Injury, bed rest, rehabilitation length linked to functional ability in patients with spinal cord injury

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 17 Sep 2005 - 12:00 PDT

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This study describes the rehabilitation length and functional outcome in the Netherlands for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Data from 157 patients from eight rehabilitation centers were analyzed. Level and completeness of injury, bed rest because of pressure sores, and length of stay were predictors of function. Length of stay in the Netherlands is very long, compared with length of stay in the U.S., but the outcomes are not necessarily better.

Functional outcome appears slightly better in persons with complete tetraplegia, but not in persons with complete paraplegia. Investigators argue that international studies are necessary to reveal strengths and weaknesses of SCI rehabilitation systems in different countries.

About the Journal

JRRD has been a leading research journal in the field of rehabilitation medicine and technology for over 40 years. JRRD, a peer-reviewed, scientifically indexed journal, publishes original research papers, review articles, as well as clinical and technical commentary from U.S. and international researchers on all rehabilitation research disciplines. JRRD's mission is to responsibly evaluate and disseminate scientific research findings impacting the rehabilitative healthcare community. For more information about JRRD, visit http://www.vard.org .

The current issue of the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD) is dedicated to spinal cord injury and wheelchair technology. Full-text articles are available, free, online at http://www.vard.org.

Judith LaVoie
judith@vard.org
410-962-1800 x 229
VA Research Communications Service
http://www.vard.org

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