Objectives To assess perceived levels of community reintegration, and examine whether self-efficacy relates to community reintegration among persons with a TSCI. Design A cross-sectional exploratory survey. Settings Cape Metropolitan Area. Western Cape Province, South Africa. Participants A hundred and eight (108) conveniently selected community-dwelling adults between the ages of 19 and 71 years old

Objective To describe the clinical features and disease course of COVID-19 in veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design Case series of consecutive veterans with SCI treated at a single center. Setting SCI Unit at an urban Veterans Administration hospital at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Participants Seven SCI veterans with confirmed COVID-19 infection by PCR; all veterans were

Context This scoping review examines the current research on the effect of cannabis upon pain intensity in spinal cord injury (SCI) pain. Chronic pain is a significant secondary condition following SCI, and traditional treatments (e.g. opioids, NSAIDs) are often criticized for providing inadequate relief. As a result, there is increasing interest in and use of cannabis and cannabinoid-based medications

Study design Pre- and post- trial. Objectives To determine the changes of health belief levels after a pressure ulcer (PrU) prevention educational program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) Setting Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Centre, Malaysia. Methods This study was conducted between May 2016 and May 2018. We created a multidisciplinary structured PrU prevention education

Objectives This study aims to investigate the association between self-reported accessibility and engagement with health services and places in the community, and quality of life (QOL) for people with spinal cord damage (SCD). Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Community. Participants Two-hundred and sixty-six people with a SCD residing in Australia (Mage  = 62.34, SDage  = 15.95). Outcome Measure

Context The emergence of COVID-19 caused a new public health crisis, leading to major changes in daily life routines, often including physical activity (PA) levels. The main goal of this study was to analyze the differences in self-reported physical activity of people with complete spinal cord injuries between the time prior to the COVID-19 lockdown and the lockdown period itself. Methods A sample

Objectives To determine circulating levels of antibodies (IgA, IgM, IgG1-4) in individuals with SCI as compared to uninjured individuals. Study Design Prospective, observational study. Setting Outpatient clinic of a Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and research institute in an academic medical center. Participants Individuals with chronic (≥ 1 year from injury) SCI and uninjured individuals

Objective To investigate the effects of an 8-week walking training program on glycemic control, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Design A pilot, single-group, pretest-posttest study. Setting A neuromuscular research laboratory. Participants Eleven participants with chronic SCI. Intervention An 8-week walking training program using a treadmill

Objective: To analyze the changes in demographic and lesion characteristics of persons with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (ATSCI) above T6 over a period of 20 years, and to evaluate their impact on ICU resources use, length of stay and mortality. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the University Hospital Complex of A Coruña, Spain. Participants: The

(2020). More holistic assessment of research renews perspective on journal metrics. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine: Vol. 43, No. 6, pp. 773-774.

Objective Traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) has implications in many areas, including cognitive functioning. Findings regarding cognitive problems in people with SCI are inconsistent, presumably due to multiple variables than can affect performance, among them emotional variables. The purpose of the current study was to elucidate cognitive sequalae in some individuals with tSCI with no medical record

Context Botulinum Toxin type A (BTX-A) has historically been used as a treatment to reduce spasticity. However, its potential to treat neuropathic pain is increasingly being recognized in the literature. This clinical review examines the evidence regarding the use of BTX-A in directly treating neuropathic pain in the spinal cord injured population. Methods An electronic literature search was conducted

Objective To validate the WHOQOL Scales (WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-DIS module) for people with spinal cord injury in Mainland China. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center. Participants 249 adults with SCI who were admitted to a rehabilitation training program between 2017 and 2019. Interventions Not applicable. Methods Questionnaires about personal and injury characteristics

Objective To evaluate test-retest reliability, agreement, and convergent validity of the Lean-and-Release test for the assessment of reactive stepping among individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury or disease (iSCI/D). Design Multi-center cross-sectional multiple test design. Setting SCI/D rehabilitation hospital and biomechanics laboratory. Participants Individuals with motor incomplete SCI/D

Context: Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) often require tracheostomy as an immediate life-saving measure. Successful decannulation, or removal of the tracheostomy, improves patient quality of life, function, and physical appearance and is considered an important rehabilitative milestone for SCI patients. Objective: We sought to synthesize the existing published literature on SCI patients undergoing

