Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III Research Articles

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

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.

Determination of cut-off points in the Trunk control test for spinal cord injury to assess the ability to perform different activities of daily living.

Observational, comparative, and transversal study. To identify the cut-off points in the Trunk Control Test (TCT) for individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to determine the ability to perform independently the different activities of daily living (ADL) according to the Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III). National Institute of Rehabilitation, Mexico City. Individuals with SCI of any neurologic level and severity according to ISNCSCI, in sub-acute and chronic phases were included. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were made to identify the cut-off points on the TCT that discriminate the individuals that can independently perform each of the ADL described in the SCIM-III. A total of 604 participants were evaluated, 70.7% male; mean age of 34 (± 14) years; time since injury was 134 ± 360 days; predominating motor complete injury (50.1%). It was demonstrated through ROC curves, that there are different cut-off points in the TCT that are sensitive and specific to discriminate individuals that can independently perform the majority of the items of the SCIM-III of those who perform it with assistance. Domains that do not depend on an adequate trunk control (respiration and sphincter management) had poor areas under the curve, with low sensitivity and specificity. The application of the TCT in individuals with SCI allows to discriminate between individuals who perform the different ADL independently of those who do not, at this subject institute. These results can guide the management of individuals with SCI, helping to establish short term goals.

A Case Report of a Postoperative State Patient with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury due to Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Treated by Korean Medicine

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatment on postoperative state patients with cervical spinal cord injury due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.Methods: A 55-year-old Korean male patient diagnosed with cervical spinal cord injury due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was treated in an inpatient setting with Korean medicine treatment consisting of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and others from May 22 to August 21. The outcome was evaluated with the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS), Spinal Cord Independence Measure-Ⅲ (SCIM-Ⅲ), modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale (mJOA), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) before and after, or during the treatment period.Results: After 92 days of treatment, the patient’s scores on all scales improved.Conclusion: The results suggest that Korean medicine treatment may be effective for postoperative patients with cervical spinal cord injury due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Further studies should be conducted on a larger number of patients.

Predictive factors of destination at discharge after spinal cord injury

IntroductionOne of the main goals of the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) is the reintegration of the individual to their family, social, and work setting. The objective of this study was to identify the factors that determine the discharge destination after a traumatic spinal cord injury. Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective descriptive study of 305 patients with SCI who completed the rehabilitation treatment at the spinal injury unit of Hospital Insular de Gran Canaria between 2001 and 2018. ResultsDuring the study period, we observed an increase in the number of patients referred to long-term care centres, from 9.14% between 2001 and 2010 to 18.4% between 2011 and 2018 (P < .01). Of 20 variables that presented a significant association with destination at discharge in the univariate study, 7 presented a significant association in the multivariate study: age (OR: 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.08), living with a partner (OR: 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09−0.76), residing on another island (OR: 3.57; 95% CI, 1.32–9.63), smoking (OR: 3.44; 95% CI, 1.26–9.44), diabetes (OR: 6.51; 95% CI, 1.46–29.02), history of psychiatric disorders (OR: 3.79; 95% CI, 1.31–10.93), and scores on the Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III) (OR: 0.48; 95% CI, 0.33−0.69). ConclusionsOur findings identified advanced age, living on the island of Tenerife, not being married, smoking, type 2 diabetes mellitus, history of psychiatric disorders, and low SCIM-III scores as predictive factors of referral to a long-term care centre in patients with traumatic SCI in the Canary Islands.

Sacral interface pressure can be alleviated by repositioning with a small-angle change using an automated bed in patients with spinal cord injury

Aim of the studyThis study aimed to compare interface pressure and total contact area of the sacral region in different positions, including small-angle changes, in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Furthermore, we analyzed the clinical factors influencing pressure to identify the pressure injury (PI) high-risk group. Materials and methodsAn intervention was conducted for patients with paraplegia (n = 30) with SCI. In the first and second trials, interface pressure and total contact area of the sacral region were recorded from large- and small-angled positions using the automatic repositioning bed, which can change the angle of the back, lateral tilt, and knee. ResultsPositions with back raised ≥45° showed significantly higher pressure on the sacrum than most other positions. The pressure and contact area differences were statistically insignificant for combinations of small-angled changes <30°.Additionally, the duration of injury (β = 0.51, p = 0.010) and neurological level of injury (NLI) (β = −0.47, p = 0.020) were significant independent predictors of average pressure. Similarly, the duration of injury (β = 0.64, p = 0.001), the Korean version of the spinal cord independence measure-III (β = −0.52, p = 0.017), and body mass index (BMI; β = −0.34, p = 0.041) were significant independent predictors of peak pressure. ConclusionsFor repositioning, combinations of small-angle changes <30° effectively reduce pressure on the sacral region in patients with SCI. Lower BMI, longer duration of injury, lower functioning score, and NLI ≥ T7 are predictors of high sacral pressures, which increase the risk for PI. Therefore, patients with these predictors require strict management.

