• 2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games to be Held in Pittsburgh

• Rory Cooper featured on Special Edition Cheerios Box

• ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS

• CURRENT RESEARCH ABSTRACTS

• Research Participants Needed

• Research at the University of Pittsburgh Department of  Rehabilitation Science and Technology

• News from  the University of Pittsburgh Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

• Human Engineering Research Laboratories Assistive Technology Registry

• Evaluation of the Virtual Coach for Power Seat Function Usage

• HERL PUBLICATIONS

• HERL in the News

• Upcoming Events

• HERL in the Community

• Research at the 2009 Winter Sports Clinic

• Jerry Baylor Recognized by PA Senate

2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games to be Held in Pittsburgh

 

Its official! The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and Keystone Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America will host the 2011
National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) in Pittsburgh. As a long time NVWG participant, HERL will also be closely involved in preparing for this landmark event.

The NVWG is a sports and rehabilitation program for military service veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition. Participants have spinal cord injuries, amputations, and other physical disabilities.  Attracting more than 500 athletes each year, the NVWG is the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world.

After helping to host the 1998 NVWG in Pittsburgh, we began traveling to subsequent years’ games to bring our research to the veterans. Our presence at the games helps us interact with and serve our veterans who use wheelchairs. The event also gives us the
opportunity to disseminate our research results, tell wheelchair users about our work, and recruit people who live outside of Pittsburgh to participate in our studies.

The 2011 Games will utilize facilities throughout Pittsburgh, including the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and University of Pittsburgh’s Trees Hall.

We’re looking forward to seeing you in 2011!

-Christine Heiner

 

Rory Cooper featured on Special Edition Cheerios Box

 

In March our director Dr. Rory Cooper was featured on a special edition Cheerios cereal box. The box featured athletes from the 28th
National Veterans Wheelchair Games as part of a national campaign organized by the VA, VA Canteen Service, and General Mills. The
Cheerios boxes are being sold through VA Canteen Services and Bases Exchanges, with proceeds going to the Fisher House Foundation.
The VA organized 3 Cheerios box signing events where Dr. Cooper appeared at each one of the 3 Pittsburgh VA Medical Centers to autograph cereal boxes as well as “sports hero cards” that were also released as part of the campaign. Veterans and VA employees were among the many visitors at the autograph sessions.

-Christine Heiner 

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS 

 

4 HERL students won student scientific paper competition awards and 2 HERL students were design competition finalists for the 2009
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) conference to be held in New Orleans, LA in June.

The Student paper winners were:

 

Hongwu Wang for “Real-time Slip Detection and Traction Control of Electrical Powered Wheelchairs”

 

Eric Brindle for “Hand and Shoulder Joint Kinetic Analysis of Three Types of Lateral Wheelchair Transfers”

 

Nahom Beyene for “Driving Status and the Inner Drive for Community Mobility: A Survey among People with Disabilities and Senior Citizens from Support Groups in New Delhi”

 

Padmaja Kankipati for “Is Upper Limb Muscular Demand Different Between Wheelchair Transfers from the Preferred versus Non-Preferred Side?”

 

Mike Turkovich, a student in our affiliated Department of Rehab Science and Technology at the University of Pittsburgh, was also a student paper winner for “Preliminary Assessment of Wheelchair Securement Systems in a Large Accessible Transit Vehicle”

 

The design competition finalists were:

 

Alexandra Jefferds for “An On-the-Fly Adjustable Crutch”

 

Brian Harvey for “Design of a Novel Rugby Wheelchair Using Large Diameter Thin Wall Tubing”

 

2008 undergraduate intern Shannon Brody and her graduate student mentor Ana Souza won 1st prize in the undergraduate category of the 2009 University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehab Sciences poster contest for “Falls Related to Assistive Technology Use in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis”

 

Brigadier General Gary Cheek, who heads the Army's Warrior Care and Transition Program, came to Pittsburgh on January 9 to visit HERL and meet with faculty from Pitt's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). The Warrior Care program strives to speed the return of injured soldiers to active service, or to prepare them for rewarding careers in civilian life. Brig. Gen. Cheek came to work with our faculty to find ways to increase soldier satisfaction as they transition back into society. BG Cheek also formally recognized several HERL and SHRS faculty and staff for various work with Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other military organizations in education and outreach, research, rehabilitation counseling, publishing, and volunteer service.

