SCI Publications

Study investigates whether computer adaptive testing (CAT) can be used to decrease the number of Functional Independence Measure (FIM) instrument motor component items administered in assessing people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Six FIM items were selected for each subject for the CAT simulation. Separate estimates of motor ability ...

Article provides an overview of the benefits of an integrated control system in which a single interface is used to operate 2 or more assistive devices. Research is reviewed regarding the Multiple Master Multiple Slave (M3S) protocol, integrated communication and environmental control, integrated computer access, and integrated wheelchair guidance ...

Article presents the clinical histories of 2 people with pain following spinal cord injury who were treated with the antiepileptic drug, topiramate. Topiramate was well tolerated and effective in reducing pain in both patients.

Article examines contributions of the Model Spinal Cord Injury System (MSCIS) program toward the evaluation and care of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and discusses challenges to the program's future. The information is based on retrospective review of the literature and integration of recent reported findings from panel ...

Article describes the design and methodology of the Spinal Cord Injury Locomotor Trial (SCILT), the first multisite, randomized controlled trial in the United States to examine the effects of body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on locomotion after spinal cord injury. BWSTT allows physical therapists to systematically train patients to ...

Presents 2 articles relevant to women with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The first article discusses the underrepresentation of women in SCI research and what can be done about it. The second article briefly discusses the menopause experience for women with SCI and the use of hormone replacement therapy. ...

Recommends ways to prevent respiratory complications for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Individuals with SCI have increased risk for developing respiratory complications due to a loss of respiratory-muscle control. Suggests ongoing preventive measures including daily breathing exercises.

Textbook designed for physicians, research scientists, and other health care professionals involved in the management of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) multiple sclerosis, and other spinal cord disorders. Begins with a review of the history of spinal cord medicine, anatomy and physiology, spinal cord imaging, epidemiology, and functional ...

Study examined the relationship between measures of forced vital capacity and the risk for developing obstructive lung dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Lung function data from patients at the Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center in New York (NY) and the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center ...

Presents guidelines for assessing the neurological status of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), as well as a standard approach to using such data for classifying and quantifying the injury. The goal is that both the measurement technique and the use of the resulting data, clinically and in research, ...