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of rotator cuff and long head of the biceps pathologies in manual wheelchair (MWC) users with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Outpatient clinic at a tertiary medical center. Participants: Forty-four adult MWC users with SCI (36 men and 8 women) with an average age (SD) of 42 (13) years. SCI levels ranged from C6 to L1; complete

Context: A patient followed in the outpatient spinal cord injury support clinic at a VA Medical Center with a prior remote history of a gunshot wound to the back and multiple prior myelograms presented with a recurrent waxing and waning weakness of the left lower extremity and intermittent incontinence of bowel and bladder. Findings: During the evaluation, the patient experienced an immediate albeit

Objective: In wheelchair rugby (WR) athletes with tetraplegia, wheelchair performance may be impaired due to (partial) loss of innervation of upper extremity and trunk muscles, and low blood pressure (BP). The objective was to assess the effects of electrical stimulation (ES)-induced co-contraction of trunk muscles on trunk stability, arm force/power, BP, and WR performance. Design: Cross-sectional

Context/objective: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) develops soon after cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) at rates higher than the general population, but the mechanisms are not understood. This study aimed to determine whether OSA in SCI is associated with altered pharyngeal muscle dilatory mechanics during quiet breathing, as has been observed in the non-SCI injured with obstructive sleep apnoea. Design:

Context/Objective: Provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) potentially increase insurance options for Veterans with disabilities. We examined Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) to assess whether the ACA was associated with changes in healthcare utilization from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare facilities. Design: Using national VA data, we investigated impacts

Context: Osteoporosis is a known complication in spinal cord injury patients and can result in an increased risk of fractures and associated morbidity. Bone demineralization is most common in long bones below the level of injury. The pathogenesis is complex and not fully understood. Findings: We present the case of a 65-year-old male with chronic spinal cord injury who was found to have multiple vertebral

Context: Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with neurogenic bladder and the inability to self-catheterize may require incontinent diversion to provide low-pressure drainage while avoiding the use of indwelling catheters. We demonstrate that in patients with significant functional improvement, the ileovesicostomy can be a reversible form of diversion, with simultaneous bladder augmentation using the

Context: Detrusor underactivity (DUA) in women can result in urinary retention and the need for chronic bladder drainage management. Without a cure for urinary retention due to DUA, treatment options are focused on effective bladder drainage most often by intermittent or continuous catheter drainage. The inFlow intraurethral valve pump was FDA approved for use in women with this condition in 2014.

Objective: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has beneficial effects on metabolism as well as the peripheral and central nervous systems. The aim of this study was to assess the response of serum BDNF concentration ([BDNF]s) to wheelchair half marathon race in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: The 34th Oita International Wheelchair Marathon

Objective: To assess incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) among patients with recent spinal cord injury (SCI) who initiated intermittent catheterization (IC). Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Two European SCI rehabilitation centers. Participants: Seventy-three consecutive patients with recent SCI who initiated IC. Outcome measures: Incidence of UTI, using six different definitions

Objectives: Chronic ventilator dependency in cervical tetraplegia is associated with substantial morbidity. When non-invasive weaning methods have failed the primary surgical treatment is diaphragm pacing. Phrenic nerve integrity and diaphragm motor units are requirements for effective pacing but may need to be restored for successful weaning. A surgical algorithm that includes: 1. Diaphragm pacing

Objective: To conduct a per-protocol analysis on thigh muscle volume outcomes from the Spinal Cord Injury and Physical Activity (SCIPA) Switch-On Trial. Design: Secondary analysis from an assessor-blind randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Four acute/sub-acute hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. Participants: 24 adults (1 female) within four weeks of motor complete or incomplete spinal cord injury

Context/objective: To identify themes of interest for the production of educational resources for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: A mixed-method study. Setting: Outpatient SCI community in Australia. Participants: Individuals with a SCI, or carers, family & friends of people who live with a SCI (n = 116). Interventions: Not applicable. Outcome measures: Quantify themes of interest perceived

(2020). Exceeding expectations: My journey with the “smallest big journal”. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine: Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 561-562.

