In honor of Bladder Health Week we are posting information on bladder care during exercise.  Today we will focus on those with Multiple Sclerosis and Thursdays focus will be Resistance Training for those with physical disabilites.  

As posted at:

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

http://www.ncpad.org 

Best Exercises and Measurement of Aerobic and/or Strength Capacities

Training
Regarding best exercises, in 1992 Ponichtera et al. measured muscle torque at several speeds for both concentric and eccentric contraction on 9 subjects with multiple sclerosis and 9 healthy controls who generated isokinetic contractions of the quadriceps and hamstrings on an isokinetic dynamometer. They concluded that strengthening programs focusing on concentric exercises at 90 degrees per second may be the preferred strengthening exercise for subjects’ quadriceps and hamstring muscles.

Measurement
In 1993, the same team examined maximum aerobic capacity in 9 subjects with multiple sclerosis (EDSS 1-4) and 9 control subjects on recumbent leg ergometers on land and in water. They determined that some persons with multiple sclerosis (depending on level of impairment) could attain maximum aerobic capacity without side effects, whereas those with more physical impairments would need more adjustments, such as for leg cycling (Ponichtera et al., 1993).

In 1995, Ponichtera et al. studied the best means of exercise testing and practice for persons with multiple sclerosis. Vo2max was measured in a discontinuous, progressive intensity exercise test on 10 subjects with multiple sclerosis and 10 control subjects generating each of 3 modes of ergometry (leg, arm, and leg/arm) on 3 separate days. The investigators concluded that the combined leg/arm ergometry is preferred because (1) upper extremities need more training and training legs alone is insufficient, and (2) using leg and arm power disburses the exercise load over a larger muscle mass and there is less possibility for “localized” fatigue.

Regarding measurement of strength capacities, Pepin et al. (1998), conducted a study of 14 subjects with multiple sclerosis who performed isometric handgrip contractions at 30% maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) to the point of fatigue. The results showed that it is possible to get consistent reliable responses to this exercise, despite motor dysfunction. (The MVC reliability estimates were 0.98.) The authors, however, did question the replicability of their findings for subjects with higher EDSS levels.

Fatigue
Researchers studying fatigue during exercise have attempted to isolate and measure fatigue and weakness/strength components, and have questioned to what extent the fatigue is due to intrinsic physiological deficits or deconditioning.

Recently, Schwid et al. (1999) studied the quantitative assessment of motor fatigue and strength in 20 subjects with multiple sclerosis and 20 control subjects. Maximal voluntary isometric strength, motor fatigue, and static fatigue were tested and retested by different exercise and strength tests in 2 distinct sessions, in order to measure test-retest reliability. Results showed that though subjects with multiple sclerosis had more fatigue for sustained contractions, repetitive contractions, and ambulation, motor fatigue was different from weakness since the fatigue was not correlated with weakness from individual muscles. This suggests that strength and motor fatigue can be quantified reliably.

In 1994, Kent-Braun et al. studied a sample of 6 subjects with multiple sclerosis and 8 control subjects to investigate the role of metabolism in muscle fatigue during exercise. They measured the peak force generated from a maximal voluntary isometric contraction during 3 sessions and determined that for mildly impaired persons with multiple sclerosis, muscle fatigue during exercise is not related to metabolic, but to activation failures. It was observed that decreases in force during exercise were because of peripheral, not central mechanisms. In 1995 and 1996, the same team studied electrically-stimulated exercise training for subjects with multiple sclerosis and discovered that the fatigue during exercise is because of muscle intrinsic, not metabolic, properties (Kent-Braun et al., 1996)(Sharma et al., 1995). 

As posted at:

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

http://www.ncpad.org 

In honor of Bladder Health Week we are posting information on bladder care during exercise.  Today we will focus on those with Spinal Cord Injuries.  Wednesday’s focus is for those with Multiple Sclerosis and Thursdays focus will be Resistance Training for those with physical disabilities.  

As posted at:

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

http://www.ncpad.org

Importance of Exercise

• Prevents secondary conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pressure sores, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, urinary tract infections, and respiratory disease.

