The timing and achievement of mobility skills during SCI rehabilitation

Abstract

Retrospective, observational study, with consecutive sampling. To document the frequency and time frames for the achievement of independence in mobility skills for people undergoing rehabilitation following spinal cord injury (SCI). The South Australian Spinal Cord Injury Service, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, Adelaide, Australia. Retrospective data collection from a purpose-designed form. The achievement of independence in nine functional mobility skills, and time lines for this, were documented for people with a new SCI undergoing rehabilitation. Data from 152 participants were analyzed. Of the nine mobility-based goals evaluated, the one most likely to be achieved was sitting on the edge of the bed and the least likely was gait. Time taken to achieve the skills varied from 4 to 10 weeks on average and reflected the degree of difficulty. The frequency and time frames to achieve independence in mobility skills documented in this study will be useful when goal setting in a post-acute SCI rehabilitation setting.