Common carotid and common femoral arterial dynamics during head-up tilt in persons with spinal cord injury

We examined the effect of the level and completeness of spinal cord injury (SCI), tetraplegia and paraplegia, on common carotid arterial (CCA) and common femoral arterial (CFA) functions supine and during head-up tilt (HUT), compared with able-bodied controls. Subjects (tetraplegia [n = 7], paraplegia [n = 8], and controls [n = 8]) were healthy males between the ages of 19 and 60 years. We used Doppler ultrasound to determine vessel diastolic diameters and flow velocities while supine and at 45 HUT. The results indicated that supine CCA diameter and flow were augmented in the tetraplegia group compared with the paraplegia group (p < 0.05); no other group differences were noted. However, CCA(flow) was significantly reduced from supine to 45 HUT in the tetraplegia group (p < 0.01). CFA diameter and flow were significantly reduced in the SCI groups compared with the control group, and CFA(flow) was reduced from supine to 45 HUT in the tetraplegia group. These results demonstrate that individuals with tetraplegia have increased resting CCA diameters and flows compared with individuals with paraplegia, an adaptation which may contribute to orthostatic tolerance. The significant reduction in CFA(flow) from supine to 45 HUT in the tetraplegia group may be related to the completeness of lesion rather than the level of lesion.     

Obesity and inpatient rehabilitation outcomes for patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury

Stenson KW, Deutsch A, Heinemann AW, Chen D. Obesity and inpatient rehabilitation outcomes for patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury.

Objective

To examine the effect of obesity on change in FIM self-care and mobility ratings and community discharge for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design

Retrospective cohort study analyzing National Model Systems SCI Database data.

Setting

Fourteen Model Systems SCI programs.

Participants

Patients (N=1524) with a new traumatic SCI discharged from Model Systems rehabilitation centers between October 2006 and October 2009.

Interventions

None.

Main Outcome Measures

Change in FIM self-care and mobility ratings, discharge destination. Separate analyses were conducted by neurologic category: paraplegia incomplete, paraplegia complete, tetraplegia incomplete, and tetraplegia complete.

Results

Of all patients with traumatic SCI, approximately 25% were obese at admission. Patients who were obese were more likely to be married and slightly older than nonobese patients. In patients with paraplegia incomplete, obese patients had lower FIM self-care (−1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], −3.4 to −.4) and mobility score gains (−1.5; 95% CI, −2.9 to −.1) than normal-weight patients. For patients with paraplegia complete, obese patients had significantly lower self-care (−2.2; 95% CI, −3.5 to −.8) and mobility score gains (−2.7; 95% CI, −3.9 to −1.5). For patients with tetraplegia incomplete and tetraplegia complete, FIM self-care and mobility ratings for obese patients were not significantly different from ratings for normal-weight patients. Within each neurologic category, the percentage of patients discharged to the community was not significantly different for nonobese and obese patients.

Conclusions

Obesity appears to be a barrier to meeting self-care and mobility functional goals for patients with paraplegia in inpatient SCI rehabilitation.     

应用作业疗法治疗脊髓损伤性截瘫

应用作业疗法对脊髓损伤性截瘫患者进行康复医疗20例,其病程3个月～2年。完全截瘫19例;不完全截瘫1例;颈髓损伤3例;胸髓损伤13例;腰髓损伤3例;马尾神经损伤1例。治疗结果:显效者11例(55％);有效者7例(35％);无效者2例(10％)。总有效率为90％。     