• Prevents deconditioning and obesity

• Provides psychological and/or recreational benefits

Best Exercises for Persons with SCI

• Aerobic exercise to maintain cardiovascular health

• Strength training to maintain the ability to perform activities of daily living and mobility, as well as to prevent injury through muscular balance

• Flexibility training to improve range of motion and reduce spasticity

Important Considerations When Exercising

• Incontinence (flaccid or neurogenic bowel/bladder) - Individuals with lesions above the sacral level experience a loss of control with their bowel or bladder.KEY: Monitor urinary cycle, be sure to empty your bowel and bladder before starting exercise.

• Spasticity - This condition is characterized by high muscle tone and hyperactive stretch reflexes. It typically occurs in the muscles below the site of injury and is exacerbated by exposure to cold air, urinary tract infections and physical exercise.KEY: You should stretch spastic muscle groups and avoid exercises that cause excessive spasticity. When you are at home you should extend your legs as often as possible.

• Autonomic Dysreflexia - A sudden rise in blood pressure resulting from an exaggerated autonomic nervous system response to noxious stimuli below the level of injury, usually due to bladder/bowel overdistension or blocked catheter. Symptoms include profuse sweating, sudden elevation in blood pressure, flushing, shivering, headache, and nausea.KEY: Seek medical attention immediately when it occurs.

• Orthostatic hypotension - A drop in blood pressure (greater than 20 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and greater than 10 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure). It occurs in upright postures, especially moving from supine to upright sitting/standing/head-up tilt. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness and light-headedness.KEY: Monitor blood pressure throughout exercise, avoid quick movements, perform orthostatic training (if available), maintain proper hydration, and use compression stockings and an abdominal binder. If orthostatic hypotension occurs, lie in a supine position with your feet elevated.

• Thermoregulation - Irregular body temperatures are often experienced by individuals with SCI.KEY: Wear appropriate clothing, drink plenty of fluids and take precautions in certain environments; in warm environments, a fan and water spray will aid in cooling, and in cold environments, wear extra layers.

• Pressure sores (decubitus ulcers) - Damage to the skin or underlying tissue caused by prolonged sitting, using old wheelchair cushions, sitting on hard surfaces, shear forces or as a result of a fall.KEY: Check skin regularly and perform wheelchair push-ups. (See strength training section for protocol.)

• Transfers - Be sure to follow appropriate guidelines.

• Balance - Use straps or other physical assistance to hold the trunk in position during upright exercise.

Cardiovascular Training Guidelines

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends performing 20 to 60 minutes of continuous aerobic exercise or multiple sessions of short duration (approximately 10 minutes) for three to five sessions per week. For individuals just starting an exercise program, a circuit training program is effective.

Aerobic exercise can be monitored using an individual’s maximal heart rate (MHR) or rating of perceived exertion (RPE). MHR for individuals with SCI is significantly lower than for individuals without SCI while RPE should be moderate to somewhat strong. See NCPAD’s General Exercise Instructions factsheet for more information.

Quadriplegia

MHR typically does not exceed 100 to 125 bpm, and training intensity should be between 50% and 70% maximal heart rate. Therefore, an average target heart rate (THR) falls between 65 and 91 bpm.

Arm ergometry is a preferred type of exercise training for individuals with quadriplegia. Be sure the wheelchair is locked, the hands are secured to the equipment (straps can be used for stability and balance) and the ergometer is in a fixed position.

Paraplegia

The MHR of individuals with a lesion T1 to T6 is suppressed; however, for lesions below T6, the MHR is closer to the age-predicted maximum. Training intensity should not go above 70%.

Types of cardiovascular training that benefit individuals with paraplegia are wheelchair ergometry, upper-body calisthenics, rowing machine, sports: (basketball, track, swimming, quad rugby), and functional electrical stimulation-leg cycle ergometer (FES-LCE).

Strength Training Guidelines

• Training sessions should be held three days per week.

• Refrain from training the same muscle groups on consecutive days.

• Upper-body pushing and pressing exercises (bench press, overhead press) will help transfers and wheeling, while pulling/rowing exercises will help prevent shoulder overuse injuries and improve sitting posture.

• Perform wheelchair push-ups every 10 to 30 minutes and hold for 30 to 60 seconds. When doing wheelchair push-ups, be sure to bend the elbows slightly.

