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.
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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.
Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-08/Supporting%20SCI%20Recovery%20at%20Every%20Stage%20-%20TRANSCRIPT.pdf
In this "Rebuilding Lives Through Research" episode of Supporting SCI Recovery at Every Stage, we explore how two groundbreaking programs from the Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research at Kessler Foundation are transforming the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). From the moment of injury through the transition home, these initiatives provide a comprehensive roadmap for recovery. The SCI Rehabilitation Transition Program ensures that patients and their families receive critical support from hospital to home, while the Caregiving Skills and Support Program equips caregivers with the tools and confidence they need to provide effective, compassionate care.
We also hear from John McAleavey, a 32-year SCI survivor, podcaster, and peer counselor, who shares his personal journey and how his lived experience is shaping these programs. As a steering committee member, John offers invaluable insights into the real-world challenges of SCI recovery. Thanks to generous donor support, these programs are not only easing the burden of injury but also empowering individuals and families to thrive in their new realities.
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Links:
Read the full article, https://KesslerFoundation.org/2024-impact-report
Listen to the full report, https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/kessler-foundation-impact-reports
Denise Fyffe, PhD, https://KesslerFoundation.org/aboutus/Denise%20Fyffe
Jeanne Zanca, PhD, https://KesslerFoundation.org/aboutus/Jeanne-Zanca
Visit our website to learn more about the Center for Spinal Cord Injury, https://KesslerFoundation.org/research/center-spinal-cord-injury-research
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.
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This podcast was recorded in July 2025 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.
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.