Testimonials

Directeur @ Max R Center 

Could you please introduce yourself?

Bachelor's degree in Sports Science followed by a Master's degree in Adapted Physical Activity and Health at the University of Lausanne. Worked as a coach for Benoît Thévenaz during my Master's and established training protocols in collaboration with him and other patients, drawing inspiration from practices in the USA and Asia primarily.

How many years of experience do you have as physical trainer with SCI?

6 years

Can you describe your training style or approach to SCI?

A training focused on deep and postural musculature as well as correct coordination of movements. With a significant emphasis on upright posture and walking.

How do you personalize training programs to meet individual client needs according to ASIA score and time since injury?

We always start the exercises right at the point where voluntary muscle capacities end. We also assess each individual's specific objectives concerning daily activities (wheelchair propulsion, transfers, standing up, walking, etc.).

Could you describe Activity Based Therapy? What is the methodology and how it impacts the spinal cord?

This is a training method where the coach moves the patient's body just beyond its limits to stimulate the neuromuscular system and gradually increase motor and sensory capabilities. There is a wide range of exercises, equipment, and working positions to tailor the training to the patient's needs. By recreating a movement with the voluntary intention to perform it, nerve connections recovery is stimulated, allowing for increased innervation of the lesioned body. This aims to gradually improve the patient's voluntary motor abilities. Additionally, there are numerous physiological benefits to the training beyond movement gain: improved blood and lymphatic flow, stabilization of bone mass, stimulation of the cardiorespiratory system, better tissue vascularization, reduced risk of pressure ulcers, activation of the digestive system, decreased spasticity and spasms, etc.

What kind of exercises and equipments do you recommend as a trainer? 

A good Bobath table with a system for attaching straps/elastic bands/pulleys (physiotherapy-style wire mesh cage). Various means of standing and walking (parallel bars, standing frame, walking frame, standing harness, walker). Balls, weights, dumbbells, foam blocks, elastic bands, foam rollers, etc. to create dual tasks and adapt any machine/position for all patients (obstacle walking courses, straps and foam for posture support, etc.). A pulley system for strength training with precisely adjustable counterweights (ideally with 200g increments). A Total Gym-type leg press. If space allows, a few strength training machines for independent patient workouts (e.g., Giger, Nu Step, etc.).

In your point of view, what are the most promising therapies and technologies in the field of SCI? Do you recommend any companies?

Active retraining similar to what is done at the MRC or ARC in the USA, coupled with targeted neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Additionally, medical protocols like those being tested by Neurogel en Marche (autologous stem cells and nutritive/protective substances to maintain active cells).

What is your overall philosophy on health, fitness, and personal development?

Mouvement is life and life is mouvement.

Can you share any success stories or testimonials from clients you have worked with?

Here's a funny story that demonstrates the everyday use of progress made by a patient. He was about 20 years old and lived with his parents when he had his accident. His mother, wanting to protect him and limit his snacking on sugary drinks and snacks, intentionally stored sodas on the top shelf of the fridge and biscuits in cabinets above the kitchen counter, out of reach for her paraplegic son. With training, he regained enough strength and support in the lower body to manage to stand up from his wheelchair with just a simple knee support. So, he succeeded in reaching items in the top of the fridge and cabinets above the counter by using a piece of furniture in the kitchen for support. In the end, the tangible outcome isn't very positive for his health, but the increase in independence is quite remarkable in this example, which always brings a smile to my face.

Founder @Reneu Health, Inc

Could you please introduce yourself?

Working with neurological disorders since 2003 performing activity based therapy. Then opened my own business in 2010. Bachelors degree in kinesiology.

How many years of experience do you have as physical trainer with SCI?

20 years.

Can you describe your training style or approach to SCI?

Activity based therapy.

How do you personalize training programs to meet individual client needs according to ASIA score and time since injury?

Asia is a bit outdated so we do our own eval to see what clients strengths and weaknesses are.

Could you describe Activity-based Therapy? What is the methodology and how it impacts the spinal cord?

Using proper mechanics and alignment to excite/activate nervous system as much as possible.

What kind of exercises and equipments do you recommend as a trainer?

Any equipment that will provide the least amount of compensation.

In your point of view, what are the most promising therapies and technologies in the field of SCI? Do you recommend any companies?

Activity based therapy along with neuromodulation. Either transcutaneous or epidural stim.

