There are many symptoms that are associated with traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Muscle spasticity, also referred to as spasms, is uncontrolled, abnormal muscle tightness due to prolonged muscle contraction. This is a symptom that is very commonly seen in those with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. It is linked to damage to the brain, spinal cord, and motor nerves. Physiologically, the brain is responsible for sending a signal through the spinal cord and nerves to the muscles, which will tell them to contract and relax. After a brain injury, these messages that the muscle sends to the nervous system are unable to reach the brain, or there might be too many disordered signals between the brain and the muscle. Ultimately, this will result in preventing the muscles from responding correctly by causing them to contract involuntarily.

            As stated previously, spasticity is a symptom resulting from traumatic brain injuries. There are also many effects that come with having muscle spasticity. People can have one or a combination of the following: 1) jerking of the trunk muscles such as chest, back, abdomen, 2) hyperactive reflexes such as muscle spasms occurring when a limb is lightly touched, 3) stiff and/or very tight muscles at rest causing difficulty in relaxing or stretching, and/or 4) muscle tightness during activities which makes it challenging to control movements. Often when a person is experiencing muscle tightness, the obvious solution is to stretch it out. Those having suffered brain injuries, however, experience muscle tightness much more prominently and on a more intense level – frequently feeling like the muscles are unable to relax or stretch.

            Implication of treatment is dependent upon the severity and frequency of the spasms. It is also highly contemplated when they become worse during certain activities, a specific time of day, obstructed sleep, and/or limit the person’s ability to function. There are also times when the severity will fluctuate, which is another factor as well. Muscle spasticity is not always unpleasant or bothersome but can generate problems that give harm or pain to the person. Such problems include discomfort when muscles tighten, restricted motion, difficulty during deep inhalation, falls, inadequate use of hands, limitations on Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s), inability to maintain proper hygiene, skin pressure ulcers, poor positioning in medical equipment, and/or lethargy during the day. When the spasticity becomes severe, that is when it can cause almost continuous spasms, making it a challenge to complete a very simple movement.

            Treatment of muscle spasticity can be conducted in many ways. One method is through physical treatment with the goal of maintaining flexibility and reducing spasticity and risk for permanent joint contractures. This can be done by performing Passive Range of Motion, standing with support to help stretch the muscles, use of medical equipment (i.e., splints, braces, orthotics), exercise and/or stretching in a pool. Another method used is oral medication, for example, Baclofen, Dantrolene, or Benzodiazepines. Focal interventions could also be used, which is application to a specific location. These types of spasticity call for the use of anesthetic medications, alcohol, phenol, or neurotoxins (such as Botox). These will be injected in the muscles and nerves and will work to reduce muscle hyperactivity to control involuntary contractions in those local areas. For more severe muscle spasticity, some medical professionals will look to install an Intrathecal Baclofen (ITB) Pump. This surgical procedure involves implanting a small pump, usually in the person’s abdomen, which will release small amounts of baclofen in the spine. Consequently, the effect and success of treatment is dependent upon the severity of the spasticity.

Trainer Caleb and his client Karima on the Galileo

            At DRIVEN we offer a few methods of neurorecovery and rehabilitation that can help target a client’s muscle spasticity. The overall level of physical activity and specific exercises that are being provided by the Activity-Based Trainers also help to aid this as well. We have a Galileo machine that is specific to whole body vibration and a Hand Galileo that targets vibration to the upper extremities. Because of the constant vibrations that are occurring from the machines, the body or a specific body part is relaxed during a muscle spasm. Through a wholistic approach to wellness and being more aware of symptoms that are a result of traumatic brain injuries, we at DRIVEN can better determine which fitness and recovery regimens work best for each client.

This post has been provided to you by DRIVEN Activity-Based Trainer Aide, Jennine Marquez. To learn more about Jennine, click here.

            There are a few modifiable determinants that correlate with a stroke, which are hypertension, diabetes, smoking, etc.; but one that is very alluring is physical inactivity (or low cardiorespiratory fitness). Did you know that co-morbid cardiovascular conditions are present in 75% of stroke survivors – making it the #1 cause of death for people who have suffered a stroke? That is a scary thought! But thankfully that is a very modifiable condition that can be improved. And at DRIVEN, we got you covered.