Cardiorespiratory capacity in tetra- and paraplegia shortly after injury

In one hundred patients (86 males, 14 females) with relatively recent spinal cord injuries the oxygen supporting system was evaluated during graded arm ergometry. The patients were assigned according to injury level to 5 subgroups with complete, and to 2 additional groups with incomplete injuries. Mean peak oxygen uptake (VO2) was found to be as low as 0.74 l/min in males with complete tetraplegia and 1.9 l/min in patients with conus and cauda lesions. Peak VO2 was closely correlated (r = 0.74) to the injury level. Peak VO2 was also closely correlated to peak minute ventilation (VE) in all groups. In patients with higher injury levels most of the increase in VE during maximal exercise was due to an increase in respiratory frequency (fR). In patients with tetraplegia and high paraplegia, arm cranking revealed deficient sympathetic regulation of cardiovascular functions resulting in hypotension. In both the complete and incomplete tetraplegic patients there was a relatively low peak heart rate (fH). Peak fH and VO2 varied more in patients with incomplete tetraplegia than in those with complete tetraplegia. Peak VO2 in females with mid-level thoracic paraplegia was on the average lower than in males with corresponding injury levels (16 ml/kg/min against 22 ml/kg/min, respectively). Evaluation of cardiorespiratory functions in spinal cord injured patients during high intensity endurance work performed shortly after the injury adds diagnostic and functionally useful information for the design of rehabilitation and should be recommended as clinical routine.     

Shoulder pain in the Swiss spinal cord injury community: prevalence and associated factors

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of shoulder pain and to identify factors associated with shoulder pain in a nationwide survey of individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland.

Methods: Data was collected through the 2012 community survey of the Swiss SCI Cohort Study (SwiSCI) (N?=?1549; age 52.3?±?14.8; 29% female). Sociodemographic and socioeconomic circumstances, SCI characteristics, health conditions as well as mobility independence and sporting activities were evaluated as predictor variables. Analyses were adjusted for item non-response (using multiple imputation) and unit-nonresponse (using inverse probability weighting).

Results: The adjusted prevalence of shoulder pain was 35.8% (95% CI: 33.4–38.3). Multivariable regression analysis revealed higher odds of shoulder pain in females as compared to males (odds ratio: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.44–2.47), and when spasticity (1.36; 1.00–1.85) and contractures (2.47; 1.91–3.19) were apparent. Individuals with complete paraplegia (1.62; 1.13–2.32) or any tetraplegia (complete: 1.63; 1.01–2.62; incomplete: 1.82; 1.30–2.56) showed higher odds of shoulder pain compared to those with incomplete paraplegia.

Conclusions: This survey revealed a high prevalence of shoulder pain. Sex, SCI severity, and specific health conditions were associated with having shoulder pain.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• Individuals with spinal cord injury have a high prevalence of shoulder pain.

• Females, individuals with complete paraplegia or any tetraplegia and individuals with contractures and spasticity should receive considerable attention in rehabilitation programmes due to their increased odds of having shoulder pain.

     

Testosterone replacement therapy and motor function in men with spinal cord injury: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate motor function in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) given testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). DESIGN: American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) rehabilitation discharge motor index scores were compared between men with SCI given TRT (testosterone cypionate, 200 mg, monthly; n = 50) and a comparison group (n = 480) in a retrospective study. Covariates included admission motor and FIM scores, level of injury (paraplegia/tetraplegia), days since injury, and age. RESULTS: ASIA discharge motor scores for ASIA impairment scale grades C and D were significantly different (P < 0.05) in men with incomplete SCI given TRT, relative to the comparison group. The covariate-adjusted mean discharge score for the TRT group was higher than for the comparison group. There were no significant differences in discharge FIM scores (P = 0.34) for men with incomplete injuries and no differences in the adjusted discharge ASIA motor scores (P = 0.92) or adjusted discharge FIM scores (P = 0.16) for men with complete injuries. CONCLUSION: The data support a relationship between TRT and strength gains in men with residual motor function after SCI. Prospective studies are necessary to validate these findings.     

Determinants of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC in chronic spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors that influence pulmonary function, because respiratory system dysfunction is common in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING: Veterans Affairs Boston SCI service and the community. PARTICIPANTS: Between 1994 and 2003, 339 white men with chronic SCI completed a respiratory questionnaire and underwent spirometry. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV(1)/FVC. RESULTS: Adjusting for SCI level and completeness, FEV(1) (-21.0 mL/y; 95% confidence interval [CI], -26.3 to -15.7 mL/y) and FVC (-17.2 mL/y; 95% CI, -23.7 to -10.8 mL/y) declined with age. Lifetime cigarette use was also associated with a decrease in FEV(1) (-3.8 mL/pack-year; 95% CI, -6.5 to -1.1 mL/pack-year), and persistent wheeze and elevated body mass index were associated with a lower FEV(1)/FVC. A greater maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) was associated with a greater FEV(1) and FVC. FEV(1) significantly decreased with injury duration (-6.1 mL/y; 95% CI, -11.7 to -0.6 mL/y), with the greatest decrement in the most neurologically impaired. The most neurologically impaired also had a greater FEV(1)/FVC, and their FEV(1) and FVC were less affected by age and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking, persistent wheeze, obesity, and MIP, in addition to SCI level and completeness, were significant determinants of pulmonary function. In SCI, FEV(1), FVC, and FEV(1)/FVC may be less sensitive to factors associated with change in airway size and not reliably detect the severity of airflow obstruction.     

