Cardiorespiratory Responses to Acute Intermittent Hypoxia in Humans With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

Brief exposure to repeated episodes of low inspired oxygen, or acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH), is a promising therapeutic modality to improve motor function after chronic, incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Although therapeutic AIH is under extensive investigation in persons with SCI, limited data are available concerning cardiorespiratory responses during and after AIH exposure despite implications for AIH safety and tolerability. Thus, we recorded immediate (during treatment) and enduring (up to 30 min post-treatment) cardiorespiratory responses to AIH in 19 participants with chronic SCI (>1 year post-injury; injury levels C1 to T6; American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A to D; mean age = 33.

The 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3MBWT): Reliability and validity in individuals with subacute and chronic stroke.

Introduction: Backward walking (BW) is an important gait adaptation and BW speed may be an important indicator of walking function and fall risk. However, the measurement characteristics of a standardized assessment of BW post-stroke have not been fully established.

Objectives: To determine intra- and interrater reliability, concurrent validity and minimal detectable change (MDC) scores for the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3MBWT) post-stroke.

Feasibility of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation combined with locomotor training after spinal cord injury.

Study Design: Feasibility study, consisting of random-order, cross-over study of a single intervention session, followed by a parallel-arm study of 16 sessions.

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of a novel combinatorial approach with simultaneous delivery of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) and locomotor training (tsDCS + LT) after spinal cord injury, compared to sham stimulation and locomotor training (sham + LT), and examine preliminary effects on walking function.

Setting: Clinical research center in the southeastern United States.

The use of assisted technologies in early aggressive mobilization with an individual in a minimally conscious state: a case report.

Introduction: Early neurorehabilitation and passive, upright mobilization strategies have been shown to be beneficial for individuals with disorders of consciousness (DOC). However, literature is limited in illustrating the use of an early, aggressive program with an added focus on dynamic and active upright mobilization. The purpose of this case report is to describe a two-week aggressive, upright standing and walking program with an individual with traumatic brain injury in an acute inpatient rehabilitation setting.