pylarinos, Devan Parrott, PhD, Peii Chen, PhD

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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 remotely on June 6, 2023 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Funding source: This work was supported by Kessler Foundation, Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement, and the Charles and Ann Serraino Foundation.

Learn more about: 
Dr. Peii Chen and this peer-reviewed article.

Co-authors: Peii Chen, PhD, Kimberly Hreha, EdD, Chris Gonzalez-Snyder, MBA, MA, Timothy J. Rich, PhD, Robert W. Gillen, PhD, Devan Parrott, PhD, A. M. Barrett, MD  

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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 to 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 remotely on August 9, 2022, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Fast Takes - Ep39

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Historically, it was believed that the brain stopped growing after childhood. We now know the contrary to be true. Neuroscience has confirmed that our brains change throughout our lives, from birth to death. The brain’s ability to rewire its circuitry and make adaptive changes, known as neuroplasticity, is why recovery after injury is possible.

But much about neuroplasticity is not well understood. Our researchers are using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and real-time neurofeedback capabilities to conduct several novel pilot studies. Their goal is to correlate changes in the brain to changes in behavior and function.

Funding sources: David F. Bolger Trust and Craig H. Neilsen Foundation

Learn more about: Dr. Olga Boukrina,  Dr. Glenn Wylie, Dr. Jeanne Zanca

Center for Outcomes and Assessment Research

Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research

Center for Stroke Research

Rocco Ortenzio Neuroimaging Center at Kessler Foundation

Interested in joining a study mentioned in this podcast?
Strategies for Stroke Rehabilitation: fMRI Neurofeedback and Motor Imagery, PI: Olga Boukrina, PhD,

Assessment of Cognitive Fatigue in the Aging, PI: Glenn Wylie, DPhil

Mental Fatigue among Individuals with Stroke, PI: Glenn Wylie, DPhil

Brain Activity in People with Chronic Neuropathic Pain and SCI, PI: Jeanne Zanca, PhD,

Interested in joining a study?
 
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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 to 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 remotely on May 16, 2022, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Fast Takes - Episode 31

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Funding source: Part of this work was supported under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR; grant number no. 90IFDV0001). 

Learn more about: 

Dr. Peii Chen at kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Peii%20Chen. 

The peer-reviewed article at www.sciencedirect.com/science/articl…189?via%3Dihub 

and podcast host Joan Banks-Smith at kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Joan%20Banks-Smith 

Co-authors: Emily Esposito, Grigoriy Shekhtman 

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 on May 17, 2021, remotely, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Jessica Ganga, Communications & Digital Media Coordinator at the Foundation, moderates a panel of research coordinators for mobility, spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the Foundation's recruitment manager. They share how volunteers help Kessler Foundation further its clinical research on advancing treatments, which impact the lives of individuals with disabilities worldwide. Volunteers are the heart of our research!   

Learn more about the panel:   
Rachel Byrne, Senior Research Coordinator (SCI)
Kate Goworek, Research Coordinator (Mobility)
Jenny Masmela, Senior Research Coordinator (Stroke)
Sam Schmidt, Research Recruitment Manager
Angela Smith, Senior Research Coordinator (TBI)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Foundation's Research -

Volunteers are the heart of our research! Interested in joining a study? For more information on in-person and tele-studies, check out our studies webpage

Definitions/Keywords
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What is spatial neglect?
Patients who have had a stroke or traumatic brain injury may have a neurological syndrome called spatial neglect, which affects their ability to pay attention to their surroundings and body parts on the less affected side (the left side for patients with right brain injury). Spatial neglect is disabling. Patients may 'forget' to shave, groom, or dress the left side of their bodies. They also have major problems with driving, reading, and balance. Read more about our spatial neglect caregiver webpage and professional pages 

What is KF-NAP®? 
Kessler Foundation Neglect Assessment Process (KF-NAP®) is an assessment tool that may help clinicians detect the presence of spatial neglect and measure the severity of the syndrome. 

What is KF-PAT®? Kessler Foundation Prism Adaptation Treatment (KF-PAT®) is implemented in occupational therapy for post-stroke spatial neglect. Including prism adaptation treatment in standard of care for patients with post-stroke spatial neglect improved functional and cognitive outcomes. 

What is MRI contrast 
There are two major types of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans: with contrast and non-contrast. The main distinction is that for contrast MRIs, a dye (gadolinium-based) is given to the patient intravenously before the scan. Contrast is often order by a physician who wants to highlight a particular part of the body. 