Effects of spinal cord injury level on the activity of shoulder muscles during wheelchair propulsion: an electromyographic study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of spinal cord injury (SCI) level on shoulder muscle function during wheelchair propulsion. DESIGN: Fine-wire electromyographic activity of 11 muscles was recorded during wheelchair propulsion. SETTING: Biomechanics research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 69 men, in 4 groups by SCI level (low paraplegia, n=17; high paraplegia, n=19; C7-8 tetraplegia, n=16; C6 tetraplegia, n=17). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Timing of muscle activity onset, cessation, and duration, and time of peak intensity for each functional group were compared with 1-way analysis of variance. Median electromyographic intensity was also compared. RESULTS: Two functional synergies were observed: push (anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, serratus anterior, biceps) and recovery (middle and posterior deltoid, supraspinatus, subscapularis, middle trapezius, triceps). Push phase activity began in late recovery and ceased in early to late push. Recovery phase muscles functioned from late push to late recovery. Recruitment patterns for the groups with paraplegia were remarkably similar. For subjects with tetraplegia, pectoralis major activity was significantly prolonged compared with subjects with paraplegia (P<.05). Subscapularis activity shifted from a recovery pattern in subjects with paraplegia to a push pattern in persons with tetraplegia. CONCLUSIONS: Level of SCI significantly affected the shoulder muscle recruitment patterns during wheelchair propulsion. Differences in rotator cuff and pectoralis major function require specific considerations in rehabilitation program design.     

Quantifying the magnitude of torque physiotherapists apply when stretching the hamstring muscles of people with spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the magnitude of stretch that physiotherapists apply to the hamstring muscles of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Repeated-measures design. SETTING: SCI unit in Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen individuals with motor complete paraplegia or tetraplegia. INTERVENTION: Twelve physiotherapists manually administered a stretch to the hamstring muscles of each subject. The stretch was applied by flexing the hip with the knee extended.Main Outcome Measure: Applied hip flexor torque. RESULTS: Therapists applied median hip flexor torques of between 30 and 68Nm, although some torques were as large as 121Nm. The stretch applied by different therapists to any 1 subject varied as much as 40-fold. CONCLUSION: There is a large range of stretch torques provided by physiotherapists to patients with SCI. Some therapists provide stretch torques well in excess of those tolerated by individuals with intact sensation.     

Reduced sympathetic skin response in the isolated spinal cord of subjects with spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: To compare the excitability of the sympathetic skin response (SSR) between subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) and healthy controls with intact supraspinal connection. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Referral center. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 37 men with traumatic neurologically complete SCI (26 with tetraplegia, 11 with paraplegia) and history of autonomic dysreflexia were included. Twenty age-matched healthy male controls were recruited as the control group. Subjects with SCI were at the mean age +/- standard deviation of 36.5+/-11.0 years (range, 20.1-61.3 y) and the mean injury duration was 11.3+/-9.3 years (range, 1.0-38.1 y). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The SSR tests were grouped into 3 test sets according the stimulation and recording sites: (1) right supraorbital nerve stimulation with left hand recording (SH set); (2) right supraorbital nerve stimulation and left foot recording (SF set); and (3) right posterior tibial nerve stimulation and left foot recording (TF set). RESULTS: In patients with tetraplegia (n=26), none showed positive SSR in the SH or the SF set, and only 5 (19.2%) showed a positive SSR in the TF set. In subjects with paraplegia (n=11), the positive response rates of SSR were 72.7% for the SH set, 0% for the SF set, and 9.1% for the TF set. Electric stimulation at high intensity (100 mA for 1 ms) was required to elicit SSR for the TF set in the patients with SCI. The SSR amplitudes in the SH and TF sets were smaller in subjects with SCI than those in controls (SH set, P=.004; TF set, P<.001). The SSR latency in the SH set was longer in patients with SCI (P=.04), whereas the SSR latency in the TF set tended to be shorter in subjects with SCI (P=.09). CONCLUSIONS: The excitability of SSR was reduced in an isolated spinal cord. This suggests that excitability of sympathetic sudomotor response in subjects with an isolated spinal cord is lower than in healthy controls.     

