Ambulation and Spinal Cord Injury

• Published in: Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America Vol. 24; no. 2; pp. 355 - 370
• Main Authors: Hardin, Elizabeth C., PhD, Kobetic, Rudi, MSBE, Triolo, Ronald J., PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-05-2013
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Ambulation; Gait - physiology; Gait Disorders, Neurologic - etiology; Gait Disorders, Neurologic - physiopathology; Gait Disorders, Neurologic - rehabilitation; Humans; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Rehabilitation; Spinal Cord Injuries - complications; Spinal Cord Injuries - physiopathology; Spinal Cord Injuries - rehabilitation; Spinal cord injury; Stimulation; Treadmill; Walking; Walking - physiology; Walking; Stimulation; Rehabilitation; Spinal cord injury; Treadmill; Ambulation
• ISSN: 1047-9651; 1558-1381
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2012.11.002

Walking is possible for many patients with a spinal cord injury. Avenues enabling walking include braces, robotics and FES. Among the benefits are improved musculoskeletal and mental health, however unrealistic expectations may lead to negative changes in quality of life. Use rigorous assessment standards to gauge the improvement of walking during the rehabilitation process, but also yearly. Continued walking after discharge may be limited by challenges, such as lack of accessibility in and outside the home, and complications, such as shoulder pain or injuries from falls. It is critical to determine the risks and benefits of walking for each patient.