Video: Brock Mealer walking without canes!

Submitted by Lupe Fiasco on

Best video I've seen in a while, look below!

LSAClassOf2000

April 8th, 2012 at 10:00 PM ^

Considering what he has been through, to get this far in his recovery and rehabilitation is nothing short of absolutely amazing. Great and inspiring post, in my opinion. 

Here2CWoodson

April 8th, 2012 at 10:10 PM ^

I cannot imagine what it would feel like to walk without being able to feel my legs... I am assuming that is the reasoning for him waving his arms around like that.  Barwis is an incredible person for dedicating himself to Brock like he has!  Congrats to Brock!

BlockM

April 8th, 2012 at 10:25 PM ^

Yeah, I'm not sure whether he can't feel them at all or if they're just way too weak to be used for decent balance at this point. I would guess he's gotta feel them at least a little bit, right?

Either way, this is one of the most inspiring stories I've ever seen. Incredible perseverance and faith.

gopoohgo

April 8th, 2012 at 10:22 PM ^

From a medical perspective, it looks like Brock is using a modified hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis, with the hip and knee unlocked to flex, but allows for (and reinforces) full extension to generate recurvatum for stability.  

It looks like there may be a harness underneath the shirt and shorts that runs up to Brock's shoulders to generate hip flexion (notice how Brock does a swim move with each arm as the corresponding leg comes off the ground)?

Coach Barwis, Brock's PT, and Brock did a hell of a job working on trunk stability to be able to maintain standing upright in a dynamic HKAFO for that long.  Typically paraplegic patients need a walker to walk with locked HKAFOs.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there was much more neuronal regeneration seeing the atrophy of Brock's legs.

 

gopoohgo

April 9th, 2012 at 9:42 AM ^

Think of it as your computer mouse.  If it's not plugged in, no matter how much you wiggle and click the mouse, it won't effect anything on the computer screen.

From what I remember of Brock (I was the senior resident of the rehab floor at the time, in charge of approving outside admissions into UMH's inpatient rehab floor) he had a complete spinal cord injury (SCI).  Unfortunately, that degree of atrophy is common (and irreversible) in patient's with mid-low thoracic complete SCIs.  I have two patients in my practice (seeing them for rotator cuff tears) with similar injuries.

rob f

April 9th, 2012 at 8:19 PM ^

is one of the most inspirational true-life stories I've ever seen or heard.  There may be, as you say above, some limitations to further progress, but I dare you tell Brock that, because I'd bet he'd do everything humanly possible and then some to prove you wrong!

LB

April 8th, 2012 at 10:22 PM ^

Just great to see this. Congrats to everyone involved.

Imagine growing up there - young Mr. Barwis is going to have great things to take to Show and Tell!

desmondcharles

April 8th, 2012 at 10:26 PM ^

I'm close friends with one of the Mealers family friends and I remember the night of the accident like it was yesterday. You couldn't meet a better group of people and I am so proud of how they have fought through all the odds.

MichiWolv

April 8th, 2012 at 10:44 PM ^

Way to go Brock!  It's hard to believe its been a year and a half since he led our team out on the field against UCONN.  Props to Barwis, and I'll even give some credit to RichRod!

gotohail

April 8th, 2012 at 11:52 PM ^

Is really coming along... His balance looks so much better now than it did. It may look crazy when he's flapping his arms around but it's keeping him upright. Once he can get to the point where he doesn't have to look down at his feet he's gonna be in real good shape!



Way to go Brock and mike!

a2_electricboogaloo

April 9th, 2012 at 12:07 AM ^

Well.  I'm sitting here in the Dudestadt Library, on the verge of pulling an all nighter for a biochem assignment.  I was wallowing in the "dammit, this sucks" self pity.  Then I watched this video.  Dammit, this man is inspirational.  If he can do what he's done, going from paralyzed to walking, whats one little homework assignment?  Nothing. This will be easy!  I'm pumped now.  I'm off to go kick biochem homework-ass!

goblue16

April 9th, 2012 at 12:59 AM ^

Really happy for him I was at the uconn game where he lead the team onto the field. Tragic story but a great inspiration!!