Ab. No. 95 Integrated Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy Along With Surface Spinal Stimulation and Activity-Based Therapy on Locomotion in an Individual With Traumatic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury - Single Case Study

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Introduction: The purpose of the study was to examine the integrated effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) along with surface spinal stimulation (SSS) and activity-based therapy (ABT) on the locomotion in an individual with traumatic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The study aims to provide an insight for advanced non-invasive treatment approach useful in activating central pattern generator by bio-modulating the state of spinal cord. Methods: Individual diagnosed with traumatic spinal cord injury, Motor incomplete ASIA grade B. A 36-year-old male pre-diagnosed with D12-L1 vertebrae fracture and anterolisthesis of D11 over D12 vertebra had undergone surgical management in august 2023. Physiotherapy management was given with PBMT using Class IV LASER (2000 joules at 7 watts) on lesion site, SSS (2500 Hz carrier frequency, 80 Hz beat frequency for 20 minutes) on paravertebral area and activity-based therapy (trunk control exercises, body weight supported treadmill training, overground walking for 45 minutes) for 6 sessions per week for duration of 5 weeks. Pre and Post intervention assessment was done using International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal cord injury- ASIA Impairment Scale, Walking Index for spinal cord injury-II (WISCII-II) and Spinal cord independence measure-III (SCIM-III) at day 0, 15 and 30. Results: ASIA motor score of right lower limb, SCIM-III and WISCI-II had shown significant improvement. ASIA motor score of right lower limb improved from 0 to 1, SCIM-III from 42 to 54 and WISCI-II from 0 to 6 between day 0 and day 30. Conclusion: The study concluded that combined photobiomodulation therapy using class IV LASER along with surface spinal stimulation and activity-based therapy has positive effect in enhancing the locomotion in an individual with traumatic incomplete SCI. Implications: This integrated non-invasive treatment approach can be used as management guideline for enhancing locomotion in individuals with incomplete SCI.