The use of prosthetics to replace limbs lost through illness or injury may evoke thoughts of limitation and loss. But Physical Therapy faculty Victoria Graham is re-inventing that perspective to something positive.
“We're shifting the perception of people living in prosthetics away from suffering and loss and toward a clear view of health and vitality," said Graham, organizer of the first-ever ECLIPSE Symposium at CSUN in March. ECLIPSE is an acronym for Exercise Community Living in Prosthetics and Supporting Everyone.
A convergence of students and faculty from the Departments of Physical Therapy, Kinesiology and Family and Consumer Sciences as well as alumni, community members, local support groups and people from across the Southern California region who are living in prosthetics, ECLIPSE also had the support and sponsorship of Ossur Americas Prosthetics, one of the leading prosthetics manufacturers in North America. “Merridith Gonzalez, Össur Los Angeles Area Manager for Prosthetics, shared my dream for this event and was a collaborator in every sense,” said Graham. “What we did essentially was to create the ECLIPSE community.”
At the event, students, faculty and experienced clinicians worked with community members practicing skills in balance, walking, running and dealing with obstacles. Kinesiology graduate students led tours of CSUN’s Center of Achievement Through Adapted Physical Activity and the Brown Center. A Peer Nutrition Counselor from the Nutrition Program in Family and Consumer Sciences was on hand to provide tips on healthy eating. Q and A was provided by a distinguished panel of speakers including Charissa Doerger, Clinical Manager at Össur, and Kent Tracy, a prosthetist for Vogue Prosthetic Orthotic Center in Northridge. All involved discovered the amazing strides that have been made in prosthetic design.
The event was also an opportunity for students to learn more about careers working with people in prosthetics and the various directions their ambitions could take them. “We encourage students to combine academic pursuits with hands-on experience,” Graham said, “and this event presented a high-impact opportunity.” Jenny Popiemlarp, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student participating this year, said, “This event was perfect since I was able to learn something and teach something at the same time.” Added Kyle Salcedo, a Kinesiology major attending the event, “Every opportunity for individuals to collaborate and grow together is a moment worth having.”
“Activity after amputation is life sustaining,” Graham concluded. “As we shift our focus to the power, freedom and strength that are gained through the use of prosthetics, we help eclipse the negative views associated with disabilities and limb loss."
Jean O'Sullivan
SP2015