My biography

Hello. My name is David,

I am a husband, friend, father of two and a grandfather of seven. I earned a B.A. in Social Science and Economics at UC Irvine. I am an accomplished software developer who tested the prototype Voyager spacecraft in the 1960’s, and later programmed computers and managed software development for the healthcare and entertainment industries.

My life passions are computers, reading, electric trains, working as a soccer referee for 30 years, camping/ kayaking and my grandchildren. I helped an African orphanage and self-sustaining industries (fuel-efficient cook stoves and water well drilling),

                                               

On May 19, 2009, I was driving my car when I had a sudden headache.  I was able to follow another car through the intersection and stop my car by the curb.  I then called for help. My wife came to me and called the paramedics.  I had a stroke.  I underwent an embolectomy (surgery using TPA) about 5 hours later, to relieve the bleeding and treat large three blood clots. A week later I had a blood clot removed from behind my right knee.  I had a right-brain ischemic stroke, resulting in left-sided hemiplegia and some other related issues (mid-line imbalance, vision processing speed, focus and depth perception impacts, swallowing and memory issues).  .  I spent six weeks recovering in Northridge Acute Rehabilitation Hospital.

On October 5, 2010 I fainted while standing up due to a major drop in blood pressure, probably caused by prescription-medication, fell and broke my hip.  I’ve since had a hip replacement and additional inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.

I’ve been actively pursuing therapies that would help me regain my body and mental functionality since May, 19, 2009.

“When I talk to other stroke survivors, I make sure they know there are new devices out there that might help them. Next, I tell them to never give up hope because you never know what is going to come out in the future. I know firsthand that it takes time to heal. I try not to focus on what I can’t do and I focus on what I can do. With the new technology that is being developed and the new drugs and therapies on the horizon, the way I am today is not how I am going to be in a few years.”

“I try everything that is out there with the philosophy that if it helps stimulate any part of my body, or my brain, then it is worth trying…”  “…I don’t ever want to look back and think about what we should have or could have done. You never know what will be developed tomorrow and how it might change your life.”

There is much more than robots, VR games, PTSD training and driving simulators that could be used to harness affected brain functionality for stroke rehabilitation. I believe that productive retraining of brain functionality will aid long-term stroke recovery-

I attend the California State University, Northridge Center of Achievement, Western Center for Aquatic-based Therapy, where I’ve improved my strength, endurance and balance.

After 8 months of work with computer-assisted brain function and vision processing programs, I recovered my driving privileges.

As a Consultant/Project Manager for the CSUN Student Affairs IT Group, I documented the Student Affairs IT PMM (Project Management Methodology) for IT Services Software Development, and developed a new web project acceptance testing plan and User Reference Manual for the CSUN Tours Registration/Scheduling group.  I also developed tutorials in Excel and PowerPoint for students.

After months of traditional inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, plus aquatic therapy, I participated in six weeks of occupational therapy robotic training at Rancho Los Amigos. I used the Interactive Motion Shoulder and Arm Robot twice a week for one hour each session totaling thirteen sessions.

The functional changes I have gained after using the InMotion Robot are:

• I am able to now use my left arm to hold my granddaughter on my lap to read to her.
• I have increased the use of my left side. I turn light switches on and off; I rest my left hand on the shower wall while my eyes are closed; I am able to hug people with both arms; I carry objects under my left armpit; I am more balanced , and have greater endurance, when I walk.  I’ve gained significant range of motion, and reduced spasticity and pain.
• After the first robotic session, I was able to lift my left foot up to my buttock (for the very first time).

(The key is that stimulating one part of the brain affects many other parts also.)

• After a three-month hiatus from the robot, my recent session (7/6/2011)  was my best functional performance ever.

The functional changes I have gained after using the MYOMO Robot are:

• Greater sensitivity and tactile feeling in my left hand.
• Strengthening of my Tricep and inhibitory control of Bicep/Tricep to raise and lower my left arm.

I have recently gained greater strength and arm mobility such that I am able to move my left arm more to dress myself.

In October, 2011 [30-months post-stroke] I began to have limited, volitional, movement of my left thumb.

I am a mentor/volunteer in the Rancho Los Amigos Robotic Therapy program, assisting therapists and patients in using robotic therapy tools.

As a volunteer in the Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Engineering Lab as a research subject for the projects designed to improve impaired- and handicapped-persons lives  (including development of improved Virtual Reality tools and games, and enhanced mobility projects), and entering data for research projects. 

Also at Rancho, I assisted in the “Introduction to Computers” computer skills lab, and  in the Drivers Training Program, as well as participating in the development of Stroke/TBI Wellness Programs.

 I continue my active support for the US Soccer Federation as a referee-instructor, and assignor, helping to train new and improve experienced soccer referees.