What is HIPPA? 
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. For more information, go to https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/index.html 

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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 to subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

Fast Takes - Episode 30

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In this episode, Dr. Olga Boukrina, Research Scientist in our Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research talks about her peer reviewed article “Brain Network Dysfunction in Poststroke Delirium and Spatial Neglect: An fMRI Study” published on October 8, 2021 in the journal Stroke.

Funding source: American Heart Association grant 17SDG33660442 (Dr Boukrina). In kind support provided by grant R24AG054259 (PI: Inouye) from the National Institute on Aging.

Learn more about:
Dr. Olga Boukrina
The peer-reviewed article
and podcast host Joan Banks-Smith

Co-authors: Mateusz Kowalczyk, Yury Koush, Yekyung Kong, A.M. Barrett 

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Tuned into 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 on October 20, 2021 remotely and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Fast Takes - Episode 31

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Funding source: Part of this work was supported under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR; grant number no. 90IFDV0001).

Learn more about:
Dr. Peii Chen at 
The peer-reviewed article
and podcast host Joan Banks-Smith 

Co-authors: Emily Esposito, Grigoriy Shekhtman 

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 on May 17, 2021, remotely, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Fast Takes – Episode 13

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Welcome to a Fast Takes #WomenInScience podcast honoring the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Celebrated on February 11th, this United Nations initiative recognizes the critical role of women and girls in science and technology communities and calls for strengthening of their participation in STEM fields. Did you know that today, just 30% of researchers are women, and only 35% of all students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study are women? At Kessler Foundation, 70% of our staff are women making major contributions to the advances we achieve in rehabilitation research that changes the lives of people with disabilities.

Episode 12 features Dr. Olga Boukrina, a research scientist in our Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research. Producer Joan Banks-Smith interviews Dr. Boukrina about her work at the Foundation, how mentors have influenced her career choices, and her most memorable experiences while working in science.

Learn more about Dr. Boukrina and the Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research

Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. 

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 on Thursday, January 28, 2021 remotely and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Read the transcript.

“The stress of caring for stroke survivors can affect the mental and physical health of caregivers and lead to decline in quality of life. These negative effects can be exacerbated when recovery is complicated by spatial neglect, a common but hidden disability that affects 30% to 50% of survivors. Spatial neglect increases the risk for falls, prolongs hospitalization, and impedes rehabilitation outcomes,” explained Dr. Chen, “and complicates the job of caregiving provided by family members. Documenting stress levels and triggers is essential to developing interventions that lower stress and burden among family caregivers.”

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Peii Chen, Senior Research Scientist in our Center for Stroke Research at Kessler Foundation to talk about her latest study, “Ecological Momentary Assessment for Burden and Stress among Stroke Caregivers,”

Funding sources for this study is the New Jersey Health Foundation.

View the press release.

Learn more about Dr. Peii Chen at and podcast host Joan Banks-Smith

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 on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 remotely and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

My Life As A Research Assistant: Salma Omai on Meeting New Stroke Participants

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*** Originally recorded on June 9, 2016, updated September 8, 2020. ***

*** Salma is currently a marketing associate at T-Fal Cookware.***

Welcome to our podcast series, “My Life As A Research Assistant”. This series is brought to you by Kessler Foundation, where we are changing the lives of people with disabilities.

Research assistants are on the front lines of our research studies—collecting data, conducting interviews, testing subjects—and are the face of Kessler Foundation to our research study participants. In 2020, Kessler Foundation was ranked among one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For and Best Places to Work in New Jersey (kesslerfoundation.org/press-release/…ork-new-jersey)!

Throughout this series, we’ll meet up with research assistants from our centers for mobility, spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neuroscience and neuropsychology who have been with the Foundation for over a year, and some who are now senior research assistants, nurses, medical students, graduate students, and post docs, and those who applied their experience to other professions.

In this episode, I met up with Salma Omai who worked as a research assistant in our Center for Stroke Research in from 2015-2017, where she worked with patients recovering from stroke and assessed them for various resultant cognitive deficits. Currently, Slama is a marketing associate, at T-fal Cookware in Northern New Jersey. Listen in as Salma talks to Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation about her experience at the Foundation.

Read more about Salma Omai and host Joan Banks-Smith

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Interested in working at Kessler Foundation? Check out our career opportunities.

Interested in joining a study? 

Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation.

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 on, June 9, 2016 at 300 Executive Drive, West Orange, NJ and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.