Psychosocial Aspects of SCI and Locomotion after SCI Flashcards
What is a common musculoskeletal consideration in an older individual with a chronic SCI and the use of a wheelchair?
shoulder pain
Example of shoulder pain outcome measure for wheelchair users:
Wheelchair User’s Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI)
- Self-report measure of shoulder pain experienced during functional activities, designed for individuals who use manual wheelchairs.
- Consists of 15 questions, each scored using the 10-point, ordinal visual
analog scale (VAS) with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating the worst
pain. - The maximum score is 150, with higher scores reflecting worse pain.
- If the patient does not perform an activity, there is the option to choose “not
performed.”
CATEGORIES:
-transfers
-self-care (ADLs)
-wheelchair mobility
-general activities
When we discuss a patient’s function, we identify them by their level that is/isn’t functionally innervated.
Select the correct response: is or isn’t
is
What ISNSCI levels have the best prediction for recovery of walking?
AIS C and D - 84% demonstrated recovery of walking
Walking recovery prediction LEMS < or equal to 20
limited ambulators, slow walking velocities, higher heart rates, higher energy expenditure
Walking recovery prediction LEMS > or equal to 30
community ambulators
How many ppl initially classified as AIS A convert to AIS B or AIS C?
10% convert to B
10% convert to C
80% remain complete
** when initial neuro exam is completed within first 72 hours post injury
AIS B and pin prick for walking recovery
pinprick preservation may demonstrate better walking recovery *sparing of motor tracts
AIS C percentage predicted to recover walking ability
75% expected to recover SOME walking function
-does not account for LE bracing and assistive devices
AIS D percentage predicted to recover some walking ability
100%
-with exam 72 hours post-injury
Why does time matter in regards to recovery of walking ability in those with SCI?
Reactive plasticity may be more sensitive in acute vs. chronic stages of recovery
-more potential for plastic changes to occur during acute SCI compared to chronic
-3 month delayed step training in rats → less effective than
initiated shortly after injury
- Acute SCI > Improvements in locomotor function, dec. tissue loss
caudal to lesion, inc. allodynia
-degree and mag of change is greatest closest to injury onset
CPR using S1 dermatome to predict independent walking following SCI
In the whole validation dataset, normal pinprick sensation bilaterally at S1 had a PPV of 86% (95% CI = 82–89%) for independent walking.
Any pinprick sensation unilaterally at S1 had a PPV of 76% (95% CI = 74–79%) for independent walking.
The absence of pinprick sensation unilaterally at S1 had a NPV of 83% (95% CI = 82–85%) for independent walking. (8 out of 10 will not endorse independent walking)
- can use our CPR to predict – within 31 days after SCI – who is likely to recover independent walking one year after traumatic SCI.
Extrinsic factors that impact recovery of walking
motor learning
motor relearning
electrical stimulation
pharmacology
Neural control of locomotion
1.) Sensory input to the spinal cord
2.) afferent input to supraspinal centers
<spinal>
3.) Efferent output to spinal centers
4.) Motor output to locomotor muscles
when there is injury to brain or SC--> strengthen what is preserved and what is remaining --> interneurons within SC can still help to relay information regarding locomotion
**supraspinal input is NOT required for walking function
</spinal>
Sensory afferents drive motor output
- Interneuronal spinal networks can be influenced by afferent input.
- With REPETITIVE presentation of
specific sensory information, the
spinal cord can integrate sensory
information and can adapt in a task
specific manner.
-Repetitive training can facilitate the functional re-integration of available supraspinal pathways
Foundational development of locomotor training
CAT STUDY
-training and task specificity matters
-cat did not have any supraspinal input from brain although the cat was able to increase motor skill acquisition of stepping and walking over time; increased coordination with stepping over time too
Relationship between stepping and automaticity of certain muscles
-when compared to knee extension and multi-joint movements, there was a much greater automatic turning on and off of muscles during stepping
** most EMG activity seen with stepping
Relationship between gait speed and EMG activity
-EMG amplitude increases and burst duration decreases with faster stepping speeds independent of supraspinal influence
-the SC interprets velocity-dependent afferent input during stepping
-stepping faster increases mm. activity and improves locomotor patterns
How load affects walking in those recovering from SCI
-SC interprets limb loading during stepping
-EMG amplitude increases with higher limb loading independent of supraspinal influence
-weight-bearing increases muscle activity and improves locomotor patterns
Guiding principles for locomotor training in individuals recovering from SCI
-maximize WB on the legs
-optimize sensory cues appropriate for motor task
-optimize kinematics for each motor task
-maximize recovery strategies, minimize compensatory strategies