DrChe Fornusek

Ché's research is focused on exploring the long term benefits of exercise and physical activity for persons with neurological injury or disease (e.g. spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, peripheral nerve disease). Populations with physical disability have higher rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity compared to the normal population. The cause of the increased incidence rates are due to lower levels of activity but also greater barriers to exercise. Exercise or sport can be used to promote health in persons with disability. In some cases where severe paralysis (e.g. quadriplegia or severe Multiple Sclerosis) is present, voluntary exercise is not an effective option. In these cases electrical stimulation [ES] exercise might be beneficial. However, there is only sparse literature on when and for whom ES may be beneficial. My research focuses on translating ES technology and research findings into practical applications that will result in meaningful clinical benefits for persons with muscle paralysis.