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Spinal Cord Injury at Birth, Expected Medical and Health Complexity in Chronic Injury Guided Anew by Activity-Based Restorative Therapy: Case Report

Frontiers in Psychology, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.800091 · Published: April 7, 2022

Spinal Cord InjuryPediatricsRehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This case report describes the impact of activity-based restorative therapy (ABRT) on an infant with a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) at birth. The child, who experienced paralysis and other complications due to the injury, showed significant improvements in trunk control, arm function, and social-emotional development after 59 sessions of ABRT. The findings suggest that ABRT can positively impact physical capacity and provide benefits across multiple developmental domains, even in cases of chronic SCI with low expectations for improvement.

Study Duration
3 months
Participants
One infant with cervical SCI at birth
Evidence Level
Level 4: Case Report

Key Findings

  • 1
    After 59 sessions of ABRT, the child demonstrated significant improvements in trunk control and arm function.
  • 2
    The child showed improvements in social and emotional development as reported by the parents.
  • 3
    Respiratory function improved, as evidenced by the child's ability to generate maximal inspiratory airway pressure (PImax) post-intervention.

Research Summary

This case report details the outcomes of activity-based restorative therapy (ABRT) in an infant with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) at birth, resulting in paralysis. After 59 sessions of ABRT, the child exhibited improved trunk control, arm function, respiratory function and social-emotional development, despite the chronicity of the injury. The study suggests that ABRT can positively influence physical capacity and provide benefits across multiple developmental domains, challenging the low expectations for improvement typically associated with chronic SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Intervention

ABRT can be considered as a viable therapeutic option for infants with chronic SCI to improve neuromuscular capacity, health, and quality of life.

Developmental Impact

Early intervention with ABRT may positively influence multiple developmental domains, including physical, social, and emotional development.

Clinical Practice

Healthcare providers should consider ABRT as a potential component of care for infants with SCI, even in chronic cases, to maximize potential for recovery and development.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Single case report limits generalizability.
  • 2
    Lack of a definitive etiology for the SCI.
  • 3
    Influence of developmental maturation is difficult to separate from the effects of ABRT.

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