In this episode, we explore how moderate-intensity cycling may improve memory, thinking speed, and even brain structures in individuals with traumatic brain injury. Pioneering research from Kessler Foundation includes the study design, results, and what it means for TBI rehabilitation. Hear how exercise could become a key tool in cognitive recovery and why these findings matter for patients and caregivers alike.
This podcast was adapted from a 2025 Real-Life Science summary, part of our series that translates peer-reviewed research into practical, real-world understanding.
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Kessler Foundation Investigators: Lead: Carly Wender, PhD
https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/carly-wender-phd
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READ this journal article:
“The preliminary effects of moderate aerobic training on cognitive function in people with TBI and significant memory impairment: a proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial,” published in Neurocase, The Neural Basis of Cognition (2021). doi/full/10.1080/13554794.2021.1990964.
EXPLORE our traumatic brain injury research: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury
PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to kesslerfoundation.org/join
LISTEN to more Real-Life Science Summaries: https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science
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LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.
This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in December 2025.
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Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
All content for Kessler Foundation Podcasts is the property of Kessler Foundation and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
In this episode, we explore how moderate-intensity cycling may improve memory, thinking speed, and even brain structures in individuals with traumatic brain injury. Pioneering research from Kessler Foundation includes the study design, results, and what it means for TBI rehabilitation. Hear how exercise could become a key tool in cognitive recovery and why these findings matter for patients and caregivers alike.
This podcast was adapted from a 2025 Real-Life Science summary, part of our series that translates peer-reviewed research into practical, real-world understanding.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation Investigators: Lead: Carly Wender, PhD
https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/carly-wender-phd
=====================================================================================
READ this journal article:
“The preliminary effects of moderate aerobic training on cognitive function in people with TBI and significant memory impairment: a proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial,” published in Neurocase, The Neural Basis of Cognition (2021). doi/full/10.1080/13554794.2021.1990964.
EXPLORE our traumatic brain injury research: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury
PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to kesslerfoundation.org/join
LISTEN to more Real-Life Science Summaries: https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science
=====================================================================================
LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.
This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in December 2025.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
Restoring Connection: How Noninvasive Stimulation Helps the Spinal Cord Relearn
Kessler Foundation Podcasts
1 hour 21 minutes 27 seconds
2 months ago
Restoring Connection: How Noninvasive Stimulation Helps the Spinal Cord Relearn
In this episode of the Estabrook Distinguished Research Scientist Lectureship series, Dr. Karen Minassian from the Medical University of Vienna shares groundbreaking research on transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). This non-invasive method uses surface electrodes to activate spinal circuits and induce coordinated leg movements in chronic spinal injury patients. Stemming from accidental observations during epidural studies, his work combines computational modeling and clinical research to show how spinal anatomy and pulse duration affect tSCS effectiveness. Now FDA-approved, this approach offers new hope for neurorehabilitation by enhancing spinal function without surgery. Tune in to discover how these findings are advancing spinal cord injury treatment.
Intro & Welcome: 00:04
Lecture: 01:06
Q&A: 55:01
Closing remarks: 1:20:37
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Learn more about:
Karen Minassian, PhD, https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/forschung/researcher-profiles/researcher-profiles/detail/?res=karen_minassian&cHash=e1a4705d6c154272ca49e231996ec501
Associate Professor
Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering
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VIEW Dr. Karen Minassian's presentation:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Karen%20Minassian-Presentation%20tSCS-OCT25.pdf
EXPLORE our spinal stimulation research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation
PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join
=====================================================================================
LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
Kessler Foundation Podcasts
In this episode, we explore how moderate-intensity cycling may improve memory, thinking speed, and even brain structures in individuals with traumatic brain injury. Pioneering research from Kessler Foundation includes the study design, results, and what it means for TBI rehabilitation. Hear how exercise could become a key tool in cognitive recovery and why these findings matter for patients and caregivers alike.
This podcast was adapted from a 2025 Real-Life Science summary, part of our series that translates peer-reviewed research into practical, real-world understanding.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation Investigators: Lead: Carly Wender, PhD
https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/carly-wender-phd
=====================================================================================
READ this journal article:
“The preliminary effects of moderate aerobic training on cognitive function in people with TBI and significant memory impairment: a proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial,” published in Neurocase, The Neural Basis of Cognition (2021). doi/full/10.1080/13554794.2021.1990964.
EXPLORE our traumatic brain injury research: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury
PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to kesslerfoundation.org/join
LISTEN to more Real-Life Science Summaries: https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science
=====================================================================================
LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.
This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in December 2025.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
