Assessment of ability realization using the 4th version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure.

Context: Change in ability realization reflects the main contribution of rehabilitation to improvement in the performance of daily activities after spinal cord lesions (SCL).

Objective: To adapt a Spinal Cord Ability Realization Measurement Index (SCI-ARMI) formula to the new Spinal Cord Independence Measure version 4 (SCIM4).

Methods: Using data from 156 individuals for whom American Spinal Injury Association Motor Score (AMS) and SCIM4 scores were collected, we obtained an estimate for the highest possible SCIM4 given the patient's AMS value, using the 95th percentile of SCIM4 values at discharge from rehabilitation (SCIM95) for patients with any given AMS at discharge.

The net contribution of rehabilitation to improvement in performance in patients with spinal cord lesions in five countries.

Context: Change in ability realization reflects the main contribution of rehabilitation to improvement in the performance of daily activities in patients with spinal cord lesions (SCL).

Objective: To assess the net effect of rehabilitation of patients with SCL and compare it between countries.

Methods: We calculated the Spinal Cord Ability Realization Measurement Index (SCI-ARMI) and its change from admission to rehabilitation to discharge, for inpatients admitted to SCL units in five countries, between 2016 and 2019.

A multi-center international study on the spinal cord independence measure, version IV: Rasch psychometric validation.

Context: The Spinal Cord Independence Measure is a comprehensive functional rating scale for individuals with spinal cord lesion (SCL).

Objective: To validate the scores of the three subscales of SCIM IV, the fourth version of SCIM, using advanced statistical methods.

Study Design: Multi-center cohort study.

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection: A recent reality in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

Transverse myelitis can be a complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We report the case of a transverse myelitis related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Beyond the disease itself, neurological involvement affects functionality.

Reliability Validity and Responsiveness of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure 4th Version in a Multicultural Setup.

Objective: To examine the fourth version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure for reliability and validity.

Design: Partly blinded comparison with the criterion standard Spinal Cord Independence Measure III, and between examiners and examinations.

Setting: A multicultural cohort from 19 spinal cord injury units in 11 countries.

An Exploratory Study on the use of Virtual Reality in Balance Rehabilitation.

Studies have shown the potential of Virtual Reality and motion tracking devices in physical rehabilitation. This paper addresses the topic of using non-immersive Virtual Reality therapeutic games with motion tracking in physical rehabilitation and describes an exploratory study performed in collaboration with a national public Rehabilitation Center about their use to motivate patients to perform exercises relevant for balance rehabilitation. The work involved developing and adapting mini-games to track patients posture; tests with patients recovering from Spinal Cord Injury suggest that this type of games can be helpful in the recovery process namely in patients' motivation for performing the therapeutic gestures.

Assessment of neurogenic bowel dysfunction impact after spinal cord injury using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

Background: Bowel function is frequently compromised after spinal cord injury (SCI). Regardless of this crucial importance in patients' lives, there is still scarce literature on the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD) deleterious impact on SCI patient's lives and only few studies correlating NBD severity with quality of life (QoL). To our knowledge there are no studies assessing the impact of NBD on the context of ICF domains.

Creatine or vitamin D supplementation in individuals with a spinal cord injury undergoing resistance training: A double-blinded, randomized pilot trial.

Purpose: Determine whether creatine or vitamin D supplementation improves muscle strength in individuals with spinal cord injury undergoing resistance training.

Methods: Thirteen male and one female with spinal cord injury, from two Portuguese rehabilitation centers, were randomized to creatine (3g daily), vitamin D (25000 IU each two weeks) or placebo group in a double-blind design. All participants performed progressive resistance training during eight weeks.