歌唱训练对颈髓损伤患者呼吸功能的影响

目的:探讨歌唱训练对颈髓损伤患者呼吸功能的影响,以期丰富该类患者的康复护理手段,减少呼吸道并发症,提高患者的生活质量.方法:33例颈髓损伤患者随机分为对照组18例和观察组15例.对照组患者给予常规康复训练联合常规呼吸训练,观察组患者在此基础上进行4周歌唱训练.治疗前后对患者进行用力呼气肺活量(FVC)、第一秒用力呼气量...     

Duplex ultrasound screening for deep vein thrombosis in spinal cord injured patients at rehabilitation admission.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) newly diagnosed by duplex ultrasound in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) at admission for rehabilitation. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Independent specialized spinal cord rehabilitation hospital. PATIENTS: Data were collected from records of 189 SCI patients admitted for rehabilitation over a 1-year period who underwent a duplex scan and were not admitted with a known diagnosis of DVT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A DVT newly diagnosed by duplex ultrasound at rehabilitation admission. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (11.6%) had a newly diagnosed DVT at time of admission. Chi-square analysis found no statistically significant relationship between level of injury (tetraplegia vs paraplegia), motor complete (ASIA A and B) versus incomplete status (ASIA C and D), or cause of SCI (traumatic vs nontraumatic injury) in determining a positive or negative duplex result (chi2 = 1.709, p = .191; chi2 = 1.314, p = .252; chi2 = 3.155, p = .076; respectively). Prophylaxis for DVT decreased the risk of developing a DVT: 4.1% of patients administered prophylaxis as compared to 16.4% of patients not given prophylaxis (chi2 = 6.558, p = .01). Only 38.6% of patients transferred to rehabilitation were undergoing DVT prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DVT in acute SCI patients at admission to rehabilitation is significant. A duplex ultrasound is an important noninvasive technique to screen patients with acute and subacute SCI for DVT on admission to the rehabilitation setting regardless of the completeness, level, or cause of the patients' injury.     

Return to school after spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the typical time elapsed between discharge from an inpatient spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation program and the physical return to school, and to identify barriers faced by patients attempting to return to school. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of all patients ages 18 years or younger who sustained SCI between 1989 and 1995, with resultant paraplegia or tetraplegia, and who attended either primary or secondary school, completed their inpatient rehabilitation at our regional SCI center, and were using a wheelchair when discharged from the hospital. RESULTS: Fifteen of 16 eligible patients agreed to participate. The median time for subjects with paraplegia to return to school after hospital discharge was 10 days; subjects with tetraplegia required a median of 62 days. Architectural and transportation barriers that patients encountered were identified. CONCLUSION: Individuals with SCI return to school relatively soon after discharge from the hospital. Barriers do not prohibit a return to school, but they are problematic.     

Abstract 11: Effect of medical complications on return to work after spinal cord injury.

Objective: To determine the effect of medical complications on return to work after spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Retrospective analysis of case series. Setting: Multicenter study of national database of 20 Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems centers. Participants: Patients 18 to 55 years of age, admitted for acute SCI, and who were employed prior to injury. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure: Employment status. An analysis was performed of data collected at 1, 3, and 5 years postinjury for patients grouped as paraplegia (complete and incomplete) and tetraplegia (complete and incomplete). Categorical data (bladder management, grade of pressure ulcers, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis) was reduced to either present or not present, and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test for nonparametric data. Number of pressures ulcers was analyzed using a t test. Logistic regression was used to determine if the above variables had predictive power regarding employment status. Results: The incidence of return to work after SCI was 27%, 20%, and 23% at years 1, 3, and 5, respectively. Persons who returned to work at year 1 were less likely (P<.05) to have pressure ulcers. Persons who returned to work at year 3 were more likely (P<.05) to have normal bladder management. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only bladder management was significantly (P<.01) predictive of employment status at year 3 (for individuals with incomplete paraplegia or tetraplegia) and at year 5 (incomplete tetraplegia). Conclusions: Return to work rates after SCI were consistent with previous research. This study suggests that medical complications (eg, pressure ulcers, bladder management) which are associated with employability, will vary with time after injury and severity of injury. Further research is required to understand more fully the psychosocial implications of medical complications and how they affect employability after SCI.     