 

CURRENT RESEARCH ABSTRACTS 

 

Usage of Tilt-in-Space, Recline, and Elevation Seating Functions in the Natural Environment of Wheelchair Users
Dan Ding, PhD, Elizabeth Leister, MS, Rory A Cooper, PhD, Rosemarie Cooper, MPT, ATP,  Annmarie Kelleher, MS, OTR/L, ATP, Shirley G Fitzgerald, PhD, Michael L Boninger, MD
Full article published in Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, pp. 973-984, Vol. 4, No. 7, 2008.

 

Purpose of Work: Powered seat functions such as tilt-in-space, backrest recline, and seat elevation are usually prescribed by clinicians to help posture change for seat pressure management and comfort, and/or to assist activities of daily living. This study described the usage and effectiveness of powered seating functions among a group of wheelchair users during their typical daily activities.

Subjects/Procedures: Twelve individuals who use a power wheelchair with seating functions participated in the study. They drove their own wheelchair and used the seating functions as needed in their community environment for about two weeks while the usage of such seating functions was recorded with a portable device.

Results: It was found that subjects occupied their wheelchair for 11.8 ± 3.4 hours per day. They consistently accessed the seating functions throughout the day and spent most of the time in tilted and/or reclined positions. Time spent in positions of different seating pressures varied among subjects. Most of them didn’t reposition themselves as frequently as recommended in the clinical practice guideline.

Relevance to Wheelchair Users: It is important for clinicians and wheelchair users to know the real world usage patterns and the effectiveness of these seating functions. This will help with wheelchair provision and clinical practice, leading to better education among wheelchair users .   

 

- Dan Ding, PhD

 

Clinical Evaluation of the Guido Robotic Walker
Andrew J. Rentschler, PhD, Richard Simpson, PhD, ATP, Rory A. Cooper, PhD, Michael L. Boninger, MD
Full article published in Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, pp. 1281-1294, Vol. 45, No. 9, 2008.

 

Purpose of the Work: The Guido is a robotic walker that provides navigation and obstacle avoidance assistance. Previous testing found that the device met applicable design standards. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Guido met reasonable performance standards.

Subjects/Procedures: The performance of the Guido was compared to a low-tech mobility aid developed at the Atlanta VAMC, the Assistive Mobility Device (AMD), in trials involving older adults with visual impairments. Subjects traversed an obstacle course with the Guido and the AMD.

Results: Completion time, obstacle and wall contacts, and reorientations were compared for both devices. The Guido did not perform better than the AMD during the trials.

Relevance to Assistive Technology Users: The Guido as currently implemented does not provide any advantage over existing, less expensive, low-tech mobility aids.  The lessons learned during the evaluation, however, may lead to the development of new devices that do provide increased independence to older adults with visual impairments.

-Rich Simpson, PhD

 

Quality of Medical Care Provided to Service Members with Combat-Related Limb Amputations
Paul Pasquina, MD, Jack Tsao, MD, DPhil, Diane Collins, PhD, Brenda Chan, BA, Alexandra Charrow, BA Amol Karmarkar, MS, Rory Cooper, PhD
Full article published in Report of Patient Satisfaction, Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, pp. 953-960, Vol. 45, No. 7, 2008.

 

Purpose of the work: We surveyed 158 service members who lost one or more limbs from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan to see how satisfied they were with the healthcare they received from injury until they were discharged from Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Subjects and Procedures: Of these study members, 96% were men, 77% were White, and 89% were enlisted soldiers; most study members had leg amputations. Study members were most satisfied with their therapy, having a peer visitor, and the medical care they received.

Results: Overall, the satisfaction did not change for different age groups, races, military ranks, or kinds of amputations. However, older study members were more satisfied with the peer visits than younger study members. Also, those with upper extremity amputations were less satisfied with the support their families received while they were hospitalized.

Relevance to Healthcare Professionals and Service Members with Limb Amputations: Study findings strongly support the rehabilitation-based, integrative care approach designed by the U.S. Military to care for service members with amputation.

