The goal of this special series is to prepare you for a potential revolution in the physical therapist's plan of care for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Three major events supported the need for this special series on SCI. First, Congress declared the 1990s the “Decade of the Brain,” so it seemed fitting to end one decade and begin another with a focus on the spinal cord. Second, on Memorial Day in 1995, Christopher Reeve, an actor known for playing the role of Superman, was thrown from his horse and sustained injury to his spinal cord between cervical spinal vertebrae C1 and C2. Since his injury, Mr Reeve has focused the attention of the public, Congress, and the scientific community on seeking a cure for SCI. Third, the American Physical Therapy Association's Section on Research hosted a retreat entitled “Neuroplasticity: Interface of Basic and Applied Sciences in Clinical Practice” in August 1998, where it became clear that new knowledge about how the nervous system responds to injury needs to be shared with Journal readers. A review of literature over the past 50 years indicates that automobiles designed to sustain greater impact and the use of seat belts, air bags, and helmets have decreased the severity of spinal cord injury. Vertebral fixation, decompression of the spinal cord, and reduction of the inflammatory process have reduced the extent of the initial spinal cord insult. …