青壮年男性四肢瘫和截瘫患者血脂水平比较研究

摘要 目的：通过回顾性调查资料比较脊髓损伤所致四肢瘫和截瘫青壮年男性血脂水平,探讨在缺乏运动状态下不同运动能力对青壮年男性血脂代谢的影响和差异形成机制,为血脂异常防治提供指导。 方法：对中国康复研究中心2004—2010年因脊髓损伤致瘫痪进行康复治疗的青壮年男性患者进行入院状态回顾性调查,入选要求：①诊断明确（脊髓损伤致瘫痪）;②资料完整;③18周岁≤年龄≤60岁;④非卒中患者。共1812例患者入选,对血脂指标[甘油三酯（TG）、总胆固醇（TC）、低密度脂蛋白（LDL）、高密度脂蛋白（HDL）]进行比较分析。 结果：截瘫组平均TG、TC、HDL水平显著高于四肢瘫痪组(分别为TG 1.79±1.22mmol/L比1.56±0.87mmol/L;TC 4.42±0.92mmol/L比4.25±0.93mmol/L;HDL 1.14±0.35mmol/L比1.06±0.35mmol/L, P＜0.01),高TG发生率显著高于四肢瘫痪组（分别为36%比28%,P＜0.01）,而低HDL血症发生率显著低于四肢瘫痪组（47%比57%,P＜0.01）, 两组患者LDL水平及异常发生率均无显著差异,TC异常发生率两组无显著差异。 结论：男性截瘫患者与四肢瘫患者TG、TC、HDL水平存在显著差异,提示上肢自主活动功能对TG、TC和HDL代谢有显著影响,既有HDL水平提高而获益的一面,也同时有TG、TC异常升高的不利面,其机制可能与运动量和饮食摄入差异有关;LDL的代谢并未受运动量和饮食因素的影响。     

Walking after spinal cord injury: evaluation, treatment, and functional recovery

OBJECTIVE: To present some recent developments and concepts emerging from both animal and human studies aimed at enhancing recovery of walking after spinal cord injury (SCI). DATA SOURCES: Researchers in the field of restoration of walking after SCI, as well as references extracted from searches in the Medline computerized database. STUDY SELECTION: Studies that reported outcome measures of walking for spinal cord injured persons with an incomplete motor function loss or cats with either a complete or incomplete spinal section. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted and validity was assessed by the authors. DATA SYNTHESIS: This review shows that a multitude of interventions--mechanical, electrical, or pharmacologic--can increase the walking abilities of persons with SCI who have incomplete motor function loss. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive evaluation of walking behavior requires tasks involving the different control variables. This comprehensive evaluation can be used to characterize the process of recovery of walking as well as the effectiveness of various treatments.     

Energy cost of propulsion in standard and ultralight wheelchairs in people with spinal cord injuries

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Wheelchair- and subject-related factors influence the efficiency of wheelchair propulsion. The purpose of this study was to compare wheelchair propulsion in ultralight and standard wheelchairs in people with different levels of spinal cord injury. SUBJECTS: Seventy-four subjects (mean age=26.2 years, SD=7.14, range=17-50) with spinal cord injury resulting in motor loss (30 with tetraplegia and 44 with paraplegia) were studied. METHOD: Each subject propelled standard and ultralight wheelchairs around an outdoor track at self-selected speeds, while data were collected at 4 predetermined intervals. Speed, distance traveled, and oxygen cost (VO2 mL/kg/m) were compared by wheelchair, group, and over time, using a Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: In the ultralight wheelchair, speed and distance traveled were greater for both subjects with paraplegia and subjects with tetraplegia, whereas VO2 was less only for subjects with paraplegia. Subjects with paraplegia propelled faster and farther than did subjects with tetraplegia. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: The ultralight wheelchair improved the efficiency of propulsion in the tested subjects. Subjects with tetraplegia, especially at the C6 level, are limited in their ability to propel a wheelchair.     

