Durability of Improved Trunk Control Following Activity-Based Locomotor Training in Children With Acquired Spinal Cord Injuries

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2022 · DOI: 10.46292/sci21-00040 · Published: January 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Pediatrics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The study investigates how long children with spinal cord injuries maintain improved trunk control after stopping activity-based locomotor training (ABLT). Trunk control is crucial for sitting balance and independence. Researchers assessed trunk control using the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) before, immediately after, and several months after ABLT. They wanted to see if the improvements from ABLT would last. The results showed that improvements in trunk control were maintained even after ABLT stopped. This suggests ABLT can lead to lasting, positive changes for children with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Follow-up 8 ± 7 months (range, 1-38) after the episode of care

Participants

Twenty-eight children (10 females; 4 ± 2.5 years old)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Children improved trunk control by 6 ± 3/20 points with ABLT (p < .0001).
2
At follow-up, the average SATCo score decreased 2 ± 2/20 points, within the measurement error of the SATCo.
3
The follow-up SATCo score was 4 ± 3 points higher than pre ABLT (p < .0001).

Research Summary

This retrospective study determined the durability of improvements in trunk control in children with spinal cord injuries following activity-based locomotor training (ABLT). The study found that improvements in trunk control gained through ABLT were largely maintained even after the intervention ceased, suggesting a neurotherapeutic effect. The durability of trunk improvements was not influenced by growth, development, or time elapsed after the ABLT episode of care.

Practical Implications

Neurotherapeutic Approach

The study supports a clinical shift towards neurotherapeutic approaches like ABLT, which can enhance activation and use of the entire neuromuscular system for trunk control.

Long-Term Benefits

The findings suggest that ABLT can provide lasting improvements in trunk control, potentially aiding in postural alignment, daily activities, and reducing the risk of scoliosis.

Further Research

Continued research is needed to achieve further enhanced recovery in trunk control for children with SCI, building upon the sustained improvements demonstrated by ABLT.

Durability of Improved Trunk Control Following Activity-Based Locomotor Training in Children With Acquired Spinal Cord Injuries

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Neurotherapeutic Approach

Long-Term Benefits

Further Research

Study Limitations

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Was this summary helpful?

Durability of Improved Trunk Control Following Activity-Based Locomotor Training in Children With Acquired Spinal Cord Injuries

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Neurotherapeutic Approach

Long-Term Benefits

Further Research

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?