What is your overall philosophy on health, fitness, and personal development?

Regardless of age and condition our bodies need a stimulus to respond and adapt to.

Can you share any success stories or testimonials from clients you’ve worked with?

Many. Some clients have different goals. Our goals are there goals and so some may have wanted core strength or some grab a pencil, others could be walking.

Founder and President @ Neuro Ex Inc

Could you please introduce yourself?

With a strong background in athletic training and sports performance combined with 25+ years (35,000+ hours) of extensive experience training those with neurological and physical disabilities, Eric Harness brings a unique perspective to the adaptive performance and neuro recovery fields. After graduating from San Diego State University with a BSc in Kinesiology, he became an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and started San Diego Sports Training where he excelled at improving the strength and performance of high school, college, and Olympic athletes. In 1999, Eric co-founded the world's first activity-based neurological recovery center (Project Walk) and served as their Director of Research and Development for 13 years. In that time period he spent over 20,000 hours working hands on with physically challenged clients to increase their functional capacity. His clientele included not only spinal cord injuries, but stroke, TBI, multiple sclerosis, amputee, and ALS. He has worked with major hospitals and universities on several grant funded research projects examining the effects of exercise on individuals with spinal cord injury. These projects have led to multiple authored and co-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals. As a leader in this field, he has been invited to speak and present at many major medical conferences, hospitals, and industry events. Eric continues to partner with the leaders in the rehabilitation field on research projects and equipment design as he advances his work in neuro recovery and takes adaptive performance to the next level.

How many years of experience do you have as physical trainer with SCI?

25+ years

Can you describe your training style or approach to SCI?

Neuro Ex treats clients as injured athletes whose sport is "walking". What does that mean? When training an athlete you break down their sport into all of the constituent movements that take place at their position, and then train them to make those movements quicker, faster, and stronger. Our goal with clients is to break down "walking" into the movements and body positions required to walk and try and recover as much function and strength as possible to allow them to get back to their "sport". 

Neuro Ex understands that no two injuries are exactly alike and no two people respond the same way. As a result, we custom design each program for each client based on his or her particular needs and we continually adjust your program to ensure maximum gain.

How do you personalize training programs to meet individual client needs according to ASIA score and time since injury?

All clients go through a 2 hour evaluation to determine their function and ability. The ASIA (ISNCSCI) score gives a broad overview of what function the client may be starting with, but most of the time it is not very precise. Time since injury may inform on what types of secondary complication the client may present with such as muscle contractures. However, if there are not secondary issues, it does not factor into our training program.

Could you describe Activity-based Therapy? What is the methodology and how it impacts the spinal cord?

An “activity-based” program is characterized by the focus on recovering function in the affected areas of the body through repetitive patterned motor activities and the reintroduction of gravitational loading. This recovery may be facilitated through neural reorganization. 

Reorganization involves training the CNS to use the remaining intact tissue of the spinal cord to transmit the proper signals to the appropriate muscles. Through activity based training we may be able to push descending motor pathways in the spinal cord into reorganizing and innervating new targets. It is this plasticity/ spinal learning that can be brought about through increasing activity. The most important thing to remember is that the neurological repair process within the CNS can continue even if functional recovery has reached a plateau.

What kind of exercises and equipments do you recommend as a trainer?

Each injury is unique so it is not possible to recommend exercises/equipment without a proper evaluation or at least an overview of the specific person's functional ability. 

That being said, the following pieces of equipment would benefit many SCIs: 

• Standing Frame 
• FES Bike 
• Mat Table 
• Resistance Bands

In your point of view, what are the most promising therapies and technologies in the field of SCI? Do you recommend any companies?

In my opinion, the most promising therapy that is currently available to the public is epidural spinal cord stimulation. I have personally used this type of device with clients and have seen immediate changes/increases in function that I have not seen in 25+ years with anything else. In the US, this can be obtained through Dr. Samadani at the University of Minnesota.

There currently is research occurring through Dr. Jerry Silver/NervGen and the Shirley Ryan Ability Center on a peptide (NVG-291). This peptide relieves the inhibitory effects of CSPGs (chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans) and is expected to enable repair of the nervous system.

What is your overall philosophy on health, fitness, and personal development?

"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." - Confucious

Can you share any success stories or testimonials from clients you’ve worked with?