(2020). Caring for people with spinal cord injury in the time of COVID-19: Redefining the meaning of “essential”. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine: Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 563-564.

(2020). Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Annual Conference: ASCIP One Vision Online September 12, 13, 21, and 22, 2020 Platform Presentations 1–31. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine: Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 723-748.

(2020). Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals 2020 Educational Conference: ASCIP One Vision Online September 12, 13, 21, and 22, 2020 Poster Presentations P1–P30. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine: Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 749-771.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the experiences of patients and their partners about their sexual lives after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Design: This qualitative study was based on Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Setting: The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic of a city hospital in the Central Anatolia Region in Turkey. Participants: The study consisted

Context: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the US. There is paucity of data regarding CRC and the spinal cord injury (SCI) community. Persons with SCI have suboptimal rates of colonoscopies and face extensive barriers to care. The aim of our study was to compare CRC mortality in persons with SCI to CRC mortality in the general population. Design: A prospective

Objective: This study aims to describe United States military veteran participation in adaptive sports and to assess the demographic make-up and organizational characteristics of existing adaptive sports programs. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional survey. Setting: Community organizations with adaptive sports programs. Participants: 85 adaptive sports programs. Interventions: Nine question survey

Context: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a frequent complication of spinal cord injury, is occasionally caused by neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO). In most cases of NHO, the hip joint is affected. Herein, we present a case of paraplegia following radiation-induced myelopathy that presented with left leg swelling due to DVT in the common iliac vein (CIV) caused by venous compression by NHO on the

Objective: To develop a feasible protocol for testing maximum shoulder rotation strength in tetraplegic wheelchair athletes, and investigate concurrent validity of maximum isometric handheld dynamometer (HHD) towards maximum isokinetic dynamometer (ID) strength measurements; secondly, to study shoulder muscle activation during maximum shoulder rotation measurements, and the association between shoulder

Context/Objectives: Various clinical application of the five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), with or without hands, may confound the outcomes to determine the lower limb functions and mobility of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study assessed the concurrent validity of the FTSST in ambulatory individuals with SCI who completed the test with or without hands as verified using standard

Objective: To determine the routine turning frequency of persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) in bed at night in their home environment. Design: An online questionnaire consisting of 22 questions. Setting: Free standing SCI rehabilitation facility. Participants: Persons between ages 18–75 with a traumatic SCI for ≥3 months, and living at home. Interventions: None. Outcome measures: Questionnaire-based

Objective The purpose of this study is to describe a population of individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), who underwent lower limb amputations, identify indications for amputations, medical co-morbidities and summarize resulting complications and functional changes. Design Retrospective observational cohort study. Setting: SCI Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System

Objective: To determine the routine turning frequency of persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) in bed at night in their home environment. Design: An online questionnaire consisting of 22 questions. Setting: Free standing SCI rehabilitation facility. Participants: Persons between ages 18-75 with a traumatic SCI for ≥3 months, and living at home. Interventions: None. Outcome measures: Questionnaire-based

Context: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a frequent complication of spinal cord injury, is occasionally caused by neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO). In most cases of NHO, the hip joint is affected. Herein, we present a case of paraplegia following radiation-induced myelopathy that presented with left leg swelling due to DVT in the common iliac vein (CIV) caused by venous compression by NHO on the

Objective: This study aims to describe United States military veteran participation in adaptive sports and to assess the demographic make-up and organizational characteristics of existing adaptive sports programs. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional survey. Setting: Community organizations with adaptive sports programs. Participants: 85 adaptive sports programs. Interventions: Nine question survey

Context/Objectives: Various clinical application of the five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), with or without hands, may confound the outcomes to determine the lower limb functions and mobility of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study assessed the concurrent validity of the FTSST in ambulatory individuals with SCI who completed the test with or without hands as verified using standard

Objective: To develop a feasible protocol for testing maximum shoulder rotation strength in tetraplegic wheelchair athletes, and investigate concurrent validity of maximum isometric handheld dynamometer (HHD) towards maximum isokinetic dynamometer (ID) strength measurements; secondly, to study shoulder muscle activation during maximum shoulder rotation measurements, and the association between shoulder