            Research shows that intensive, aerobic, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)-assisted cycling can vastly improve one’s cardiovascular endurance. In one case study, eleven individuals who suffered a stroke participated in an FES-assisted cycling study to produce a correlation between improvement in aerobic capacity and locomotor function. In just eight weeks, there were significant improvements in the subjects’ VO2max AND in their self-selected walking speed. In other words, there IS indeed a correlation with improving one’s aerobic capacity to be able to perform other activities as well. Stacey et al. (2018) actually says, “There is high likelihood that improvements in metabolic capacity influence other functional as well as long-term health related outcomes and we believe that training to improve metabolic capacity should be a focus following [cardiovascular activity].”

            In another longitudinal study, Cavero-Redondo et al. (2019) states, “The primary finding of our study is that, among elderly people free of HTN [hypertension] at baseline, overweight/obesity, high CRF [cardiorespiratory fitness] levels, and non-diabetic status are the most important protective factors against stroke.” This study was observing those who have already suffered a stroke and were looking at modifiable factors to enhance in order to decrease the likelihood of it reoccurring.

            At DRIVEN Neurorecovery Center here in Las Vegas, we thrive on carrying out multidisciplinary approaches to our clients. A couple of features at DRIVEN are our wheelchair-accessible cardio equipment and our FES-assisted cycling bikes. We have multiple modems of Sci-Fit equipment, including arm cycles, leg cycles, recumbent bikes, and treadmills. We also have multiple FES-assisted bikes made by Restorative Therapies. They are one of the leading providers of FES equipment, making achievements and recovery for the neuro-adaptive population much more feasible. If you’re ever wanting a good cardio session and wanting to supplement it with some Activity-Based Training, come to DRIVEN and we’ll take care of you!

This post has been provided to you by DRIVEN Activity-Based Trainer, Caleb Pitman. To learn more about Caleb, click here.

More than just a gym, DRIVEN is a facility that encompasses holistic fitness in every sense. Holistic fitness is a wonderful way to improve your mind, body and health. It’s more than lifting weights – it’s about listening, breathing, accepting, and healing. Shifting focus inward and putting your-self back into your fitness practice. Physical fitness frequently feels like the most important aspect of health, but it’s much more than that. DRIVEN works to create a healthy environment in all aspects; starting with the services we offer, our approach in training and even down to the vibez we provide. True and total well-being can include physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual fitness.

The DRIVEN team is educated by the NeuroRecovery Network and utilizes NextStep’s activity-based training principles. We embrace neuroplasticity and the central nervous system’s ability to learn and relearn. This means training sessions are structured around guided exercises that are task-specific, always custom made for the client. No program or training session is the same since every recovery process is different. Additionally, you’ll never hear us say “you’re plateauing”. Recovery is always the focus so encouraging intent and finding new challenges is one of the ways we tie in physical and emotional/mental wellness.

We go beyond by incorporating the emotional and mental aspects of holistic fitness. This type of well-being is related to our ability to deal with whatever comes our way. It doesn’t mean you have to be tough all the time, it just means you’re able to acknowledge when you’re struggling and able to ask for help without shame. Understanding how stress affects your life is a major part of being emotionally and mentally fit – being familiar with stress allows us to deal with it effectively. The goal is to always love ourselves just the way we are, and extend that same compassion to everyone around us. Emotional and mental fitness can be exercised by managing your stress, asking for help, doing what you love and surrounding yourself with supportive people.

We encourage emotional and mental fitness by hosting several social events. Every Friday from 2 to 3 pm we host the support group, Redesign. Redesign emphasizes the importance of continuous self-awareness and self-improvement. Every second Tuesday of the month we have a larger support group from 5 to 7 pm. Both events are led by licensed therapists and on the Tuesday groups we provide appetizers and refreshments! We will also be hosting a therapeutic paint night on September 6th, where attendees from those that are able-bodied to high-level quadriplegics are challenged to paint using the brushes in their mouths! Paint-With Your Mouth-Night is designed to connect the community and facilitate de-stress through a creative outlet. Our collaboration with Downtown Yoga & Wellness Co-Op is another extension of our holistic values. The Co-Op is headquartered within DRIVEN, offering free chair yoga and trauma recovery yoga on a weekly basis that is open to all ability levels, in addition to daily yoga for families and caregivers and meditation sessions. Meditation is a wonderful way to connect mental and spiritual fitness.