• Use straps or a partner for stabilization and balance.

• Vary exercises to reduce over-use injuries and emphasize muscle groups that are still functional.

Types of strength training that benefit individuals with SCI are free weights, weight machines (Nautilus, for example), medicine ball, wall pulley, and theraband.

Flexibility Training Guidelines

Flexibility training is important to prevent contractures (permanently shortened muscles). Paralyzed muscles should be passively stretched by an exercise specialist; specifically, the hamstrings, adductors, hip flexors, plantar flexors, and lumbar extensors.

Types of flexibility training are:

• Passive resistance

• Theraband

• Standing in a standing frame (if not medically contraindicated).

Important Safety Considerations

• Get physician consent.

• Regularly monitor blood pressure, heart rate, RPE, and symptoms.

• Stop exercising if you feel pain or discomfort.

• Don’t exercise if you are ill (i.e., cold, flu, bladder infection, pressure ulcer, unusual spasticity).

• Check medications and their effect on exercise tolerance.

• Extended periods of inactivity may cause osteoporosis.

Special thanks to Dr. Steven Figoni and Bridget Collins.

Note

The information provided here is offered as a service only. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, University of Illinois at Chicago, the National Center on Accessibility, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago do not formally recommend or endorse the equipment listed. As with any products or services, consumers should investigate and determine on their own which equipment best fits their needs and budget.

National Center on Physical Activity and Disabilityhttp://www.ncpad.orgncpad@uic.edu(800) 900-8086 (voice and TTY)(312) 355-4058 (facsimile)

As posted at:

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

http://www.ncpad.org 

In honor of Bladder Health Week we are posting information on bladder care during exercise.  Today we will focus on Spina Bifida.  Tuesday will be focused on those with Spinal Cord Injuries.  Wednesday’s focus is for those with Multiple Sclerosis and Thursdays focus will be Resistance Training for those with physical disabilites.  

As posted at:

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

http://www.ncpad.org

SPINA BIFIDA 

Importance of Exercise

• Prevents deconditioning, and promotes function and endurance.

• Helps prevent obesity.

• May help improve constipation, resist infection, improve mood, reduce stress, prevent diabetes and atherosclerotic heart disease, and helps lower blood pressure.

Important Considerations When Exercising

• Maintain proper posture at all times.

• Many people with spina bifida have latex allergy. If this is the case, always check beforehand to make sure that the exercise equipment is not made of latex. Equipment manufacturers such as Thera-band® offer latex-free versions of their products.

• Incontinence (flaccid or neurogenic bowel/bladder) - Individuals may experience a loss of control with their bowel or bladder. KEY: Monitor urinary cycle, be sure to empty your bowel and bladder before starting exercise.

• If you have a shunt or have had scoliosis surgery, you should discuss exercise activity with your doctor. Avoid excessive trauma to the shunt and tubing.

• Thermoregulation - Irregular body temperatures are often experienced by individuals with SB. KEY: Wear appropriate clothing, drink plenty of fluids and take precautions in certain environments; in warm environments, a fan and water spray will aid in cooling, and in cold environments, wear extra layers.

• Pressure sores (decubitus ulcers) - Damage to the skin or underlying tissue caused by prolonged sitting, using old wheelchair cushions, sitting on hard surfaces, shear forces or as a result of a fall. KEY: Check skin regularly and perform regular wheelchair push-ups, or have the individual reposition him-/herself regularly especially when engaged in wheelchair sports. (See strength training section for protocol.)

• Fractures - the bones of the weak limbs may not be as strong as normal (osteoporosis), and can be at risk of breaking with less force than normal. In areas of poor sensation, the only signs of fracture may be redness and swelling of the limb, without pain. If the individual has a concern, have him/her see a doctor.

• Transfers - When applicable, wheelchair users need to know how to transfer him-/herself safely from the wheelchair to an accessible exercise machine. People who provide assistance to wheelchair users should be trained to follow the appropriate guidelines for safe transfers.

• Balance - Use straps or other physical assistance to hold the trunk in position during upright exercise.