Mike F C3 SCI I fell February, 2020 breaking my neck (C3) resulting in me being paralyzed from the shoulders down and on a respirator. After eight months of ICU and rehab at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, I returned home and started to use Eric's incredible services. He is now a valued member of my recovery team. He is professional, knowledgeable, deeply experienced and very creative. With his help, I am now walking with a walker, becoming more self-sufficient, and even beginning to play the piano again. If you want to take your recovery to the best possible outcome utilize Eric’s services. 

Laura G C7 SCI I’ve been a client since 2019 and would highly recommend NeuroEx for anyone with a neurological condition or a desire to improve an adaptive sport. Eric’s years of experience, connections within the rehabilitation community, and familiarity with current research are unmatched. I’ve continuously made great progress several years post injury and I really appreciate Eric’s enthusiasm and inquisitiveness helping me sort out various therapies and clinical trials. In my experience, activity based therapy is essential for everyone with an injury and NeuroEx is well worth the investment. 

Owner and Lead specialist @Abilities Recovery Center (ARC)

Could you please introduce yourself?

I have been helping individuals improve their quality of life and independence through various healing techniques over the last two decades. After graduating from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1994, I shifted my focus to more natural healing techniques. Beginning with a degree from the Utah College of Massage Therapy, I continued the natural pursuit with a Doctorate from Cleveland Chiropractic College. I am also a Certified Neurological Recovery Specialist, TBM Applied Kinesiology Certified, an International Academy of Medical Acupuncture graduate, Activator Methods Advanced Certified, Brimhall Certified, and a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I have owned and operated practices in Utah, Kansas, Arizona, and California and am currently the owner of Abilities Recovery Center (ARC), a specialized neurorecovery facility located in Los Angeles. At ARC, our main focus is helping those with neurological disorders and injuries to move, stand and walk again using the Mobility Activation System (MÁS).

How many years of experience do you have as physical trainer with SCI?

12 years.

Can you describe your training style or approach to SCI?

My training style and approach to treating Spinal Cord Injuries has evolved greatly over the last decade. When I first began, I used typical techniques, concentrating on the standard I was taught at the beginning of my experience in the neurorecovery field. When I began developing the MÁS, the standard changed for me. With the machine, I was now able to get clients working from the ground up, safely standing on their own feet while using their own body weight. This allowed me to hone in on body mechanics and make significant strides with clients. Changing the standard allowed us to change the mindset for training at ARC. We now strive for quantifiable movements and expect certain physical responses from those movements. This approach to training has solidified the mindset that ARC has today: no goal is too big or too small.

How do you personalize training programs to meet individual client needs according to ASIA score and time since injury?

Every new client that comes to Abilities Recovery Center is approached in the same manner: we conduct an initial evaluation to determine what the client’s strengths and abilities are, addressing individualized goals along the way. Thanks to the MÁS, we are able to approach training systematically by correcting body mechanics and improving strength to ensure efficient and precise movement, regardless of ASIA score or time post-injury.

Could you describe Activity-based Therapy? What is the methodology and how it impacts the spinal cord?

Activity-Based Therapy (ABT), when implemented correctly, is an incredibly useful tool for a paralyzed person’s recovery. Falling somewhere between personal training and physical therapy, ABT focuses on promoting functional fitness that directly translates into improved quality of life. At ARC, one of the first things we teach is utilizing correct body mechanics to improve an individual’s overall physical condition and ability. Learning these body mechanic principles sets up a client for success in muscle activation and reinstituting neurological pathways.

What kind of exercises and equipments do you recommend as a trainer?

I would recommend the MÁS as the best tool for both trainer and client when partaking in any Activity-Based Therapy. The MÁS provides increased efficiency and added versatility to sessions, allowing for a variety of seated and standing exercises to be performed. Clients are able to lift weights, execute squats and deadlifts, and even walk in the MÁS; all essential movements to improve the body’s condition.

In your point of view, what are the most promising therapies and technologies in the field of SCI? Do you recommend any companies?

I believe the Mobility Activation System (MÁS) is one of the most promising systems out there for those who have suffered from a Spinal Cord Injury. It provides a safe environment for those with paralysis to get up and moving, all while using their own body weight. Currently, two companies that have adopted the MÁS system are Abilities Recovery Center in the United States and Max Regeneration Center in Switzerland.

