Physical therapy after spinal cord injury: A systematic review of treatments focused on participation

This review looks at how physical therapy can help people with spinal cord injuries participate more fully in life. It examines studies that use physical therapy to improve participation outcomes for these individuals. The review found that while physical therapists recognize the importance of participation, there is limited research specifically documenting how their treatments improve it. The interventions used include treadmill training, supervised exercise, and home exercise programs. By understanding the effects of physical therapy on participation, therapists can better meet the needs of individuals with SCI and help them integrate into their communities.

• 1
  The review identified five studies that met the inclusion criteria, indicating a limited body of research on PT interventions specifically targeting participation outcomes in individuals with SCI.
• 2
  The PT interventions administered to improve participation were ambulation training with BWSTT, supervised exercise, and home exercise.
• 3
  Participation gains identified included access to public facilities, ability to work, leisure time activities, family life, and social functioning.