The Principles of Performance Podcast 032-Defying Science: Inspiring Stories & Lessons in Movement w/Steve Cairns & Crispin Barker
Steve Cairns and Crispin Barker work together on the Movement Project, in where they volunteer
their time to provide weekly movement training sessions for people around the world to help them
regain their movement skills after brain injuries
Crispin:
Crispin Barker is a physiotherapist who graduated from Brunel University and worked at UCL
hospitals in London until 2007. He and his wife then moved to Bristol and he started work in a Pain
Management Service and Chronic Fatigue Service using a biopsychosocial and cognitive behavioral
approach. He continues to work within the service comprising of occupational therapists,
psychologists and physiotherapists. Crispin has also studied and taught tai chi for over 30 years, as
well as being a level 3 AIDA free diver.
Steve:
Steve Cairns has several accomplishments to his credit.
As an ultra-marathoner, he completed races including the 100-mile West Highland Way Race, the 50-Mile Cabalo Blanco Ultra (the race featured in the best-selling book Born to Run), and the 50-mile Taff Trail, all twice each, as well as the 80 mile Ridgeway Challenge and the Marathon D’Sable (150 Mile across the Sahara Desert carrying all kit and equipment)
He also spent 14 Years in the British Military with 2 years Airborne and 12 years Special Forces (23 SAS)
In 2017 suffered catastrophic stroke as a result of a brain hemorrhage and required 10.5 hours of surgery on my brainstem which is the most fragile and eloquent part of the brain. Lost all movement skills and prognosis was a 2-3 year recovery with permanent deficits and a possible need for a walker or cane. Disagreed with the doctors and signed himself out of hospital in a wheelchair, rehabbed himself and smashed his prognosis targets inside 10 weeks.
Steve is also is member of the External Advisory Medical Board for the Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration Association (HODA). HOD is a degenerative ataxic condition that can present in individuals who are post Brain Injury
Links:
@Steve Cairns and @Crispin Barker on Facebook
Steve’s Story:
https://www.facebook.com/100003604268413/videos/1331858516944278/