Amira Tawashy

Publications (2)3.67 Total impact

• Article: Response to functional electrical stimulation cycling in women with spinal cord injuries using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography: a case series.

  Maureen C Ashe, Janice J Eng, Andrei V Krassioukov, Darren E R Warburton, Chihya Hung, Amira Tawashy
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  ABSTRACT: Loss of bone mass is common after spinal cord injury (SCI). One rehabilitation modality that has shown some promise for maintaining bone health is the functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycle ergometer. Although there has been some research investigating bone health and FES cycle ergometry, few have provided a detailed description of the changes that can occur in bone mass and soft-tissue mass. To use 2 types of bone imaging, peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to provide a detailed description of bone and soft-tissue response to FES cycle ergometry training in women with SCI. Case series; a 6-month program of FES cycle ergometry for women with chronic motor complete (n = 2) and incomplete (n = 1) SCI. Outpatient rehabilitation center in Canada. Three women participated in a thrice weekly 6-month exercise program of FES cycle ergometry. We used DXA (lower extremity) and pQCT at the midshaft (50%) and distal (5%) sites of the tibia to assess bone density and soft-tissue mass before and after the exercise program. There was an increase or maintenance in bone mineral density by DXA and pQCT in the lower extremity for all 3 participants. Muscle mass by DXA increased in the lower extremity in 2 participants. In this case series, we note a positive response in bone mass and soft-tissue mass in the lower extremity after a 6-month FES cycle ergometry program.
  The journal of spinal cord medicine 01/2010; 33(1):68-72. · 2.11 Impact Factor
• Article: The Segway for people with disabilities: meeting clients' mobility goals.

  Bonita Sawatzky, Ian Denison, Amira Tawashy
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  ABSTRACT: The goal of this study was to determine how the Segway compares to clients' current method of mobility in meeting their specific mobility goals. This study included 10 subjects (aged 19-65 yrs) with a wide range of disabilities (e.g., multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and amputee) who were able to walk at least 6 m with or without assistance. Subjects navigated a 25-m obstacle course at our provincial adult rehabilitation center with their current mobility devices and then the Segway. The outcome measures used were the Wheelchair Outcome Measure score and the difference in the time required to complete the obstacle course. There was a significant difference in Wheelchair Outcome Measure score between subjects' current mobility method and using the Segway for client specific goals (P < 0.01); however, there was no significant difference between obstacle course times. This study has shown that the Segway may be a good device for people with disabilities because it allows them to participate in social and functional activities in a manner that traditional mobility aids do not facilitate as well. However, it does have its limitations and should be considered as just one of the many mobility options offered to people with disabilities.
  American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation / Association of Academic Physiatrists 12/2008; 88(6):484-90. · 1.56 Impact Factor