I’m a patient/volunteer for the CSUN Physical Therapy graduate students and for the USC Neuro Consortium for the Neurologic Examination Toolbox Course to provide direct experience with patients' evaluation and post-stroke treatment, and for the Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the School of Dentistry Interaction Lab, Department of Computer Science, USC Viterbi School of Engineering for the USC  Motor Sensor Study and Virtual Reality for Rehabilitation development.

I am also involved in the USC OPTT-RERC (Optimizing Participation Through Technology) - Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Technologies for Successful Aging with Disability) Programs, including development of Virtual Reality software for rehabilitation, using the Microsoft Kinect camera as a monitoring/input device, in a design that will give the user feedback on their progress in a simple, condensed manner [the game system would be programmed to automatically make adjustments in task difficulty as the user improves (and, the clinician would still be given the ability to override the game's algorithms if they deem it necessary).   The final major feature to be included is access to an online social network for system users, so that users can easily chat with one another to provide encouragement, play the games together, have friendly competitions to see who can stick with their rehab regimen the best, etc.

I was a patient/volunteer for the USC research project doing brain mapping research with TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation).  This study is investigating the way that the brain learns new skills.

I tutor high school students in physics, computer uses, Excel and PowerPoint, and started to tutor a three and one-half [3 ½] year-old learning to read.

In September, 2010 I was selected as an at large member for the State of California SSFL Public Participation Group, applying my research and analysis skills to review the Toxic Cleanup Project analysis, results and plans for the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (a toxic ground and groundwater site affecting the San Fernando and Simi Valleys).

I participate on the Northridge Hospital Patient Advisory Council helping to improve patient support in the Acute Rehabilitation Unit. 

Recently, I started as a volunteer in the Northridge Hospital PT/OT Department performing research and office administrative functions to support the professional and  administrative staff.

In 2011 and 2012 I received Botox treatment for left arm and hand spasticity, and plan to continue my traditional therapies and robotic therapies.

In September, 2011, I began using a MYOMO worn-on-the-arm robot to improve brain neuron to arm muscle control to re-establish lost Upper Extremity functionality

I’ve begun as a member of the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California  Board of Councilors, to support and guide the program.

As a participant in Virtual Reality Software  development at USC ICT and Rancho Los Amigos, In February, 2012 [33-months post-stroke] I used my left hand to work a VR software game. 

At Rancho Los Amigos and Northridge Hospital, I am actively working on expanding medical professionals’ and the public's knowledge about stroke prevention, post stroke acute treatment and long-term support for stroke patients to recover a high quality of life through new “wellness” programs.

I still have my dream of kayaking through the Grand Canyon – after I complete more rehabilitation, and gain strength and muscle control in my left side.

Soon, I hope to begin attending classes leading to a certification or degree in Applied Robotics, Game Theory, VR Application Design and Development,  or Assistive Technology Program

NOTES REGARDING ROBOTICS:

The Interactive Motion Robot System was developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology with medical experts from Harvard Medical School. The developers intended for the device to benefit stroke survivors suffering from severe muscle weakness or hemiparesis, which is weakness resulting in complete or partial loss of movement on one side of the body.

This evidence- based system is unique in the industry and has been tested by leading medical centers worldwide for 10 years in over 40 studies with over 400 patients.  The InMotion Robot's exceptional capacity for measurement and immediate interactive response sets it apart from other types of therapy systems.

Technology:  The InMotion Robot's immediate interactive response assesses the patient's UE movement and responds to the patient's continually-changing ability.  Like an experienced clinician the robot then guides the exercise treatment accordingly:

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The Myomo Robot System is an intelligent robotic device, paired with a specific evidence-based therapy regimen through which patients learn how to self start and control movement of limbs that are weak or stiff. The movement is initiated in the person’s brain, where a natural signal is sent from the brain to the muscle communicating the command. This signal then moves down the body to the arm, initiating a weak muscle contraction, too weak to cause the arm to move on its own. The computer in the robot then picks up this signal and magnifies it, much like turning up the volume dial on the radio, helping the person complete the movement.

Through repetition the person may eventually relearn how to move and control the affected muscles. It can help improve the quality of life for survivors by allowing them to perform real-life tasks such as pushing to stand, eating a piece of fruit or reaching for a light switch or lifting a box. The tasks are progressed from simple to more complex under the guidance of a certified licensed physical or occupational therapist.

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VIRTUAL REALITY

Virtual reality (VR) is a term that applies to computer-simulated environments that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world, as well as in imaginary worlds. Most current virtual reality environments are primarily visual experiences, displayed either on a computer screen or through special stereoscopic displays, but some simulations include additional sensory information, such as sound through speakers or headphones. Some advanced, haptic systems now include tactile information, generally known as force feedback, in  these applications.

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