The Gertrude C. Ford Foundation has pledged a $1 million gift to the Wilson Research Foundation at Methodist Rehabilitation Center (MRC). The gift establishes the Gertrude C. Ford Director of Motion Analysis.   

Methodist’s motion analysis laboratory is used to assess patients’ function and outcomes of various treatments. The director’s position requires a rare set of skills that ranges from operating highly sophisticated equipment to having extensive knowledge of human movements.  

“We are deeply grateful to the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation for this support of a nationally recognized researcher in this unique area of expertise,” said Chris Blount, director of the Wilson Research Foundation. “This gift will help our scientists build on our research as we launch new studies leading to better treatments and functional recovery.”

“It is vital to the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation that we support MRC’s work to help patients who have had brain, spinal cord, and other disabling injuries and illnesses,” said Cheryle Sims, president of the board. 

Dr. John Chow of Gluckstadt is the scientist currently serving as director of the motion lab at MRC’s Center for Neuroscience and Neurological Recovery. He is also an affiliate professor of neurobiology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Chow holds a Ph.D. in biomechanics and has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. His research interests include recovery of motor function after stroke, as well as spasticity management and better understanding of gait biomechanics after acquired brain injury or spinal cord injury.  

Read more at www.wilsonfoundation.org.