Factores predictivos de destino al alta tras una lesión medular

IntroductionOne of the main goals of the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) is the reintegration of the individual to their family, social, and work setting. The objective of this study was to identify the factors that determine the discharge destination after a traumatic spinal cord injury. Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective descriptive study of 305 patients with SCI who completed the rehabilitation treatment at the spinal injury unit of Hospital Insular de Gran Canaria between 2001 and 2018. ResultsDuring the study period, we observed an increase in the number of patients referred to long-term care centres, from 9.14% between 2001 and 2010 to 18.4% between 2011 and 2018 (p < .01). Of 20 variables that presented a significant association with destination at discharge in the univariate study, 7 presented a significant association in the multivariate study: age (OR: 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08), living with a partner (OR: 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09-0.76), residing on another island (OR: 3.57; 95% CI, 1.32-9.63), smoking (OR: 3.44; 95% CI, 1.26-9.44), diabetes (OR: 6.51; 95% CI, 1.46-29.02), history of psychiatric disorders (OR: 3.79; 95% CI, 1.31-10.93), and scores on the Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III) (OR: 0.48; 95% CI, 0.33-0.69). ConclusionsOur findings identified advanced age, living on the island of Tenerife, not being married, smoking, type 2 diabetes mellitus, history of psychiatric disorders, and low SCIM-III scores as predictive factors of referral to a long-term care centre in patients with traumatic SCI in the Canary Islands.

Effects of cortical intermittent theta burst stimulation combined with precise root stimulation on motor function after spinal cord injury: a case series study

Activation and reconstruction of the spinal cord circuitry is important for improving motor function following spinal cord injury. We conducted a case series study to investigate motor function improvement in 14 patients with chronic spinal cord injury treated with 4 weeks of unilateral (right only) cortical intermittent theta burst stimulation combined with bilateral magnetic stimulation of L3-L4 nerve roots, five times a week. Bilateral resting motor evoked potential amplitude was increased, central motor conduction time on the side receiving cortical stimulation was significantly decreased, and lower extremity motor score, Berg balance score, spinal cord independence measure-III score, and 10 m-walking speed were all increased after treatment. Right resting motor evoked potential amplitude was positively correlated with lower extremity motor score after 4 weeks of treatment. These findings suggest that cortical intermittent theta burst stimulation combined with precise root stimulation can improve nerve conduction of the corticospinal tract and lower limb motor function recovery in patients with chronic spinal cord injury.

Diffusional kurtosis imaging as a possible prognostic marker of cervical incomplete spinal cord injury outcome: a prospective pilot study.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with substantial chronic morbidity and mortality. Routine imaging techniques such as T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are not effective in predicting neurological deficiency grade or outcome. Diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) is an MR imaging technique that provides microstructural information about biological tissue. There are no longitudinal prospective studies assessing DKI metrics in acute traumatic SCI. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish a DKI protocol for acute SCI and correlate the DKI metrics to the functional neurological outcome of the patients. Eight consecutive SCI patients referred to our institution with cervical SCI were included in the study. An acute diagnostic MRI scan was supplemented with a novel fast, mean kurtosis DKI protocol, which describes the average deviation from Gaussian diffusional along nine different directions. Mean kurtosis values were measured at the injury site and normalized to the mean kurtosis values of a non-injured site. At discharge form specialized rehabilitation, patients were evaluated using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III). The DKI metrics and SCIM-III were analysed using Spearman's rank correlation. This pilot study found a significant correlation between decreasing mean kurtosis values at the injury site of the spinal cord and higher grade of disability measured by the SCIM-III (p = 0.002). This pilot study found that DKI may be a valuable tool as a prognostic marker in the acute phase of SCI.

