Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2
Department of Neurosurgery, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3
Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4
Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
10.22037/sjrm.2024.117354.3303
Abstract
Introduction and Objectives: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) refers to injuries that result in the loss of sensation and movement below the level of the injury, particularly prevalent among the young population. The improvement of walking and standing abilities in these patients is influenced by multiple factors. Understanding the biological processes in these patients can aid in the development of effective methods to enhance their performance.
Methods: This study was conducted as a systematic review, searching for keywords including syndrome, reflex, gender, level of injury, etiology of injury, age, and time since injury, injury severity, sensory level, spasticity, contracture, orthotic interventions, assistive devices, and robotic-assisted walking exercises. Data were collected from interventional studies in databases such as PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and Google Scholar, and analyzed according to the PRISMA statement.
Results: In this study, 82 articles involving a total of 28,684 patients with spinal cord injury were included. Based on demographic information and clinical assessments, the likelihood of successful rehabilitation for walking in these patients is well predictable. Early improvement in quadriceps muscle strength and scores on lower limb motor tests, as well as the age of patients, are significant factors in predicting the potential for regaining walking ability.
Conclusion: The results of this study emphasize the importance of identifying factors affecting the walking quality of patients with spinal cord injuries. Given the lack of research in this area, it is essential that some of these factors are examined in future clinical trials to better understand the challenges and opportunities present in the rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients.
Keywords: Spinal Cord Injury, Walking Ability, Spasticity, Rehabilitation, Assistive Devices
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