What is your overall philosophy on health, fitness, and personal development?

I believe health and fitness are two significant facets of a fulfilling life, nurturing the body, mind and spirit. Finding joy in movement and nourishing your body and mind inevitably leads to personal development. As this journey is deeply personal, believing in yourself and your own potential is vital.

Can you share any success stories or testimonials from clients you’ve worked with?

At ARC, we are lucky enough see success stories every day. Successes range from a client regaining core strength and being able to hold themselves up independently in their wheelchair, to walking independently in the MÁS. The most prevalent success story is our first success story: Gary. I began seeing Gary as a chiropractic patient over a decade ago; he had been rendered quadriplegic after an unfortunate fall in his kitchen 10 years prior. Unable to walk or even hold himself up, I felt more could be done to help improve his condition. Moving forward with this notion, I created the first MÁS prototype. After two years of working with Gary and the MÁS, he was able to take steps on his own in a walker. The MÁS has continued to create success stories since its inception and will continue to do so in the years to come. Our biggest testament to its overall impact are the testimonials and videos on our website: www.arc-la.com 

Senior Recovery Consultant @ Adapt Functional Movement Center

Could you please introduce yourself?

Biochemistry degree from UC Santa Cruz.

How many years of experience do you have as physical trainer with SCI?

10 years.

Can you describe your training style or approach to SCI?

Pushing the limits of what is possible safely and effectively to make daily living activities more efficient.

How do you personalize training programs to meet individual client needs according to ASIA score and time since injury?

I use the members goals to tailor a program to their ability level and create a path to use exercise and a path to where we see at and to where the lever wants to be.

Could you describe Activity-based Therapy? What is the methodology and how it impacts the spinal cord?

I act as the nervous system and feel the body through table work using SMaRT Sensory Motor and Reflex Training to help coordinate movement and improve connection below the level of injury and strengthen the muscles above.

What kind of exercises and equipments do you recommend as a trainer?

Something to get upright and load bearing, EMS, lower extremity range of motion and coordination, modalities to challenge core control and hip stability, equipment to strengthen the upper body in the chair, aqua if available.

In your point of view, what are the most promising therapies and technologies in the field of SCI? Do you recommend any companies?

I believe it will be best to have a personal combination of technology, pharmacology, exercise , and neurological therapies.

What is your overall philosophy on health, fitness, and personal development?

It needs to be a life choice to keep all those a priority in life and you need to bring those into your life no matter what your circumstances are.

Can you share any success stories or testimonials from clients you’ve worked with?

It is the people who are 20-30 years post injury that are in good mental and physical health and don’t get UTI’s and pressure sores that are as much a success and the members that are gaining function and movement.

Trainer @ Max R Center

Could you please introduce yourself?

Sports coach specialized in adapted physical activity at Max Regeneration Center.

How many years of experience do you have as physical trainer with SCI?

3 years.

Can you describe your training style or approach to SCI?

Proprioception, muscle strengthening, visualization, coordination, standing, assisted walking. I enjoy tailoring my sessions to each individual. It's important to have fun during workouts.

How do you personalize training programs to meet individual client needs according to ASIA score and time since injury?

I assess based on the individual's potential. I tailor the training to each person individually.

Could you describe Activity Based Therapy? What is the methodology and how it impacts the spinal cord?

Proprioception, muscle strengthening, visualization, coordination, standing, assisted walking. This helps recreate neuro-connections with the body, gain sensitivity, and movement.

What kind of exercises and equipments do you recommend as a trainer? 

Without hesitation, the MÀS from the Abilities Recovery Center. In other cases, performing movements like leg press with resistance, maximizing visualization, introducing hip movement in addition to the leg, and seeking further perceptions.

In your point of view, what are the most promising therapies and technologies in the field of SCI? Do you recommend any companies?

Neurogel could be a solution, adapted physical activity improves overall health status in general.

What is your overall philosophy on health, fitness, and personal development?

Positive thinking, healthy eating, adapted physical activity, good emotional state. I would say a healthy mind in a healthy body.

Can you share any success stories or testimonials from clients you have worked with?

They have all regained better posture, improved digestive transit, they all feel new sensations, a better perception of their bodies, some have regained movement at different levels (toes, legs, hips), and above all, sports motivate. I have a lot of feedback on the improved emotional state of everyone.