Evolución respiratoria y motora en lesión medular cervical. Diecisiete años de experiencia en un centro de desvinculación de asistencia ventilatoria mecánica: un estudio observacional

Introduction and objectivesSpinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating entity that generates substantial disability. The outcome of respiratory and motor features has an impact in human and social well-being. We analyzed demographic characteristics, motor and respiratory outcomes, and determined equipment needs at discharge in a weaning and rehabilitation center. Material and methodObservational, descriptive and retrospective study of medical records between January 2002 and December 2018. Tracheostomised cervical SCI patients with invasive mechanical ventilation were included. Forced vital capacity (upright and supine), maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, ASIA and Spinal Cord Independence MeasureIII (SCIMIII) were obtained. ResultsOf 1603 patients, 3.5% had SCI, and 28 met the inclusion criteria. The most frequent level of injury was C4-C5 (17/28), 21/28 had ASIAA classification, and 19 showed no change in either the ASIA or the SCIM score. In all, 22/28 patients were weaned, while 15/28 were decannulated. Twenty four patients were discharged to home. The most relevant change in SCIMIII was in the 5th component of respiration and sphincter subscale, related to weaning and tracheostomy. At discharge, 23/24 patients needed both respiratory and motor aids. ConclusionsThe admission rate of SCI patients was low in our weaning and rehabilitation center, with almost all being admitted for traumatic causes. Severity remained unchanged in most ASIAA patients. Respiratory recovery was more clinically significant than recovery of motor function. Upon discharge, most of our patients had to be equipped with both respiratory and motor aids.

Spinal direct current stimulation with locomotor training in chronic spinal cord injury.

Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a non-invasive method of stimulating spinal circuits that can modulate and induce changes in corticospinal excitability (CE) in incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). A double-blinded sham controlled study of 2 male patients (A and B) with SCI was carried out. Patient A received sham and cathodal tsDCS, while Patient B received sham and anodal tsDCS. Four baselines were recorded prior to each arm of stimulation. Outcomes were then measured post each arm of stimulation; 10-meter walk test, modified ashworth scale, berg balance scale, manual muscle testing, and spinal cord independence measure-III. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, assessed motor evoked potentials. Cathodal tsDCS increased the scores in few of the outcome measures and decreased others. Anodal stimulation increased scores in all measures. Motor evoked potentials increased in post-cathode and deteriorated in post-anode. In conclusion, tsDCS modulated gait parameters, spasticity, and CE in incomplete SCI.

Advanced weight-bearing mat exercises combined with functional electrical stimulation to improve the ability of wheelchair-dependent people with spinal cord injury to transfer and attain independence in activities of daily living: a randomized controlled trial.

Randomized controlled trial. To determine the effects of advanced weight-bearing mat exercises (AWMEs) with/without functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles on the ability of wheelchair-dependent people with spinal cord injury (SCI) to transfer and attain independence in activities of daily living (ADLs). An outpatient clinic, Iran. People with traumatic chronic paraplegia (N = 16) were randomly allocated to three groups. The exercise group (EX; N = 5) performed AWMEs of quadruped unilateral reaching and tall-kneeling for 24 weeks (3 days/week). Sessions were increased from 10 min to 54 min over the 24-week period. The exercise-FES group (EX + FES; N = 5) performed AWMEs simultaneously with FES of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles. The control group performed no exercise and no FES (N = 6). The primary outcomes were the total Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III) to reflect independence with ADL, and the sum of the four SCIM-III transfer items to reflect ability to transfer. There were six other outcomes. The mean (95% CI) between-group differences of the four transfer items of the SCIM-III for the EX vs. control group was 1.8 points (0.2-3.4), and for the EX + FES vs. control group was 2 points (0.4-3.6). The equivalent differences for the total SCIM-III scores were 2.7 points (-0.6-6.0) and 4.1 points (0.8-7.4), respectively. There were no significant between-group differences for any other outcomes. Advanced weight-bearing mat exercises improve the ability of wheelchair-dependent people with SCI to transfer and attain independence in ADL.