-Amol Karmarkar, MS

 

Evaluation of Titanium Ultralight Manual Wheelchairs Using ANSI/RESNA Standards
Hsin-yi Liu, BS, Rory A. Cooper, PhD, Jonathan Pearlman, PhD, Rosemarie Cooper, MPT, ATP, Samuel Connor, BS
Full article published in Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, pp. 1251-1268, Vol. 45, No. 9, 2008.

 

Purpose of the Work: A series of commercially available titanium ultralight wheelchairs were tested using ANSI/RESNA testing procedures to compare their durability with previously tested aluminum ultralight and light-weight wheelchairs. Three of each of the following titanium wheelchairs were tested: Invacare-TopEnd, Invacare-A4, Quickie-Ti, and TiLite-ZRA.

Subjects and Procedures: The Quickie-Ti wheelchairs had the most forward and rearward center of gravity adjustability. All titanium wheelchairs passed the impact strength tests, but six wheelchairs failed in two of the static strength tests. Two Invacare-A4 and one Invacare-TopEnd successfully completed the double-drum test and curb-drop test, but the remaining wheelchairs failed prematurely.

Results: No significant difference was found in the number of the equivalent cycles and the value among the four models. The titanium wheelchairs had less equivalent cycles and value than the aluminum ultralight wheelchairs that were tested in a previous study. The failure modes in the static strength tests and the fatigue tests were consistent within the model, and revealed important design issues of each model.

Relevance to Wheelchair Users: Our results suggest that manufacturers need to perform more careful analyses before commercializing new products.

-Hsin-Yi Liu, MS

 

Psychosocial Impact of Participation in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and Winter Sports Clinic
Michelle L. Sporner, BS; Shirley G. Fitzgerald, PhD; Brad E. Dicianno, MD; Diane Collins, PhD; Emily Teodorski, BS; Paul F. Pasquina, MD; Rory A. Cooper, PhD
Full article published in Disability and Rehabilitation, pp. 410-418, Vol. 31, No. 5, 2009.

 

Purpose of the work: Participation in adaptive sports has been steadily rising due to the development of better equipment and increases in opportunities for participation. Additionally, research has shown multiple benefits from participating in sports and recreational activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of participation in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the National Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (NVWG/WSC).

Subjects and Procedures: One hundred and thirty-two veteran athletes recruited at the NVWG or the WSC completed this descriptive study. A secondary data analysis was completed to determine how comparable individuals who attended the NVWG/WSC were to individuals who did not participate in these events.

Results: Participants felt that the NVWG/WSC increased their knowledge of sports equipment (92%), learning sports (89%), mobility skills (84%), and acceptance of disability (84%). The majority of participants stated that the NVWG/WSC improved their life. When compared to individuals with disabilities who were not competitors at the NVWG/WSC, those who participated at the NVWG/WSC tended to be more mobile, but have increased physical and cognitive limitations as measured by the CHART when compared to the non-attendees.

Relevance to People with Disabilities: Recommending veterans and individuals with disabilities to participate in recreation and sporting events such as the NVWG and WSC may provide psychosocial benefits.

-Michelle Sporner, MS, CRC

 

Design of a Custom Racing Hand-Cycle
Emily Zipfel, MS, Joe Olson, MS, Jeremy Puhlman, BS, Rory Cooper, PhD
Full article published in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, pp. 119-128, Vol. 4, No. 2, March 2009.

 

Purpose of the Work: Hand-cycling is an efficient and enjoyable method of travelling long distances for persons with lower limb impairment. Use of hand-cycles is increasing rapidly for recreation, exercise and transportation. This paper describes the design, manufacture and evaluation of a custom hand-cycle. The state of hand-cycle design and future design directions are also examined.

Method: The design of the custom hand-cycle was based on these criteria: light weight, aerodynamics, climbing ability, ergonomic fit and the user’s specific needs. The hand-cycle was evaluated over three years of use.

Results: The result is a custom built touring style recumbent hand-cycle. During three years of evaluation and over 5000 miles of use there were two frame failures. The first failure was repaired and after the second, the device was retired. The evaluation of this design serves as a basis for a new set of design criteria.

