Discover how virtual reality cycling is revolutionizing MS treatment and cognitive enhancement!
Read the transcript - https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/MileStones-Winter%202024_2025-Transcription.pdf
In this fascinating episode, Carly Wender, PhD, research scientist in the Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation, shares her groundbreaking research that combines cycling with virtual reality technology to boost cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis. She answers the question: How does aerobic exercise promote neurogenesis and offer new hope for those facing mobility challenges?
The episode also features an inspiring conversation with Valerie Bowen-Towns, who shares her transformative journey from MS diagnosis to finding renewed purpose through adaptive exercise. Her story showcases how participating in innovative therapies and technology has helped her maintain independence and quality of life.
Tune in to hear how virtual reality and exercise are changing lives, one pedal stroke at a time.
Key Takeaways:
The combination of cycling and virtual reality is being used as a tool to enhance cognitive function in individuals with multiple sclerosis, showcasing innovative approaches to rehabilitation.
Aerobic exercise is linked to neurogenesis, suggesting that physical activity can promote brain health and cognitive improvement in those with mobility challenges.
Personal resilience and adaptive exercise can significantly transform the lives of individuals with MS, shifting their focus from despair to hope and independence.
Article Timestamps:
Introduction - 0:00 - 0:28
The Cycling Issue - 0:30 - 1:04
Exercising the brain by Dr. Carly Wender - 1:05 - 2:01
6 tips to exercise safely - 2:02 - 2:58
Two studies, one goal - 2:59 - 3:53 (3:10 - 3:22 audio quote from Dr. Wender)
Researcher spotlight - 3:54 - 4:30
In person: Finding hope and confidence: Valerie Bowen-Townes - 4:31 - 5:13
Your help wanted! - 5:14 - 7:42
End - 7:43- 8:09
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Read this newsletter at https://kesslerfoundation.org/milestones-winter-2024-2025
Missed a newsletter, check out our Mile Stones archives, https://kesslerfoundation.org/publication-archives#block-kessler-views-block-multiple-sclerosis-newsletter-block-1-2
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join
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Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities.
These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to Communications@KesslerFoundation.org
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Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.
This podcast was recorded in May 2024 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.
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In this fascinating episode, Carly Wender, PhD, research scientist in the Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation, shares her groundbreaking research that combines cycling with virtual reality technology to boost cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis. She answers the question: How does aerobic exercise promote neurogenesis and offer new hope for those facing mobility challenges?
The episode also features an inspiring conversation with Valerie Bowen-Towns, who shares her transformative journey from MS diagnosis to finding renewed purpose through adaptive exercise. Her story showcases how participating in innovative therapies and technology has helped her maintain independence and quality of life.
Tune in to hear how virtual reality and exercise are changing lives, one pedal stroke at a time.
Key Takeaways:
The combination of cycling and virtual reality is being used as a tool to enhance cognitive function in individuals with multiple sclerosis, showcasing innovative approaches to rehabilitation.
Aerobic exercise is linked to neurogenesis, suggesting that physical activity can promote brain health and cognitive improvement in those with mobility challenges.
Personal resilience and adaptive exercise can significantly transform the lives of individuals with MS, shifting their focus from despair to hope and independence.
Article Timestamps:
Introduction - 0:00 - 0:28
The Cycling Issue - 0:30 - 1:04
Exercising the brain by Dr. Carly Wender - 1:05 - 2:01
6 tips to exercise safely - 2:02 - 2:58
Two studies, one goal - 2:59 - 3:53 (3:10 - 3:22 audio quote from Dr. Wender)
Researcher spotlight - 3:54 - 4:30
In person: Finding hope and confidence: Valerie Bowen-Townes - 4:31 - 5:13
Your help wanted! - 5:14 - 7:42
End - 7:43- 8:09
=========================================================
Read this newsletter at https://kesslerfoundation.org/milestones-winter-2024-2025
Missed a newsletter, check out our Mile Stones archives, https://kesslerfoundation.org/publication-archives#block-kessler-views-block-multiple-sclerosis-newsletter-block-1-2
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join
=========================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities.
These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to Communications@KesslerFoundation.org
=======================================================
Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.
This podcast was recorded in May 2024 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.
© 2019-2020 Kessler Foundation