Added Effect of Aquatic Therapy on Functional Performance in Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Level: A Case Study

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic event that is debilitating and results in permanent motor and sensory deficits. The severity and degree of permanence of the motor and/or sensory deficits is dependent upon the location and extent of damage to the spinal cord tissue. This case report describes an aquatic therapy program and the outcome for 19-year-old male with incomplete spinal cord injury. Self-care, functional mobility and walking parameters examined using American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA), Spinal Cord Independence Measures (SCIM) and Walking Index Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI). The patient received aquatic therapy thrice in a week for one-hour session, for 6 weeks. The intervention included aquatic activities designed to improve gross motor skills for self-care, functional mobility and gait parameters. Spinal cord independence measure score improved from 32 to 43. Patient showed drastic improvement in Walking Index, where he was able to walk 10 meters in walking frame with no orthosis and no assistance. The outcomes of this case report demonstrate the successful improvement of self-care, functional mobility and walking parameters in 19-year-old patient with SCI. The study provides clinical information for therapists utilizing aquatic therapy as a modality for Spinal Cord Injury patients.