Highlighting gaps in spinal cord injury research in activity-based interventions for the upper extremity: A scoping review

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J87820

Journal:

Neurorehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2021 , 49, 1, 23-38

Publication Website:

Abstract:

This scoping review examined the high-intensity, activity-based interventions used in neurological conditions for their current and potential application to subacute and chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, and OTSeeker databases were searched for studies that included the following criteria: non-invasive activity-based interventions delivered at least three times/week for two weeks, upper-extremity functional outcomes, age 13 years or older, English language, and neurological disorders three months post onset/injury. The search yielded 172 studies. There were seven studies with SCI, all in adults. Activity-based interventions in SCI included task-specific training and gaming, with and without electrical stimulation, and a robotic exoskeleton. The other populations found in the review included studies in stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. Thirty-four different interventions were reported in other populations. In comparison to the extensive stroke research, work in SCI was not found for high-intensity interventions using virtual reality, brain stimulation, rehabilitation devices, and applications to the home and telerehab settings. The results highlight critical gaps within upper extremity high-intensity activity-based research in SCI.

Author(s):