The University of Montana graduate student - who lost all feeling in her arms and legs after falling from a second-story porch and breaking her neck in 1994 - is working out in a fitness program five days a week to be ready when the eventual discoveries are made.
These days, she's sweating more than ever thanks to the Christopher Reeve Foundation, which recently gave UM's physical therapy gym an $18,000 grant to purchase a computerized rehabilitation machine.
“People who haven't moved their legs in a while are really blown away by this - when they look down and see their legs moving and pedaling,” Laskin said.
Here's how it works: Once a client is settled into the machine's seat, electrodes are attached to the three main muscle groups on each leg. Electrical stimulation makes the muscles contract, moving the legs just as the brain would in a person without a spinal cord injury.
On the other end of the electrodes is a computer that monitors the pedaling speed and level of resistance.
Among its benefits, the machine can improve wheelchair users' overall health by improving circulation, muscle tone, muscle strength and emotional well-being, Laskin said.
“People who use this get all the benefits of regular exercise that people without disabilities get from other forms of exercise,” he said. “And that's what makes this such a wonderful tool.
“It is really challenging working with wheelchair users, and if we get the opportunity to help them use their legs, they then can get all the benefits of muscle exercise.”
Although Spencer - who is due to finish her master's degree in education in May - has no feeling in her legs, she knows her body is getting a workout when she pedals the Ergys 2.
“I feel it in the lungs,” said Spencer, who was breathing hard 35 minutes into her 60-minute workout. “But it feels good.”
People with spinal cord injuries are not the sole beneficiaries of the machine, Laskin said. It is effective for anyone with mobility difficulties - such as stroke survivors or people who have multiple sclerosis.
The machine is the only one in Montana - and possibly the Inland Northwest region - that is available for the public to use, Laskin said. Currently, 11 Missoula residents use the machine under the guidance of Laskin and his staff.
The Ergys 2 also is serving as a valuable teaching aide for UM's physical therapy students, who are learning to operate the machine and care for clients who use it.
Laskin said he expects the machine will be the springboard for many research projects, including one being contracted by its manufacturer, Therapeutic Alliances Inc.
“We are really excited to have this new addition to our program,” Laskin said. “It really fills a need for people who up until now had no other opportunity for exercise, and now we have something that can do amazing things.
“As far as a teaching tool for physical therapy students - this is a huge addition.”
New Directions already has one piece of state-of-the-art equipment at its disposal thanks to the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Three years ago, the gym received $15,000 to purchase a Pneumex Unweighting System, which allows people to walk who otherwise couldn't because of debilitating weakness, pain or poor balance.
“I don't know any physical therapy and health sciences program that has the kind of state-of-the-art equipment we have here at the university,” Laskin said, “or has the access to the kind of program we have going on here.”
Spencer is thrilled to have the Ergys 2 on campus. She knows firsthand that working out and staying fit pays off.
“Last summer, 13 years after my injury, we triggered and strengthened a muscle doctors said I could never use,” she said.
“You just can't give up,” she added. “I'm not planning on walking tomorrow, but it is worth my time to exercise and stay healthy. If a cure comes down the road - all the more reason to be ready for it.”
Reporter Betsy Cohen can be reached at 523-5253 or at bcohen@missoulian.com.
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