Relevance to Wheelchair Users: The proper design of a hand-cycle varies greatly from person-to-person. Depending on a rider’s disability level, flexibility, spasticity, comfort, competitiveness and their preferred mode of propulsion they may choose any one of a variety of styles. Advances in hand-cycle technology will make for lighter, faster, stronger vehicles which better match user’s needs.

-Joe Olson, MS

HERL PUBLICATIONS

 

Pasquina P, Tsao J, Collins DM, Chan B, Charrow A, Karmarkar A, Cooper RA, Quality of Medical Care Provided to Service Members with Combat-Related Limb Amputations: Report of Patient Satisfaction, Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, pp. 953-960, Vol. 45, No. 7, 2008.

 

Ding D, Leister E, Cooper RA, Cooper RM, Kelleher AR, Fitzgerald SG, Boninger ML, Usage of Tilt-in-Space, Recline, and Elevation Seating Functions in the Natural Environment of Wheelchair Users, Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, pp. 973-984, Vol. 4, No. 7, 2008.

 

Rentschler AJ, Simpson RC, Cooper RA, Boninger ML, Clinical Evaluation of the Guido Robotic Walker, Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, pp. 1281-1294, Vol. 45, No. 9, 2008.

 

Liu H, Cooper RA, Pearlman J, Cooper RM, Connor S, Evaluation of Titanium Ultralight Manual Wheelchairs Using ANSI/RESNA Standards, Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, pp. 1251-1268, Vol. 45, No. 9, 2008.

 

Ambrosio F, Ferrari RJ, Fitzgerald GK, Carvell GE, Boninger ML, Huard J, Functional Overloading of Dystrophic Mice Enhances Muscle-Derived Stem Cell Contribution to Muscle Contractile Capabilities, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, pp. 66-73, Vol. 90., No. 1, January 2009.

 

Kwarciak AM, Sisto SA, Yarossi M, Price R, Komaroff E, Boninger ML, Redefining the Manual Wheelchair Stroke Cycle: Identification and Impact of Nonpropulsive Pushrim Contact, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, pp. 66-73, Vol. 90, No. 1, January 2009.

 

Ambrosio F, Kadi F, Lexell J, Fitzgerald GK, Boninger ML, Huard J, The Effect of Muscle Loading on Skeletal Muscle Regenerative Potential: An Update of Current Research Findings Relating to Aging and Neuromuscular Pathology, American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, pp. 145-155, Vol. 88, No. 2, February 2009.

 

Zipfel E, Olson J, Puhlman JR, Cooper RA, Design of a Custom Racing Hand-Cycle: Review and Analysis, Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, pp. 119-128, Vol. 4, No. 2, March 2009.

 

Whyte J, Boninger ML, Helkowski W, Braddom-Ritzler C, The Rehabilitation Medicine Scientist Training Program: Impact and Lessons Learned, American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, pp. 169-179, Vol. 88, No. 3, March 2009.

 

Sporner ML, Fitzgerald SG, Dicianno BE, Collins DM, Teodorski E, Pasquina PF, Cooper RA, Psychosocial Impact of Participation in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and Winter Sports Clinic, Disability and Rehabilitation, pp. 410-418, Vol. 31, No. 5, 2009.

 

HERL IN THE  NEWS

 

Watch our new video on www.herlpitt.org!  We also started a YouTube page—http://www.youtube.com/user/HERLresearch
where you can watch a video about the PerMMa project and subscribe for updates about new HERL research videos as they are posted!

 

VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service, VA Employee Education System, December 2008: Forward Together (DVD)

 

Pittsburgh Post Gazette, January 14, 2009: Army general reconnoiters Pitt injury recovery program

 

Pittsburgh Post Gazette/YouTube, February 2009: Dr. Rory Cooper

 

Korea Educational Broadcast System, March 2009: HERL Highlighted in Assistive Technology TV Program

 

New Mobility, April 2009: Still Dreaming of an iBOT

 

Veterans Leadership Program of Western PA web site (www.vlpwpa.org), March 2009: VA and General Mills Honor Disabled Veterans

 

Rehab Management, March 2009: Handle With Care

 

Pitt Chronicle, March 2009: Rory Cooper Sports Cards

Pittsburgh Tribune Review, March 6, 2009: Cheerios salutes wheelchair athlete

 

Pittsburgh Post Gazette, March 7, 2009: Local Veteran to Appear on Special Edition Cheerios Box

 

University Times, p. 1, March 19, 2009: Making it Big

 

The Parascope, March/April 2009: KPVA Presents HERL with Donation to Support Research

 

 

Human Engineering Research Laboratories Assistive Technology Registry

 

Are you interested in participating in  research studies related to assistive technology?