Spiritual fitness can include but isn’t limited to prayer and religious practices. It’s also knowing where you fit in the connectedness of all things in this world. It starts with the simple things. As trainers and staff we act with compassion and real kindness; always striving to be a better person and acting out of integrity and generosity instead of dishonesty or selfishness. We encourage our clients to do the same. Some have found their own way of doing so by volunteering their time and skills to DRIVEN and our community in their special areas of expertise; such as designing our flyers, or offering professional advice related to their field! It allows our clients to give back to the facility but also connect with passions and hobbies that may be stress-relieving for them. Our friends at the Co-Op also offer reiki and sound healing sessions for discounted rates. These activities remind us of the connectedness of it all; the impact our universe has on our body and well-being, and equally important, how we impact the environment around us. It’s why it is so important to love yourself and extend that love to those around you. Spiritual fitness is also about listening to your body and intuition. No path is the same so it’s important to improve while staying true to who you are!

True fitness incorporates the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual components of fitness. Allowing us to completely integrate mind, body and spirit in order to support total well-being. Working to improve holistic fitness positively affects every aspect of our lives including increased health, mental clarity, spiritual awareness and improved self-esteem. So the work is worth doing!

“Personal training” gets real personal here at DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center. In fact, what most gyms call personal training, we call guided exercise, or activity-based training.

DRIVEN’s activity-based training is an intense recovery program, consisting of 1-on-1 or even 2-on-1 training (depending on the client’s needs) with our activity-based trainers. The program works to improve function, neurological recruitment, and the individual’s overall health and fitness. The program kicks off with an in-depth, 2-hour evaluation that sets parameters for the client’s limitations based on the NeuroRecovery Network Scale via the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. This initial evaluation is also the time for the client to express their goals and desires for their recovery and fitness. Thereafter, the program consists of regular training sessions varying anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, 1 to 3 sessions a week, that are exactly specialized for the individual client based on their ability level and fitness/recovery goals. At the discretion of the trainers, a client’s workout program may consist of use of the G-EO System, functional electrical stimulation via the Xcite machine, Galileo, Lite Gait and other specialized equipment that DRIVEN has to offer.

Check out our gallery for some great moments we’ve captured of our clients who participate in DRIVEN‘s personalized training program now!

Contact us today if you think Activity-Based Training could be the workout program you’ve been searching for!

At first glance, DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center might look like your average gym. Overhead press, squat rack, treadmills – it’s all here. However, look just a moment longer and you’ll find quite a few pieces that distinguish DRIVEN from your run-of-the mill gym. Though our machines bleed bright with DRIVEN red, you might notice the splashes of yellow that make our facility life changing for people with physical disabilities. These simple yellow knobs and bars allow our everyday gym equipment to transform into an open fitness floor of wheelchair-friendly modalities. Across the Cybex Total Access strengthening equipment and SciFit cardio machines, seats either swing out of the way or slide off completely, allowing a person in any kind of wheelchair – electric or manual – complete access to a better version of themselves.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a gym without personal training services. Here at DRIVEN, our personal trainers specialize in activity-based training that targets functional recovery via neuroplasticity of the body’s central nervous system. They are trained and educated by the NeuroRecovery Network under The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and NextStep neurorecovery training principles. Our activity-based trainers translate the latest scientific knowledge into real world application by tailoring dynamic workout programs specific to every neurological injury or condition they encounter.

Additionally, DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center serves as a one-stop shop for people with neurologically-based disabilities. Thanks to collaborations with existing programs throughout Southern Nevada, we are able to target a holistic approach to health and wellness on the physical, emotional, and mental level. Beyond our entirely accessible gym, DRIVEN houses the headquarters of Downtown Las Vegas Yoga & Wellness Co-Op, offering yoga, meditation, specialized massages, and trauma recovery practices. Licensed therapists also bear residence at DRIVEN, providing private and group counseling, and regular support groups for disabled people, families, and caregivers. In reflection of DRIVEN’s likeness, these third-party services offered within our facility are each accommodating and user-friendly for individuals at all levels of ability; including offering either free or discounted prices for DRIVEN members, caregivers, and families. Our facility also offers the convenience and accessibility of adaptive mobility and wheelchair consultations, minor repairs, and referrals via our mobility specialist and representative of the renowned wheelchair-distributor company, Permobil.

From victims of traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, to those who have acquired neurodegenerative conditions – such as Transverse Myelitis or MS (Multiple Sclerosis) – in the middle of their life, DRIVEN has fostered an environment where people at practically any level of functioning have the tools to direct their care to any degree – from complete independence to fully hands-on training – and thrive on all levels of wellness.