Columbia University physiatrist conducts research on exercise training interventions, including balance training and aerobic exercise, for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia, a form of hereditary ataxia.

A Focus on Faculty: Highlighting a Range of Expertise in Rehabilitation Medicine

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a recessively inherited motor neuron disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, is one of the most devastating neurological diseases of childhood. Until recently, there was no treatment.

More doctors are prescribing exercise for patients. But it’s not just for high blood pressure or diabetes. Physiatrists at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center are offering an exercise training intervention for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia.

Dr. O’Dell is celebrated for his key role in both expanding and bringing a collaborative spirit to the Department.

While osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in the world, we have extremely few effective conservative treatments available. Dr. Gellhorn is hopeful that he has found just such a solution.

Glen Gillen, EdD, OTR, FAOTA, has been named Director of the Programs in Occupational Therapy in the Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia.

Although there are numerous treatments available to improve cerebral perfusion after acute stroke, there are few treatments to improve upper extremity movement in the chronic phase.