Neuromuscular: Spinal Cord Injury: Locomotor Training

Question 1

Midthoracic Lesions T6-T9

Answer 1

• Short distance ambulation
• Requires bilateral knee ankle foot orthosis+crutches
• Swing to gait pattern
• May prefer standing devices/standing wheel chairs

Question 2

High lumbar Lesions T12-L3

Answer 2

• Requires bilateral knee ankle foot orthosis + crutches
• Swing through or four point gait pattern
• May use reciprocating gait orthosis with walker
• Wheel chair for community

Question 3

Low Lumbar Lesions L4-L5

Answer 3

• Bilateral Ankle foot orthosis+crutches or canes

Question 4

Locomotor training for patients with incomplete lesions:

Treadmill training using body weight support: Indications

Answer 4

• Incomplete injuries

- ASIA B,C, or D

Question 5

Locomotor training for patients with incomplete lesions:

Treadmill training using body weight support: Dosing

Answer 5

• High intensity and frequency
• 4-5 days per week
• 20-30 minutes
• 8-12 weeks

Question 6

Locomotor training for patients with incomplete lesions:

Treadmill training using body weight support: Progression

Answer 6

• Decrease body weight support
• Increase Treadmill speed
• Eliminate manual assistance
• Progress to overground locomotor training for community ambulation