Neurokinex has been delivering leading-edge rehabilitation and wellness programmes to the paralysis community for over eight years now. As we emerge from the pandemic, not only is their vision of making the best programmes available to everyone who deserves them still burning brightly, but the value and impact of such services has never been greater.
Protocols
Established using best practice in spinal cord injury therapy from around the world, the rehabilitation we offer here at Neurokinex is helping to redefine the possibilities for adults and children living with paralysis. With sites at Hemel Hempstead, Bristol and Crawley, Neurokinex is proud to be the only European affiliate of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s Neuro Recovery Network.
Our diverse range of specialised rehabilitation includes ground-breaking protocols from the Neuro Recovery Network consisting of:
Locomotor Training
Locomotor Training is a rehabilitation intervention that is driven by the main goal of recovering function. It is based on our current knowledge of how the brain and spinal cord control stepping and how the nervous system learns motor skills. It provides activation of the neuromuscular system below the level of lesion with the goal of retraining the nervous system to recover specific motor tasks such as those required for posture and mobility. The benefits from this restorative approach reach far beyond its ultimate goal. Cardiovascular and pulmonary function, increased bone density, reduced spasticity, decreased skin lesions and a greater ability to tolerate glucose are a few of the life-enhancing outcomes often attributed to this intervention. Generally, it is delivered with participants using body weight support systems suspended over a treadmill. Youngsters and adults alike engage well with this training which is precise and personalised to each individual.
Wide Pulse Stimulation (WPS)
Wide Pulse Stimulation (WPS) is a form of electrical stimulation we use to activate muscles superficially to promote the benefits of traditional stimulation whilst stimulating increased central activation. A diverse range of our clients use WPS as it’s the perfect complement to our renowned activity-based rehabilitation programme that focuses below the point of injury and has people standing where possible during their sessions. We now have WPS at all of our sites, ensuring every client has access to this vital training protocol.
The therapy comprises placing electrodes on the skin over the corresponding muscles which are associated with a particular functional movement and the participant consciously works alongside the WPS.
In order to maximise the potential of WPS, it’s imperative that consistent, high repetitions are completed – the body is wonderfully adaptive and neural connections can be strengthened through repeated activity, otherwise known as neuroplasticity.
WPS has many benefits including:
- Increased muscle mass
- Improved voluntary motor control
- Improved function
- Improved sensation
- Improved autonomic regulation
- Provision of the optimal environment for neuroplasticity
Partnerships
We work with a wide range of partners to deliver our ground-breaking rehabilitation, thus ensuring we reach as many people as possible. As a member of the internationally renowned Christopher & Dana Reeve’s Neuro Recovery Network, we have access to the best practices in rehabilitation and research in the world.
Neurokinex also works with a wide variety of funding partners and charities including Scinergise, the Peter Harrison Foundation, Active Sussex and Active Herts. Each of these charities provides funding for bursaries to ensure more people can participate and receive access to Neurokinex. Embedded in local communities, they help extend our reach to individuals who may need extra funding support to access our therapies.
Scinergise works specifically to offer funding for children to attend sessions at Neurokinex Kids. To date, seven children have been able to access our services thanks to their help. Set up by a young adult client of ours, this is a hugely rewarding partnership that is valued by all.
Another organisation which supports young children is The Peter Harrison Foundation Community Fund. A small grants organisation, it supports local community and voluntary groups and wo