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

Context: To identify VA and non-VA Emergency Department (ED) and hospital utilization by veterans with spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D) in California. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: VA and Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) in California. Participants: Total 300 veterans admitted to the study VA SCI/D Center for initial rehabilitations from 01/01/1999

Context: Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is an extramedullary form of proliferating myeloblasts. It is frequently reported in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but rarely in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Spinal cord compression caused by CML-associated GS is exceedingly rare, with only few cases reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in which

Objective: Determine the prevalence of lateral epicondylosis (LE) of the dominant elbow in manual wheelchair users based on ultrasound assessment and physical exam. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional. Setting: National Veteran Wheelchair Games 2018 and 2019 (event medical services). Participants: Manual wheelchair users who attended the National Veteran Wheelchair Games (n = 87). Interventions: Participants

Context: Tethered cord syndrome is a progressive condition usually diagnosed early in life, and leads to a diversity of manifestations including neurologic, urologic, and orthopedic dysfunction. Findings: We report two cases of tethered cord syndrome associated with a unilaterally absent sural sensory response on nerve conduction studies while other causes of this finding being excluded. Conclusion/clinical

Objective: To assess the association between ibuprofen use and the systemic inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Study design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Community dwelling individuals with SCI. Participants: 338 (278 male, 60 female) community dwelling individuals with chronic SCI (≥1-year post-injury). Interventions:

Objective: The majority of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience chronic pain. Chronic pain can be difficult to manage because of variability in the underlying pain mechanisms. More insight regarding the relationship between pain and physical activity (PA) is necessary to understand pain responses during PA. The objective of this study is to explore possible relationships between PA

Objective: Compare the gut microbiome composition among individuals with acute spinal cord injury (A-SCI), long-standing SCI (L-SCI), vs. able-bodied (AB) controls. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Participants: Seven adults with A-SCI (36 ± 12 years, 2F/5M, C4-T10, and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] A–D), 25 with L-SCI (46 ± 13

Context/objective: At present, there is no consensus on the most effective surgical method for treating symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Total laminectomy, which is frequently used at this time, destroys the posterior midline structure, causing many postoperative complications. We have designed a new surgical approach instead of total laminectomy. In this paper, we aimed to describe the surgical

Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in persons with SCI. While macrovascular remodeling and function after SCI is well documented, changes in the microvascular structure and function are comparably understudied, but importantly predict CVD risk. Specifically, the integrity of venoarteriolar (VAR), myogenic (MYO) and maximal vasodilation responses are largely unknown

Objective: Acupuncture combined with moxibustion (AM) therapy has been applied to treat spinal cord injury (SCI), but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The present study aimed to confirm the effect and mechanism of AM treatment on the recovery of SCI.Design: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish the SCI model by impact method. SCI rat models were subjected to AM treatment at Dazhui (GV14)

Objective: To determine the relationship between physical findings, wheelchair sitting time, and interface pressure on ischial region in subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI).Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: Rehabilitation center in Japan.Participants: Manual wheelchair users with chronic SCI (n = 45).Interventions: Pressure ulcers (PU) were diagnosed by inspection, palpation, and ultrasonography

Context/objective: Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) are well recognized after spinal injury. There are no published rehabilitation efficacy studies to date. This study explored viability and outcomes of swallowing rehabilitation programs for four patients with persisting dysphagia.Design: Prospective, quantitative experimental longitudinal case series.Setting: Spinal rehabilitation unit or patients'

Context/Objective: Following a spinal cord injury or disability (SCI/D), cognitive appraisals are a marker of psychological adjustment. The present study evaluated the clinical utility and discriminant validity of the Appraisals of DisAbility Primary and Secondary Scale - Short Form (ADAPSS-sf). The ADAPSS-sf was evaluated on 1. identification of individuals experiencing poor psychological adjustment

Spasticity is one of the most common secondary impairment after spinal cord injury (SCI). It can lead to an increase in the level of disability. The functional electrical stimulation cycling (FES-cycling) promotes recovery in patients with SCI. No systematic review has been published examining the influence of FES-cycling on the spasticity of lower extremities post-SCI.Objective: This review aimed

Objective: To carry out a study of non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) epidemiology in IrelandDesign: Prospective study of all new incident cases of NTSCI during 2017Setting: Republic of IrelandParticipants: All persons with a newly acquired NTSCIInterventions: NoneOutcome measures: Crude and age/sex specific incidences; ISCoS core dataset and non-traumatic dataset; population denominator was

Objective: To compare outcomes using a wheelchair back designed to support the natural seated spinal curves versus an upholstered back that promotes posterior pelvic tilt and thoracolumbar kyphosis.Design: Cross-over intervention.Setting: Two free-standing spinal cord injury (SCI) model system hospitals.Participants: Fifty adults with motor complete SCI C6-T4, between the ages of 18-60 years who use

Objective: To determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: A department of a university hospital in Japan.Participants: This study included 57 patients (OPLL, n = 10; non-OPLL, n = 47) treated for acute cervical SCI between January

Objective: To determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: A department of a university hospital in Japan. Participants: This study included 57 patients (OPLL, n = 10; non-OPLL, n = 47) treated for acute cervical SCI between January

Context: Heterotopic ossification is characterized by abnormal growth of bone in soft tissues. Neurogenic heterotopic ossification is also closely related to central nervous system injuries and has been reported to respond to radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy.Findings: In this case, a radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (five times per week, lasted for almost one year) was applied to a

Objective: The current diagnostic criteria of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is based solely on systolic blood pressure (SBP) increases from baseline without regard to changes in diastolic blood pressure (DBP). During urodynamics in persons with SCI at or above the sixth thoracic level (T6), we evaluated diastolic blood pressure (DBP) changes related with AD episodes.Design: Retrospective review of blood