 

If you are over the age of 18 and use any type of assistive technology (e.g. wheelchair, scooter, prosthesis, etc.), we would like to invite you to join the HERL Assistive Technology Registry.

 

If you are interested in participating in research studies related to assistive technology, we would like to invite you to participate in the HERL Assistive Technology Registry. As a member of the HERL Registry, we will inform you of current and future research studies which you may eligible to participate in. The Registry is an informational resource and notification of a research study does not obligate you to participate. You will be contacted once a year to update your information.

 

You may contact a Clinical Coordinator at (412) 954-5287 or herlregistry@shrs.pitt.edu for more information.

 

Human Engineering Research Laboratories
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
Building 4, 2nd Floor, 151R1-H
7180 Highland Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.herlpitt.org

 

To verify the validity of this study, you can call Dr. Ali F. Sonel, Associate Chief Of Staff /R&D, at (412) 954-5394

 

Evaluation of the Virtual Coach for Power Seat Function Usage

 

We are seeking individuals living in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area for this study.

 

Join our research!

You are invited to participate in a research study to evaluate the features of the virtual coach for power seat function usage.

If you are interested and meet the eligibility criteria, you will be asked to review the features of the virtual coach, complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview session.

Participation time: around 2 hrs.
You will be reimbursed $30 for your participation in this study.
 
You are eligible to participate if you meet the following criteria:

• Over the age of 18

• Power wheelchair users whose wheelchairs are equipped with power seat functions (include tilt, recline, seat elevation, and legrest elevation) and can operate the seat function(s) independently (*Using a power wheelchair with the tilt function is required for participating in this research.)

• Clinicians who have experience in prescribing power wheelchairs equipped with power seat functions

If you are interested, please contact: Annmarie Kelleher or Emily Teodorski, Clinical Coordinators for the Human Engineering Research Laboratories at 412-954-5287 or akellehe@pitt.edu

This study will be conducted at the University of Pittsburgh or the Center for Assistive Technology.

Rory A. Cooper, Ph.D., Principle Investigator

Upcoming Events

 

Paralyzed Veterans of America and U.S. Handcycling would like you to be a part of an awesome off-road clinic and race—Muddy Mayhem –to be held in Colorado this summer, date TBA. The event is open to all people with disabilities who are either already in the sport or want to get into it. PVA will be providing free transportation, hotel and meals for wounded OEF/OIF service members. If interested, please contact Geoff Hopkins at geoffh@pva.org or 202-416-7736.

 

As part of their Injured Military Initiative, The Lakeshore Foundation is proud to offer Lima Foxtrot programs. Lima Foxtrot is a comprehensive program of fitness, recreation, sport and transition support for severely injured military personnel throughout the nation. Several events are scheduled through the spring, summer and fall. All weekend Lima Foxtrot programs are provided at absolutely no cost to injured servicemen and women and one guest. Air and ground transportation, lodging, meals and activities are provided free of charge. For more information, contact: Mandy Goff, 205.313.7437, mandyg@lakeshore.org, or visit www.lakeshore.org/limafoxtrot

The UPMC Institute for Rehabilitation Research (IRR) Day 2009 will be held on May 28, 2009 from 11:30 am—5:00 pm at the Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower, S100. IRR day is an opportunity for UPMC students, fellows, and residents to showcase outstanding rehabilitation research.

Participants come from disciplines including bioengineering, rehabilitation science and technology, physical therapy, and neuroscience.

 

Physicians and other health care professionals who attend IRR Day 2009 are eligible to receive continuing medical education credits. The program, including continuing-education credits, is offered at no charge to attendees. Register at www.rehabmedicine.pitt.edu by May 21, 2009.