Functional passive range of motion of individuals with chronic cervical spinal cord injury

ObjectiveFunctional passive range of motion (PROM) requirements for individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) are clinically accepted despite limited evidence defining the specific PROM needed to perform functional tasks. The objective of this investigation was to better define the minimum PROM needed for individuals with cervical SCI to achieve optimal functional ability, and as a secondary outcome gather self-reported standardized functional data via the Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III), and the Spinal Cord Injury Functional Index (SCI-FI).DesignObservational cohort.Setting128-bed rehabilitation hospital with inpatient and outpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation programs.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 29 community-dwelling individuals with chronic (greater than one year) tetraplegic SCI (C5-8) who use a wheelchair for mobility.InterventionsNone.Outcome measuresTherapist goniometric measurement of upper and lower extremity PROM, and participant completion of a demographic questionnaire and two functional self-report measures (SCIM-III and SCI-FI) were completed.ResultsCompared to the general population, differences observed in our study participants included limitations in forearm pronation and elbow extension and increased shoulder extension and wrist extension (likely related to prop sitting). Elbow hyperextension was noted in one-third of the participants. Limitations in straight leg raise, hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation, in combination with increased hip external rotation suggested these individuals with cervical SCI potentially completed activities of daily living (ADLs) in frog-sitting, rather than long-sitting. Ankle plantarflexion contractures were found in many participants. Shoulder horizontal adduction, elbow extension, hip flexion, knee flexion, ankle plantarflexion, and forefoot eversion ROM were associated with functional performance.ConclusionBased on our results healthcare providers should work with individuals with cervical SCI to develop long term PROM plans to optimize functional abilities.

Do spinal cord-injured individuals with stronger sense of coherence use different psychological defense styles?

Although the importance of sense of coherence (SOC) and psychological defense mechanisms (PDMs) in the process of coping has been demonstrated, it has not yet been clarified whether individuals with stronger SOC use specific PDMs. Demographic and injury-related variables including injury level, time since injury, American Spinal Cord Association (ASIA) Scale and Spinal cord independence measure-III were collected among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). SOC was assessed by the Short-form Sense of Coherence Scale. PDMs were identified using 40-version of the Defense Style Questionnaire. Neurotic defense style was the most commonly used style especially. The overall most commonly used PDM was ‘rationalization’, which was used by 95%. Individuals with stronger SOC used more mature style ( P = 0.001, r = 0.52), particularly ‘humor’ and ‘suppression’ mechanisms (Po0.0001 and 0.024, respectively). There was a negative correlation between stronger SOC and the use of immature defenses including passive aggression ( P = 0.001, r = −0.51), acting out ( P = 0.001, r = −0.48), isolation ( P = 0.009, r = −0.50), autistic fantasy ( P = 0.010, r = −0.30) and somatization (Po0.0001, r = −0.62). Married individuals had significantly stronger SOC ( P = 0.01). Age, gender, age at the time of injury incidence, time since injury, ASIA score and cause of injury were not determinants of SOC. In this study, PDMs, which are more probable to be used by individuals with stronger SOC, have been identified. Mature defenses including ‘humor’ and ‘suppression’ are used by stronger SOC more often, whereas immature mechanisms are less likely to be used.

Effectiveness of Activity-Based Therapy in Comparison with Surface Spinal Stimulation in People with Traumatic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury for Activation of Central Pattern Generator for Locomotion: Study Protocol for a 24-Week Randomized Controlled Trial.

Study DesignA multi-centric randomized controlled trial to be conducted at two sites, department of phyhysiotherapypy, Punjabi University, Patiala and rehabilitation department, Indian Spinal Injury Centre, New Delhi, India.PurposeTo determine the effectiveness of activity-based therapy in comparison with surface spinal stimulation (SSS) in traumatic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) with special reference to locomotion—a central pattern generator controlled function.Overview of LiteratureA major goal for many patients after SCI is to regain the function of locomotion. It is crucial that rehabilitation strives to maximize locomotor ability and functional recovery after SCI. Experimental evidence of improvement in stepping and motor control after activity-based training in animal models and human SCI has been translated into clinical neuro-rehabilitation.MethodsControl group participants will undertake an intensive 24-week duration thrice weekly program of activity-based therapy. In addition to this the participants in experimental group will also receive a session of 45 minutes of SSS on thrice weekly basis. The primary analysis for our study will be at 24 weeks. Linear regression will be used to determine the mean between-group differences and 95% confidence interval for all continuous outcomes using baseline scores and group allocation as covariates.Results The primary outcome measure is improvement in the level of walking index for SCI-II. The secondary outcome measures are modified Ashworth scale, Penn spasm frequency score, spinal cord independence measure-III, SCI functional ambulation inventory, Hoffman’s reflex, somatosensory evoked potential, and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale scores.ConclusionsAn insight into training-induced mechanisms will be of great importance to fine tune such combined treatments and vindicate their efficacy in restoration of locomotion and functional activities in individuals with SCI.