• If during exercise, foot and leg swelling occurs, resolve with leg elevation. If swelling is persistent, the individual should discuss this with his/her doctor. Compression stockings may also be helpful to keep swelling down. Monitor skin closely for breakdown in areas of swelling.

• Spasticity - This condition is characterized by high muscle tone and hyperactive stretch reflexes. It typically occurs in the muscles below the site of injury and is aggravate by exposure to cold air, urinary tract infections and physical exercise. KEY: You should stretch spastic muscle groups and avoid exercises that cause excessive spasticity. When you are at home you should extend your legs as often as possible. Discuss ways to reduce muscle spasticity that interferes with activity, with your doctor or physical therapist.

Important Safety Considerations

• Inform your physician that you are starting a regular exercise program.

• Start slowly, beginning with only a few sets and/ or repetitions, or with lesser resistance/ weight. Then gradually build these elements up as you go.

• Warm-up for approximately 10 minutes before starting your exercises, and cool-down after your exercise session.

• Regularly monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). (See NCPAD’s General Exercise Guidelines factsheet for more information.)

• Stop exercising if you feel pain or discomfort.

• Don’t exercise if you are ill (i.e., cold, flu, bladder infection, pressure ulcer, unusual spasticity).

• Check medications and their effect on exercise tolerance.

• Extended periods of inactivity may cause osteoporosis.

Cardiovascular Training Guidelines

• Aerobic exercise is important for everyone to maintain cardio-respiratory fitness and endurance.

• The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends performing 20 to 60 minutes of continuous aerobic exercise or multiple sessions of short duration (approximately 10 minutes) for three to five sessions per week. For individuals just starting an exercise program, a circuit training program is effective.

• Aerobic exercise can be monitored using an individual’s maximal heart rate (MHR) or rating of perceived exertion (RPE). MHR for individuals with SB may be significantly lower than normal, while RPE should be moderate to somewhat strong. (See NCPAD’s General Exercise Guidelines factsheet for more information.)

• Types of cardiovascular training that benefit individuals with spina bifida are upper-body calisthenics, using the rowing machine, hand cycles and arm ergometers, functional electrical stimulation-leg cycle ergometer (FES-LCE), and adapted sports such as, basketball, track, swimming.

Strength Training Guidelines

• Individuals should strength train all active muscle groups. Start with low weights and gradually build up the program as you get stronger. A fitness trainer may be helpful in setting up a program for you.

• Training sessions should be held three days per week.

• Refrain from training the same muscle groups on consecutive days.

• In order to maintain proper body posture, balance, and equilibrium, wheelchair users need to strengthen the muscles of the shoulder and upper back.

• Upper-body pushing and pressing exercises (bench press, overhead press) will strengthen muscles used for transfers and wheeling, while pulling/rowing exercises will help prevent shoulder overuse injuries and improve sitting posture.

• Perform wheelchair push-ups every 10 to 30 minutes during the day, and hold for 30 to 60 seconds. When doing wheelchair push-ups, be sure to bend the elbows slightly. Lock the wheels and keep anti-tip bars in position. One way to remember this is the “rule” 30 second push-up off the chair every 30 minutes. Some people find it helpful to get a digital watch that beeps every 15 minutes as a reminder.

• For individuals who have movement in their legs, leg exercises can include knee lifts from a sitting position (marching movement), and foot lifts from a sitting position (straightening the knee). Do up to 10 on each side once or twice a day, and add sets of 10 as you gain strength. You can also add ankle weights as your strength improves.

• Use straps or a trained partner for stabilization and balance.

• Vary the type of strengthening exercises to reduce over-use injuries.

• Types of strength training that benefit individuals with spina bifida are free weights, weight machines (Nautilus, for example), medicine ball, wall pulley, and Thera-band®.

Flexibility Training Guidelines

• Flexibility training is important to maintain range of motion in joints, as well as to prevent shoulder injuries in persons who use wheelchairs or crutches.

• Flexibility training also helps to prevent contractures (permanently shortened muscles). Paralyzed muscles should be stretched by a physical therapist, exercise specialist, or by a trained assistant or family member. Muscles that need to be stretched include the hamstrings (the back of the thigh), adductors (inner thigh), muscles that flex the hip, muscles that flex the foot, and muscles that extend the back. Having the individual lie on his/her stomach for rest periods can also help stretch muscles of the hips and back of the thighs.