 

The 18th Annual Hope Network Hoops Classic will be held June 13, 2009 at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills in Tarentum, PA. For registration details please visit www.hopenetwork-pa.org or call 412-826-2771.

 

The International Symposium on Quality of Life Technology will be held June 30-July 1, 2009 at University Club in Oakland, Pittsburgh, PA. The symposium is aimed at research scientists, industry engineers, health care clinicians, graduate students, and other professionals interested in the service technologies and applications of human daily activities. Symposium Sessions will include plenary and poster presentations, a Future
Challenges in Quality of Life Technologies Panel, and an Exhibition. Learn more and register for the conference at www.qoltconf2009.pitt.edu.

 

HERL in the Community

 

Annmarie Kelleher, Laura McClure, Ben Salatin, and Jon Pearlman, volunteered at the Healthsports Ski Classic January 26-29 at Hidden Valley Ski resort.

 

Mary Goldberg, Shiv Hiramath, Amol Karmarkar, and Dr. Rory Cooper joined Team NSCIA to raise funds for the National Spinal Cord Injury Association in the Pittsburgh Marathon on May 3, 2009. Dr. Cooper also finished first in the marathon’s handcycle division.

 

Michelle Sporner joined “The Unbreakables” at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Walk in Pittsburgh on April 26. The team raised almost $1400 that will help fund MS research and help those living with MS live more fulfilling lives.

 

 

Research at the 2009 Winter Sports Clinic

 

HERL and Water Reed Army Medical Center joined again to bring research to the annual DVA/VA Winter Sports Clinic (WSC) in Snowmass, CO from March 29-April 3.

 

144 athletes volunteered to participate in 4 research studies:

 

Incidence of Upper Extremity Nerve Entrapments in Veterans with Major Limb Amputations
Principle Investigator: Rory Cooper, PhD

 

We collected pilot data on the incidence of these nerve entrapments in soldiers/veterans with amputations. This data can guide the development and evaluation of prevention and treatment approaches.

 

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in Veterans with Disabilities
Principle Investigator: Brad Dicianno, MD

 

We recorded the incidence of AMS in WSC research participants. Information on the likelihood of developing AMS and its symptoms in a population of Veterans with disabilities is important for counseling and safety training for military personnel, for training medical staff, and for preparing prevention and treatment strategies.

 

Improving Seating Interface Fit and Pressure for Adaptive Skiing
Principle Investigators: Brad Dicianno, MD & Jon Pearlman, PhD

 

We examined seat interface pressures in a variety of sit skis and evaluated a custom air bladder system’s effectiveness at reducing interface pressure with better positioning. We also used digital scanning technology to develop adaptive ski molds to potentially suit the needs of a wide range of skiers.

 

Power Wheelchair Driving Strategies on Unfavorable Terrains
Principle Investigator: Ding Dan, Ph.D.

 

We organized focus groups to identify situations power wheelchair users encounter when driving and strategies they use to negotiate difficult situations. This info can be used to make driving rules that will assist new power wheelchair users in learning to drive their chairs and researchers in developing driving algorithms.

 

We’re currently preparing for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Spokane, WA July 13-18 where we will collect data for 4 more research studies.

 

–Christine Heiner

 

 

Jerry Baylor Recognized by PA Senate

 

Keystone Paralyzed Veterans of America Sports Director and longtime HERL research participant Jerry Baylor was recognized by the Pennsylvania State Senate for his athletic accomplishments, especially his medal winning performances at the 2008 National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

In 2008 Jerry won 4 gold medals in the discus, javelin, 200 meter track, and weightlifting events, class 1B masters division. He also won a silver medal in the shot-put event.

Jerry has been a steadfast HERL research volunteer for many years and has participated in countless
research video shoots and photography sessions. In 2008 he spoke on behalf of veteran research participants at the Pittsburgh VA’s research week opening ceremony.

Jerry is not only an accomplished athlete but also a talented artist, winning first place in crafts at the 2008 VA Pittsburgh Veterans Art Festival.

 

 –Christine Heiner