28 Jun Harper Lapp, Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, Week 2

Another week down, and another week still not in the outpatient clinic. However, I came to a realization earlier this week that…it’s kind of my fault.

Haha whoops.

The workplace!

 I’m supposed to have received a QuantiFERON tuberculosis (TB) test so I can start up in the clinic, but…it completely slipped my mind, y’all. Kristin (reminder: my mentor) and I are working on negotiations so I can start as soon as possible!

Easing away from that, this new week has exposed me to yet another research assessment. I’m literally being spoiled. 

Respiratory Motor Control Assessment (RMCA)

Completely unrelated but…here is the Airofit device mentioned in last week’s blog (as if anyone remembers).

This is the big one that I was genuinely looking forward to since I noticed it on my calendar last weekend. An RMCA assesses mechanical inspiratory and expiratory pressures using spirometry, similar to a pulmonary function test (PFT), as well as the intensity of respiratory muscle activation. Surface electromyography (sEMG) is used to capture activity in muscles by recording electrical impulses activated by the nervous system. These sensors were placed over ten various intercostal muscles across the participant’s torso. 

RMCA set up. That’s a lot of wires…

With the spirometer, pressure data on inspiratory, expiratory, and coughing mechanics were all gathered. Simultaneously, the muscle activation sensors were catching every impulse throughout the breathing rounds. As said in the previous blog, due to SCIs, there can be immense muscle impairment. Gauging muscle integrity and fatigue with the RMCA process can provide impactful data on respiratory deterioration.

Research Data Processing

Anyone else obsessed with the word goniometer? No? Just me? Alright.

In the meantime, I sat at my cubicle. I was busy at work on the MATLAB software, processing data! After digging through files, I came across the gravity neutral device (GND) goniometer data. Using this, I was able to process the range of motion analysis from past GND interventions.

Industrial and Systems Engineering Camp

Off the streets, everyone! For your own safety…

On Thursday, I took a day off-site! Professor Read at the University of Louisville was hosting an industrial and systems engineering camp at the Speed School of Engineering. Along with thirty or so other local kids around my age, we spent our day exploring the engineering school and the labs and projects that come along with it. After initial introductions and getting to know some of the others at an AI uses and limitations talk, we headed to a driving simulator lab. A group of UofL undergrads was at work on a distracted driving simulation, consisting of eye tracking heat maps and heart monitors to record their data. I’m not quite sure about the validity of this data, considering that the majority of the drivers were underage teenagers, but it was interesting nonetheless. In another lab, we were introduced to a few virtual reality and augmented reality programs. One focusing especially on virtual twin experiences, where the virtual world mirrors the physical world and any alterations to it, and vice versa. An additional room focused on motion capture, as in CGI or video games. One undergrad mentioned how the motion capture can even go beyond media for movies or games, even assisting in dementia recognition. People’s movements can be captured to analyse if they are affected by it, and even the progression of their dementia. 

I can never turn down meeting additional local kids. This camp was wonderful in the way I was able to share and discuss my current experiences here in Louisville with people who have grown up here their entire life. Everyone was genuine and interested, and making friends with new faces made this day even more memorable.

Additional Whereabouts

Seelbach Hotel: home to the Buchanans’ wedding reception.

After the camp, Professor Read and Kristin (they’re married…explaining as to why I was referred to this camp in the first place) took me on a University of Louisville tour! I’ll take up any campus tour! Professor Read, being a UofL alumnus, offered me some of the inside scoop as well…

I walked all the way to Indiana!

Not only have I received a tour of Louisville’s campus, but the inner city in addition! Juneteenth weekend gave me some time to walk its lively downtown. The Waterfront Wednesday concerts took me along the Ohio River. With bustling crowds and dynamic concert showcases (and some of that Colorado smell), I almost felt like I was right back in Telluride. 

You wouldn’t understand how amazing this pool is ’till you see it.

Lakeside has not been forgotten. Whenever a sunny day rolled around, and I caught myself bored at home, I would take a walk over to the pool and ease my mind there. And when a day turned overcast and drizzly, I set up my easel after a quick art shop trip and began painting. Now bear with me–I just started my oil painting. First timer here…so I won’t showcase my progress until it looks at least somewhat presentable. 

Until next week! For now, I’ll just try to make my painting decipherable.