Is it safe to initiate activity-based therapy within days following traumatic spinal cord injury? Preliminary results from the PROMPT-SCI trial

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2023 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2023.2212329 · Published: January 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Trauma Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether it is safe to begin activity-based therapy (ABT) very early, within days, after a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). The study involved 15 adult patients with severe TSCI who participated in 30-minute sessions of motor-assisted in-bed leg cycling starting within 48 hours of early spinal surgery. The results suggest that initiating ABT early after TSCI is safe and feasible, with no serious adverse events reported.

Study Duration

April to November 2021

Participants

15 adult patients with severe TSCI

Evidence Level

Pilot trial

Key Findings

1
The study found that 66.6% of participants completed a full and safe session of cycling within 48 hours of surgery.
2
All 15 participants experienced no neurological deteriorations after their first completed session of cycling.
3
The study identified the need for close hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring during early activity-based therapy sessions.

Research Summary

This study examined the safety of initiating very early activity-based therapy (VE-ABT) within 48 hours of early decompressive surgery in patients with severe traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). The results showed that VE-ABT, specifically in-bed leg cycling, could be safely initiated soon after TSCI, provided that close hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring is ensured. The authors conclude that these findings may encourage further research and the implementation of VE-ABT principles in the standard of care for TSCI patients.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

The study suggests that initiating activity-based therapy very early after spinal cord injury may be safe and feasible, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

Future Research

The findings may stimulate more research aiming to facilitate the clinical translation of pre-clinical evidence regarding the benefits of early activity-based therapy.

Rehabilitation Protocols

The study supports the development and implementation of protocols for very early activity-based therapy in the standard of care for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.

Is it safe to initiate activity-based therapy within days following traumatic spinal cord injury? Preliminary results from the PROMPT-SCI trial

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Future Research

Rehabilitation Protocols

Study Limitations

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Is it safe to initiate activity-based therapy within days following traumatic spinal cord injury? Preliminary results from the PROMPT-SCI trial

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Future Research

Rehabilitation Protocols

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?