Abstract
BackgroundDecreased rehabilitation time may increase the need for walking devices at the time of discharge to promote levels of independence among ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, using walking devices could create adverse effects on patients. This study explores the proportion of walking devices used, potential for walking progression, and associated factors among ambulatory individuals with SCI.MethodsFifty-seven participants were assessed for their demographics and functional ability relating to the requirement for walking devices, including the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and lower limb loading during sit-to-stand (LLL-STS).ResultsThirty-five participants (61%) used a walking device, particularly a standard walker, for daily walking. More than half of them (n = 23, 66%) had potential of walking progression (i.e., safely walk with a less-support device than the usual one). The ability of walking progression was significantly associated with a mild severity of injury, increased lower-limb muscle strength, decreased time to complete the TUGT, and, in particular, increased LLL-STS.ConclusionA large proportion of ambulatory individuals with SCI have the potential for walking progression, which may increase their level of independence and minimise the appearance of disability. Strategies to promote LLL-STS are important for this progression.
Highlights
Spinal cord injury (SCI) could introduce various degrees of functional limitation, psychosocial problems, medical complications, a burden of care on family, and loss of productivity [1, 2]
This subsequently increases the need for a walking device, a standard walker, for ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) to promote their level of independence and experience of task-specific walking practice and reduce the burden of care on their families [2]
This could enhance the possible negative impact on the patients of longlasting use of a walking device, such as learning abnormal walking patterns; increased risk of musculoskeletal problems in the upper limbs and back; and elevated energy, attention, and neuromotor demands while walking [3,4,5,6,7]. These impacts may further affect the appearance of disability and the ability of the patient to interact with their community, especially when the patients are using walking devices with high support ability [8, 9]
Summary
Spinal cord injury (SCI) could introduce various degrees of functional limitation, psychosocial problems, medical complications, a burden of care on family, and loss of productivity [1, 2]. The current dramatic decrease in rehabilitation length may further affect an optimal ability of the patients at the time of discharge This subsequently increases the need for a walking device, a standard walker, for ambulatory individuals with SCI to promote their level of independence and experience of task-specific walking practice and reduce the burden of care on their families [2]. This could enhance the possible negative impact on the patients of longlasting use of a walking device, such as learning abnormal walking patterns (e.g., increased flexion posture and asymmetrical walking pattern); increased risk of musculoskeletal problems in the upper limbs and back; and elevated energy, attention, and neuromotor demands while walking [3,4,5,6,7]. This study explores the proportion of walking devices used, potential for walking progression, and associated factors among ambulatory individuals with SCI
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