• Stretches for the muscles of the chest and front of the shoulder are recommended especially for wheelchair users, who tend to have a crouched posture.

• Stretch the shoulders by grasping the elbow with the arm overhead, and pulling back to stretch gently. You can also stretch the front of the shoulder by placing your hand on a wall, fingers pointed backwards with the arm outstretched, and lean forward towards the wall. Hold for one minute each side.

• Stretching the calf muscles helps to decrease swelling, especially if combined with leg massages.

• Types of flexibility training are passive resistance, Thera-band® elastic bands or tubings, standing in a standing frame (if not medically contraindicated), yoga and Pilates.

Note

The information provided here is offered as a service only. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, University of Illinois at Chicago, the National Center on Accessibility, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago do not formally recommend or endorse the equipment listed. As with any products or services, consumers should investigate and determine on their own which equipment best fits their needs and budget.

As posted at:

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

http://www.ncpad.org

Real Talk.Real Answers. Living with MS in Your 20s and 30s.
Web Cast

Tuesday, November 18 join young adults living with MS nationwide for the second installment of Real Talk. Real Answers. Living with MS in Your 20s and 30s.

If you’re in your 20s and 30s and living with MS, please join us on Tuesday, November 18 for candid conversation about the topics that matter to you.

Issues including communicating with family and friends about your MS, finding meaningful ways to get involved in support networks, learning to be your own best advocate, personal planning and more.

The event includes an interactive panel discussion with an opinion leader and a panel of your peers in their 20s and 30s who are living with MS. A moderator will lead the panel discussions to answer your most challenging questions.

You will be able to participate LIVE from wherever you are — virtually!

Register today at www.RealTalkRealAnswers.com. You can then access the Web cast from the same website. You’ll also find lots of other great resources on the site about living with MS in your 20s and 30s, including tips from opinion leaders, journal entries from your peers who are living with MS and much more.

Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions “real time”. For those who can’t watch live, the information will be posted on http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HOM_REAL_homepage after the event.

Building & Maintaining Connections with Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor
November 18, 2008
8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. MT/5:00 p.m. PT

Real Talk. Real Answers. Living with MS in your 20s and 30s is brought to you by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and MS LifeLines (R), a free resource sponsored by EMD Serono and Pfizer.

Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Time: 8:00 PM

Cintas Center - Cincinnati, Ohio

The Xavier Volleyball team will partner with the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to raise money and awareness for the fight against MS. The “Xavier Volleyball Attack on MS” game is scheduled for Sunday, November 16 at 4 p.m. when they host the St. Louis Billikens at the Cintas Center.

There are numerous ways to join in the fight against Multiple Sclerosis:

1. Pledges will be taken for each attack attempt that Xavier makes against St. Louis.  Download a pledge sheet here >>
2. General donations will be accepted.
3. Specially designed “Xavier Volleyball Attack on MS” t-shirts will be available for $10. Anyone wearing the t-shirt to the match will receive free admission.
4. There will be a raffle of items such as a volleyball autographed by the entire team, a pair of Xavier men’s basketball tickets, a basketball autographed by men’s Head Coach Sean Miller, gift certificates and much more. Raffle tickets are $2 each or 2 for $3, which benefit the Society.

Date:   Sunday, November 16, 2008

Time:  4 p.m.

Location:   Cintas Center 
                     1624 Herald Avenue
                      Cincinnati, Ohio 45207

Parking: Available at the Cintas Center

For more information, please contact Ian Frost at 513-745-3378 or frosti@xavier.edu. 

Date: Sunday, November 16, 2008
Time: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Address:
1624 Herald Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45207
United States

With time on his hands, Coughlin completes novel 

AS POSTED AT:www.barrycoughlin.com

By BOB FALLSTROM, Staff Writer 

ST. ELMO — In June, Barry Coughlin observed the seventh anniversary of being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He is 90 percent paralyzed, using a wheelchair full time, and his speech is slurred.

Undaunted, the persistent 44-year-old St. Elmo man completed the monumental achievement of writing a historical novel.

