CSI/CUNY News Release
	For Immediate Release - Monday, April 14, 2003

Medical Science

Researcher develops new tool to diagnose and evaluate neurological deficiencies
also determines effectiveness of drug or physical therapy programs

Staten Island, NY -- Recent research and technological breakthroughs provide the medical profession with a new tool in evaluating and assessing the Parkinsonian population, as well as facilitating early diagnosis, according to Dr. Arthur Nelson, who recently published his findings after conducting a five-year research study with the Physical Therapy Program at The City University of New York’s College of Staten Island.

Dr. Nelson’s findings were based on results acquired while using his previously developed GaitRite system, which is a sophisticated data acquisition model that integrates specific components of walking (gait) to generate a Functional Ambulation Performance (FAP) score.

The system operates on the principle that a condition that affects the central nervous system will have latent manifestations in a person’s gait, such as a shorter than usual step length that takes longer to complete as seen in persons with Parkinson’s disease, or an asymmetrical footfall pattern as seen in persons who suffered a stroke with paralysis.

“Our research has demonstrated the reliability and level of evaluation that this dramatic new tool provides to clinicians,” said Dr. Nelson, “and is a major addition to the functional toolset that will improve the accuracy with which disorders are diagnosed and confirmed.”

The GaitRite system uses a series of switches on a grid pattern embedded into a mat that a patient walks on. The mat captures the footprints electronically, much like footprints in sand along the beach. The mathematical modeling outputs a standardized and objective FAP score after evaluating the person’s walking motion.

Once a FAP score is generated, a clinician is able to accurately determine a patient’s ambulatory mobility, that is, how well they walk. This assessment may alert the clinician to a possible diagnosis of Parkinson’s, or confirm a preliminary diagnosis.

For patients with a confirmed case of Parkinson’s or another neurological deficiency such as Downs Syndrome, the GaitRite system will accurately determine the effectiveness of the drug or physical therapy program that the patient may be undergoing.

“The GaitRite system accurately assesses gait abnormalities which may not be apparent to physical therapists, but which the GaitRite system will detect and alert us to,” said Dr. Nelson, “and being aware of this condition, which may have been the cause for serious harm, allows us to tailor a therapy program that will address that abnormality while greatly enhancing the patient’s quality of life.”

The GaitRite system is currently being used by over 150 rehabilitation centers throughout the United States and in many countries in Europe and the Middle East and Asia with dramatic results.

Currently, Dr. Nelson is conducting a study with researchers in Holland using a treadmill that provides feedback of footfalls. This treadmill places patients into a safety jacket suspended from a frame which eliminates the risk of falling, and allows a unique approach to the physical therapy training of patients with strokes, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsonism, and joint replacements.

As well, this approach involves testing of motor power, coordination of muscle pairs, balance testing, and training. Dr. Nelson acted as consultant to Biodex Medical Systems in the developmental stages of this innovative treadmill. The results of this new venture are not determined yet, but Dr. Nelson says the early feedback appears very promising, and will greatly enhance a patient’s confidence and ability during physical therapy, which will result in an improved and sustained recovery.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Ken Bach, 718-982-2328.  Color photography available.

THUMBNAIL BIO (complete biography available):
Arthur J. Nelson, PT, PhD, FAPTA, is professor of biology/physical therapy at the College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, where he teaches Neuroscience and Research Design and is the Director of Research. He is also an adjunct professor of physical therapy at New York University (NYU).

In 1970, Dr. Nelson implemented the first PhD program in physical therapy in the United States at NYU, and chaired the department from 1973-1983. As a practitioner, Dr. Nelson has developed the physical therapy programs at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Staten Island University Hospital, and Eger Healthcare Center, all located on Staten Island, NY.

Additional research initiatives include wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers, in collaboration with the Diabetic Foot Clinic at Staten Island University Hospital, and the investigation of physical fitness assessment protocols for children with Down Syndrome, with the New York City Board of Education.

BACKGROUND:
The Physical Therapy Program at the College of Staten Island of The City University of New York has recently received full accreditation for the maximum length of time of nine years from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association. This important recognition indicates that the program at CSI has demonstrated substantial compliance with the evaluative criteria necessary for accreditation.

CSI is one of two schools in The City University of New York to offer such a program, and one of only 202 accredited programs nationwide. The Physical Therapy Program offers a combined Bachelor of Science/ Master of Science degree program. Graduates from the program are eligible to become licensed physical therapists. For more information contact: Dr Jeffrey Rothman, director of the physical therapy program, at 718-982-3153.

The College of Staten Island (CSI) is a senior college of The City University of New York (CUNY), the nation’s leading urban university. CSI offers 35 academic programs, 15 graduate degree programs, and challenging doctoral programs to 12,000 students. The 204-acre landscaped campus of CSI, one of the largest in NYC, is fully accessible and contains an advanced, networked infrastructure to support technology-based teaching, learning, and research. For more information, visit www.csi.cuny.edu

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