Pulmonary function testing in spinal cord injury: effects of abdominal muscle stimulation.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of applying transcutaneous electrical stimulation to paralyzed abdominal muscles during pulmonary function testing (PFT) of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Ten male subjects with anatomical level of SCI between C5-T7 were studied. Subjects performed PFTs with and without electrical stimulation delivered to the abdominal muscles. Subjects with the lowest percentage of predicted expiratory volumes and flows demonstrated the greatest improvement when electrical stimulation was delivered during forced expiration. The overall increases seen in percent of predicted for the study sample were 23 percent for forced vital capacity (FVC), 16 percent for forced expiratory flow in 1 s (FEV1), and 22 percent for peak expiratory flow rate (PEF). Contractions of paralyzed expiratory muscles in response to electrical stimulation during the performance of PFT maneuvers can significantly improve FVC, FEV1, and PEF in some individuals with SCI.     

Muscle force and gait performance: relationships after spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVES: To relate locomotor function improvement, within the first 6 months after spinal cord injury (SCI), to an increase in Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS) and to assess the extent to which the level of lesion influenced the outcome of ambulatory capacity. DESIGN: Longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses. SETTING: Seven SCI rehabilitation centers. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=178) were analyzed longitudinally (group A, motor complete; group B, motor incomplete; nonwalking or group C, motor incomplete and able to stand). The cross-sectional analysis included 86 patients (paraplegic, n=46; tetraplegic, n=40; group 1 with limited and group 2 with unrestricted walking function 6 mo after SCI). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI), gait speed, and LEMS. RESULTS: For group A, 24.8% of the patients improved in LEMS (median range, 0-10) and 7.7% in walking function (WISCI median range, 0-8; mean gait speed range, 0 to .14+/-.10 m/s). For group B, LEMS improved in 93.5% of the patients (median range, 14-28) and walking function in 84.8% of the patients (WISCI median range, 0-10; mean gait speed range, 0 to .41+/-.45 m/s) (P<.001). For group C, LEMS and walking function improved in 100% of the patients (LEMS median range, 29-41; WISCI median range, 8-16; mean gait speed range, .36+/-.29 m/s to .88+/-.44 m/s) (P=.001). In groups B and C, the improvement of walking function was greater than in LEMS. The cross-sectional analysis showed that group 1 patients with tetraplegia had more muscle strength (median LEMS, 31.5), and equal walking function (WISCI, 8; walking speed, 0.4+/-0.3 m/s) compared with patients with paraplegia (LEMS, 23; P<.01; WISCI, 12; P=0.6; speed, 0.4+/-0.3 m/s; P=.68). In group 2, patients with tetraplegia had slightly more strength (LEMS, 48) and equal walking function (WISCI, 20; walking speed, 1.4+/-0.3 m/s) compared with patients with paraplegia (LEMS, 45; P<.05; WISCI, 20; P=1.0; speed, 1.4+/-0.3 m/s; P=.89). CONCLUSIONS: An improvement in locomotor function does not always reflect an increase in LEMS, and LEMS improvement is not necessarily associated with improved locomotor function. LEMS and ambulatory capacity are differently associated in patients with tetra- and paraplegia. Functional tests seem to complement clinical assessment.     

脊髓损伤的诊断与康复

脊髓损伤往往造成不同程度的四肢瘫或截瘫,是一种严重致残性创伤。目前脊髓损伤尚不能治愈,正规的康复训练是针对脊髓损伤的有效治疗方法。通过康复治疗,可使脊髓损伤患者充分发挥残留功能,最大限度开发潜在功能,预防各种并发症的发生,显著降低致残率,提高患者生活质量。尽早开展全面系统的康复治疗,可显著缩短住院时间,降低医疗费用。住房无障碍改造和职业培训是患者回归家庭和社会的必要条件。