Influence of Activity Based Therapy and Surface Spinal Stimulation on Spinal Cord Integrity for Locomotion and Neurological Recovery in Patients with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Series from India.

Objective: To determine the effects of activity-based therapy (ABT) and surface spinal stimulation (SSS) on spinal cord integrity for locomotion and neurological recovery in people with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Method: Sample of adults (n = 5, men, mean age 28.6 years) with motor-incomplete (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade C or D) SCI injury. Interventions were conducted as thrice weekly sessions, total of 9 hours per week, consisting of non-invasive SSS and ABT for a period of 24 weeks including developmental sequences; resistance training; repetitive, patterned, rhythmic motor activity, task-specific activities, and locomotor training using body weight support treadmill training. Neurological function (International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury), the somatosensory evoked potential for tibial nerve, walking index for spinal cord injury, spinal cord injury functional ambulatory index (SCI-FAI), and spinal cord independence measure-III. Results: Significant improvements in neurologic function were noted for lower limb motor scores, pin prick, light touch sensations, gait parameter, 2-minute walk test, and the total score of SCI-FAI. Conclusions: ABT and surface spinal stimulation have the potential to influence the spinal cord integrity in individuals with chronic, motor-incomplete SCI. However, a larger sample size is required to be studied for further understanding and leads to gain insights into meaningful clinical benefits.

Despite limitations in content range, the SCIM-III is reproducible and a valid indicator of physical function in youths with spinal cord injury and dysfunction.

Multi-center, repeated measures OBJECTIVES: Evaluate psychometric properties of the SCIM-III in children. Seven facilities in North America METHODS: One-hundred and twenty-seven youths, mean age of 10.8 years and chronic spinal cord injury/dysfunction completed two administrations of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III). Mean, standard deviation, range values were calculated for SCIM-III total and subscales for the entire sample, four age groups and injury characteristics. Test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and floor and ceiling effects were examined. Total SCIM-III and self-care (SC) subscale scores for the youngest age group were lower than those for the three older age groups. There were statistically significant differences in SC subscale scores between neurological level (NL) C5-T1 and T2 -T12; C5-T1 and L1-S4/5; and T2-T12 and L1-S4/5 and in in-room, and indoor/outdoor mobility subscale scores between C1-C4 and T2-T12; C1-C4 and L1-S4/5; C5-T1 and T2-T12; C5-T1 and L1-S4/5; and T2-T12 and L1-S4/5. All scores between motor complete and motor incomplete differed. Test-retest reliability was good (ICC values = > 0.84) and there was moderate to strong correlation between SCIM-III and the FIM® Instrument (r = 0.77-0.92). Ceiling effects were present in the SC subscale for the oldest age group (24%) and for NL L1-S4/5 (35.5%) and in in-room mobility subscale for 6-12 (45.7%), 13-15 (30.43%) and 16-17 (60%) ages, paraplegia (42.4%), tetraplegia (37.1%), incomplete injuries (50%), and T2-T12 (38%) and L1-S4/5 (100%) NL. Despite limitations in content range, the SCIM-III is reproducible, and a valid indicator of physical functioning in youth with SCI/D 6 years of age and older. The study was funded by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, Spinal Cord Injury Research on the Translation Spectrum, Senior Research Award Grant #282592 (Mulcahey, PI).

Study on the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Game-Based Training on Balance and Functional Performance in Individuals with Paraplegia.

