The Re-orientation of Posture and Locomotion in the Spinal Man

Proc. R. Soc. Med., 1968 · DOI: · Published: January 1, 1968

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The medical profession once held a pessimistic view regarding paraplegic and tetraplegic patients, considering them as hopeless cripples with a short life expectancy. However, advancements in rehabilitation have proven that many of these individuals can reintegrate into the community and lead fulfilling lives. Integration is achieved through restoring coordination between the isolated spinal cord (below the injury) and the remaining nervous system. The re-orientation of posture to movement is crucial in this process. Following spinal cord transection, the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment becomes deficient. Locomotion is abolished, postural control is interrupted and abnormal reflex responses develop.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Paraplegic and tetraplegic patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The isolated spinal cord in man is capable of some readaptive metamorphosis that can be utilized in rehabilitation.
2
Proprioceptive impulses arising from trunk muscle movements reconnect the insensitive part of the body with the cerebral and cerebellar centers to help restore postural control.
3
Regular posture changes can stimulate vasoconstrictor responses in the isolated cord, helping to restore vasomotor control.

Research Summary

This paper discusses fundamental changes in understanding the physiology of spinal man due to advances in rehabilitation. It emphasizes the potential for reintegrating paraplegic and tetraplegic patients into the community, leading fulfilling lives despite their disability. The study highlights the importance of re-orienting posture and locomotion. This involves restoring coordination between the isolated spinal cord and the remaining nervous system. The paper also underscores the need for readjustment of vasomotor control and the development of new patterns of postural sensibility to improve the spinal man's ability to cope with a new scheme of life.

Practical Implications

Improved Rehabilitation Strategies

The research suggests that rehabilitation programs should focus on facilitating extensor synergy, promoting static reflexes, and utilizing compensatory functions of normal muscle groups.

Development of New Therapies

Further research into the neural mechanisms involved in adaptive posture and locomotion within the isolated cord could lead to the development of novel therapies.

Enhancing Patient Care

Understanding the importance of postural adjustments and vasomotor control can help medical professionals provide better guidance and care to spinal cord injury patients throughout their rehabilitation journey.

Study Limitations

1
The intricate neural mechanism involved in the adaptive process within the isolated cord remains obscure.
2
More precise information on the nature of the transmission of impulses to and from the isolated cord is necessary.
3
Further research is needed to fully understand the interplay between the isolated cord and cerebral mechanisms in reconditioning various bodily systems.

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