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to describe a population of individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), who underwent lower limb amputations, identify indications for amputations, medical co-morbidities and summarize resulting complications and functional changes. DESIGN Retrospective observational cohort study. Setting: SCI Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System

Objective: Wheelchair safety is of great importance since falls from wheelchairs are prevalent and often have devastating consequences. We developed an automatic system to detect destabilizing events during wheelchair propulsion under real-world conditions and trigger neural stimulation to stiffen the trunk to maintain seated postures of users with paralysis. Design: Cross-over intervention Setting:

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of overground locomotor training (OLT) on walking endurance and gastrocnemius oxygen extraction in people with chronic cervical motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Prospective single-arm pre–post pilot study. Setting: Human Performance Research Laboratory. Participants: Adult men with traumatic chronic cervical SCI (n = 6;

Objective: To determine the test-retest reliability of quantitative and qualitative baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) parameters derived from the Valsalva maneuver (VM) in individuals with traumatic cervical SCI. Design: Test-retest reliability. Setting: Tertiary rehabilitation center. Participants: Fourteen participants with cervical SCI (ranging from C3-C8 neurological level). Outcome Measurements: Beat-to-beat

Objective: To compare neurological and functional outcomes, and complications of patients with neoplastic vs traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) after in-patient rehabilitation. Design: This study is a retrospective analysis. Setting: In-patient rehabilitation unit of a tertiary research hospital. Participants: A total of 252 patients with a SCI were included; 43 with neoplastic SCI (mean age: 60.9 ± 15

Objective: To describe epidemiological features of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and to conduct a comparison with data from 2002. Design: Retrospective research. Setting: China Rehabilitation Research Center (CRRC), Beijing. Methods: Five hundred and ninety patients with TSCI were admitted to the CRRC from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2019. We collected data on sex, age, marital status,

Objective: To assess the unmediated association between neurological impairment and quality of life (QoL) among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), in the context of both early post-acute and long-term rehabilitation settings. Design: An observational prospective cross-sectional study. Setting: Two neurological rehabilitation centers, specializing in spinal cord injury, within a university hospital

Objective: To analyze the impact of lower extremity deep sensory impairment on the walking capability of patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Spinal Injuries Center, Fukuoka, Japan. Participants: Patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury who were transferred to the Spinal Injuries Center within 2 weeks of injury and whose progress

(2020). Reflecting the spirit of early pioneers in spinal cord research: The Bors Award for Scientific Development. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine: Vol. 43, No. 4, pp. 419-420.

Context: Little is understood about differences in resting neural activity among those with spinal cord injury (SCI)-related neuropathic pain. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine resting cerebral blood flow differences in persons with SCI-related neuropathic pain compared to healthy, pain-free able-bodied controls. Methods: Five persons with paraplegia and ten able-bodied participants

Objectives: We aimed to explore barriers to discussing sexual health with spinal cord injured (SCI) patients as perceived by health care professionals, to determine interest and preferences regarding further education in sexual health, and to assess the perceived need for an inpatient Sexual Health Team. Design: Pre and post surveys were completed by attendees following a 1–2 hour educational session

Context/Objective: This is a preliminary study of movement finalities prediction in manual wheelchairs (MWCs) from electromyography (EMG) data. MWC users suffer from musculoskeletal disorders and need assistance while moving. The purpose of this work is to predict the direction and speed of movement in MWCs from EMG data prior to movement initiation. This prediction could be used by MWC to assist users

Context: Physical activity has been beneficial to health, functional independence and quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury. However, there is no consensus concerning the effects of community-based upper-body exercise for people with paraplegia who use a manual wheelchair. Objective: Conduct a systematic review of evidence of upper-body exercise effects able to be developed in a community-setting

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine variables predictive of post-SCI return to employment and current employment among a large cohort of veterans with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) treated within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) SCI System of Care. Design: Cross sectional analysis of data obtained during in-person baseline interviews and follow-up phone interviews. Setting: Seven

Objective: Spinal cord injury often leads to the loss of penile sensation, and severely affects the individual’s sexual function. The present study aimed to restore the penile sensory pathway through end-to-side dorsal root (DR) transfer neurorrhaphy in rats, and preliminarily verified the feasibility of the operation. Design: 40 male adult Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups. In the