“It took me 13 months. I never had a doubt I would finish it,” he said. “I completed it in late July.”

The title is “Living the Dream.” Paperback copies are available at lulu.com and amazon.com or by contacting Coughlin at barrycoughlin@ frontiernet.net. The price is $12.99. You can preview it at www.lulu.com/content/2911603.

Coughlin was a surveyor when he was stricken. The fictional book’s main character is William Bassett, a surveyor in the small Midwestern town of St. Elsewhere who is surveying along a highway when he is struck by a car. Seriously injured, he lapses into a coma in which he dreams he is a U.S. deputy surveyor in the new Illinois capital of Kaskaskia.

He has been given the task of finding a more centralized location for the state capital. He must form a survey party, gather supplies and embark on a journey through uncivilized territory.

“I never thought I would be a writer,” Coughlin said. “I can type, I have a lot of time on my hands, and I’m taking advantage of it.”

In May, the Muscular Dystrophy Association did a story on Coughlin as part of a series called “Anyone’s Life Story.”

“I hope the book will inspire people who think they are not capable of accomplishing some task,” he said.

He has previously written articles that have appeared in the St. Elmo Devonian, MDA Muscle Dispatch newsletter and the Lincoln County, Mo., Journal. He also was profiled on WAND-TV.

Coughlin has written a philosophical message he calls “Off the Beaten Path.”

Before his diagnosis with ALS, he writes, “I was a permanent fixture on the beaten path. But on that day in June, I was knocked off my path by the force of a semi truck. The once-smooth path was now a pothole-filled mud farm road,

“What I’ve learned since then is that the speed at which you travel the path is not important unless you know where you are going. The path has many exits, both right and left, accompanied by tempting billboards trying to lead you astray. Many people lose their way and spend years searching for a way back to the path. I write this to send out a beacon, aiding the lost to find themselves and get back on track.”

Later, he writes: “Stay on the beaten path and re-evaluate where you are going often. Take the road less traveled once in a while, and stop to enjoy the special moments, because no one knows when the path will come to an end. Be prepared for it, but don’t waste time worrying about it. Choose your path wisely, and choose to enjoy the ride.” 

With the eagerly anticipated 30-city “In the Present” tour getting underway Nov. 4 in Ontario, band members Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White of YES have agreed to donate a portion of proceeds from their Nov. 23 concert at Albany’s Times Union Center to STRIDE Adaptive Sports.

The volunteer, non-profit organization provides more than 3,500 adaptive sport and recreation lessons annually to children and individuals with special needs with 200 instructors serving 850 families, offering free programs in 15 different activities and locations. STRIDE is an affiliate member of Disabled Sports USA, Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors; and an official Red Cross Provider.

The members of YES will donate $10 from every $38.50 ticket sold to STRIDE for their Fourth Annual Wounded Warrior Snowsports Event, with 15 members of the armed forces who have sustained permanent injuries during their service brought to the Albany area on Friday, Feb. 27, 2009 for a weekend of Adaptive Skiing and Snowboarding at Jiminy Peak, Mountain Resort.

All funds from ticket sales will go directly to cover the cost of transportation, lodging, food, clothing, entertainment and gifts for the Wounded Warriors and their families.

St. Louis’ The Pageant Dec. 2,

Universal Sports will have 2008 Paralympic Coverage the next 7 days on Universal Sports TV and http://www.universalsports.com/

From Monday, Nov. 10-16 Universal Sports will broadcast presentation of the 2008 Paralympics each night from 7 - 11pm ET.

Check out more at the following link: http://www.universalsports.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=23000&KEY=&SPID=13327&SPSID=107765

As posted at: www.stltoday.com

Kerri Morgan runs drills during a recent practice session at North County Technical High School.

(Laurie Skrivan/P-D)

By Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

10/22/2008

A ROCKY START 

When Kerri Morgan was 1, a viral infection called transverse spinal myelitis attacked her spine. At first, Morgan was paralyzed from the chest down, She recovered full movement in her arms and hands, but not all of the strength was there. She also recovered enough movement and feeling in her legs to walk a few steps at a time, but relies on a wheelchair to get around in day-to-day life.