Abstract
Study design:
A 2 × 2 cross-over design.
Objectives:
To compare immediate effects of obstacle crossing training and conventional overground walking training on functional ability among independent ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Setting:
A tertiary rehabilitation center, Thailand.
Methods:
Twenty independent ambulatory participants with SCI received a 1-day overground walking training and a 1-day obstacle crossing training program in a randomized cross-over design with a 2-day washout period. Immediately prior and after each training program, the functional ability of all participants was measured using the timed up and go test (TUGT), five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST) and 10-m walk test (10MWT).
Results:
The TUGT, FTSST and 10MWT data were significantly better after obstacle crossing training (P<0.001) but not after the overground walking training (P>0.05). The improvement following obstacle crossing training was also significantly different from that of the overground walking training (P<0.05).
Conclusion:
Obstacle crossing training immediately enhanced functional ability related to walking of ambulatory participants with SCI. However, a further longitudinal study using a randomized controlled trial is needed to support benefits of incorporation of obstacle crossing training into rehabilitation practice.
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Acknowledgements
The study was supported by funding from the Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) research group, Faculty of Associated Medical Science and the Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
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Pramodhyakul, W., Wattanapan, P., Siritaratiwat, W. et al. Immediate effects of obstacle crossing training in independent ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 51, 379–383 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.2012.178
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.2012.178
