Cindy Allison

My thing is movement in spinal cord injury

10 years ago I was disabled. Through an exploratory process, I learnt to move again. I want people with spinal cord injury to benefit from this.

The nature of my goal

Frequently people with spinal cord injury (SCI) are given the prognosis that they will gain no further movement or sensation. My experience of working with people with SCI has shown this not to be true. I would like people with SCI, all around the world, to be given the tools to maximise their potential to move and feel.

My short-term goal is to complete a PhD on movement and SCI. The PhD will involve:
1. exploring how movement and sensation can be further enhanced
2. developing a series of movement education lessons for people with SCI
3. assessing the effect of these lessons on movement and quality of life
4. documenting my learning for the benefit of other health professionals and people with SCI.

The lessons will be based upon the Feldenkrais® Method, enhanced by my own personal discoveries. The Feldenkrais® Method is a form of sensory motor education which has been found to provide physical and psychological benefits with chronic illness and disability. Benefits include improved functioning, coordination and quality of life; and decreased pain, fatigue and stress.

My long-term goals are to:
• develop several series of movement lessons (supplemented with DVDs) that cater to all levels of SCI. I see these lessons being used all around the world.
• educate health professionals working with SCI (nationally and internationally)on how movement can be enhanced