Objective: To determine whether there is any difference between virtual reality game-based balance training and real-world task-specific balance training in improving sitting balance and functional performance in individuals with paraplegia. Methods: The study was a pre test-post test experimental design. There were 30 participants (28 males, 2 females) with traumatic spinal cord injury randomly assigned to 2 groups (group A and B). The levels of spinal injury of the participants were between T6 and T12. The virtual reality game-based balance training and real-world task-specific balance training were used as interventions in groups A and B, respectively. The total duration of the intervention was 4 weeks, with a frequency of 5 times a week; each training session lasted 45 minutes. The outcome measures were modified Functional Reach Test (mFRT), t-shirt test, and the self-care component of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III). Results: There was a significant difference for time (p = .001) and Time × Group effect (p = .001) in mFRT scores, group effect (p = .05) in t-shirt test scores, and time effect (p = .001) in the self-care component of SCIM-III. Conclusions: Virtual reality game-based training is better in improving balance and functional performance in individuals with paraplegia than real-world task-specific balance training.

Non-invasive brain stimulation and robot-assisted gait training after incomplete spinal cord injury: A randomized pilot study.

Locomotor training with a robot-assisted gait orthosis (LT-RGO) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are interventions that can significantly enhance motor performance after spinal cord injury (SCI). No studies have investigated whether combining these interventions enhances lower extremity motor function following SCI. Determine whether active tDCS paired with LT-RGO improves lower extremity motor function more than a sham condition, in subjects with motor incomplete SCI. Fifteen adults with SCI received 36 sessions of either active (n = 9) or sham (n = 6) tDCS (20 minutes) preceding LT-RGO (1 hour). Outcome measures included manual muscle testing (MMT; primary outcome measure); 6-Minute Walk Test (6MinWT); 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT); Timed Up and Go Test (TUG); Berg Balance Scale (BBS); and Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III). MMT showed significant improvements after active tDCS, with the most pronounced improvement in the right lower extremity. 10MWT, 6MinWT, and BBS showed improvement for both groups. TUG and SCIM-III showed improvement only for the sham tDCS group. Pairing tDCS with LT-RGO can improve lower extremity motor function more than LT-RGO alone. Future research with a larger sample size is recommended to determine longer-term effects on motor function and activities of daily living.

Acute spinal cord injury patients' satisfaction with care: Results from an intervention study in a specialized rehabilitation unit.

To assess satisfaction with care in acute spinal cord injury patients admitted to a specialized rehabilitation unit prior and after a tailored training in communication skills for the staff, the Picker Patient Experience-33 ((1) Content of the information, (2) Quality of the information, and (3) Quality of the relationship), the Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered. The more troublesome dimension regarding patients' satisfaction was content of the information, with 88.37 and 91.43 percent (pre/post-intervention) reporting problems with information provided concerning their rights, and 51.15 and 58.72 percent (pre/post-intervention) with the information received at discharge. Overall, functionality (Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III) improved at discharge, but Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale pre/post-scores revealed to be high.

Do spinal cord-injured individuals with stronger sense of coherence use different psychological defense styles?

Although the importance of sense of coherence (SOC) and psychological defense mechanisms (PDMs) in the process of coping has been demonstrated, it has not yet been clarified whether individuals with stronger SOC use specific PDMs. Cross-sectional. Iran. Demographic and injury-related variables including injury level, time since injury, American Spinal Cord Association (ASIA) Scale and Spinal cord independence measure-III were collected among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). SOC was assessed by the Short-form Sense of Coherence Scale. PDMs were identified using 40-version of the Defense Style Questionnaire. Neurotic defense style was the most commonly used style especially. The overall most commonly used PDM was 'rationalization', which was used by 95%. Individuals with stronger SOC used more mature style (P=0.001, r=0.52), particularly 'humor' and 'suppression' mechanisms (P<0.0001 and 0.024, respectively). There was a negative correlation between stronger SOC and the use of immature defenses including passive aggression (P=0.001, r=-0.51), acting out (P=0.001, r=-0.48), isolation (P=0.009, r=-0.50), autistic fantasy (P=0.010, r=-0.30) and somatization (P<0.0001, r=-0.62). Married individuals had significantly stronger SOC (P=0.01). Age, gender, age at the time of injury incidence, time since injury, ASIA score and cause of injury were not determinants of SOC. In this study, PDMs, which are more probable to be used by individuals with stronger SOC, have been identified. Mature defenses including 'humor' and 'suppression' are used by stronger SOC more often, whereas immature mechanisms are less likely to be used.