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This paper describes the use of functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) to provide upper limb function to individuals with tetraplegia, focusing on trials by three clinical research groups: (1) a hybrid noninvasive push-button surface electrode system built into a cosmetic forearm splint (Israel); (2) a respiration-controlled 30-channel percutaneous system (Japan), ...

Introductory article provides an overview of a special series on the Model Spinal Cord Injury System (MSCIS) and presents a brief history of the program. The MSCIS maintains a national database, participates in independent and collaborative research, and provides continuing education relating to SCI. MSCIS is funded by grants ...

Article summarizes information presented at a conference convened to discuss the state of the science of measuring quality of life (QOL) in rehabilitation medicine. The 5 topic areas discussed included: (1) general versus target measurement, (2) QOL in policy development, (3) measuring QOL from the patient's perspective, (4) cultural ...

Introduces a series of articles that present issues related to new advances in the measurement of quality of life (QOL) in rehabilitation medicine. Articles review issues such as measuring QOL from the individual's perspective, adapting instruments for different cultures, and using advanced techniques to build a computer-adapted measurement system. ...

Describes clinically meaningful and empirically valid types of alcohol use among people with recent traumatic brain or spinal cord injury that are responsive to specific forms of treatment. Four types were identified using cluster analysis based on preinjury alcohol consumption, alcohol problems, and alcohol dependence. The 4 types corresponded ...

Provides overview of the impact of assistive technology (AT) on people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Examines the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on AT provision. Discusses self-empowerment and self advocacy for people with SCI to evaluate and secure appropriate AT. Describes a model workshop, the ...

Study examining the prevalence of pain among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in the community. Data are from 384 responses to a mail survey of individuals with SCI age > 18 living in the Pacific Northwest (64% return rate). It was found that 79% reported current pain, ...

Article reviewing and evaluating measures used to screen for depression in disability outcomes research. The review focuses on the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression scale (CES-D). Other screening measures examined include the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Depression ...

Study examined acute changes in the biceps tendon after a high-intensity wheelchair propulsion activity. The biceps tendon was imaged with ultrasound before and after subjects participated in wheelchair basketball or quad rugby. The average diameter of the tendon and the echogenicity ratio were calculated. Acute changes in biceps tendon ...

Article discusses some of the issues regarding the peer-review process and suggests guidelines for new and established reviewers in the area of rehabilitation research. Issues concerning study design research methods, statistical input, biases, authorship, and ethics are discussed. Authors also provides suggestions for editorial aspects of the peer-review process ...

Article describes patient characteristics and respiratory issues in individuals with high tetraplegia. Authors describe techniques used in successful ventilator weaning and present outcome data from their experiences. A team approach to ventilator management that is focused on the patient is essential to anticipate and prevent pulmonary complications. ...

Study examines blood samples from 894 patients presenting to two Emergency Departments for treatment of motor vehicle injuries sustained in passenger cars, station wagons, vans and pick-ups. Blood samples were tested for alcohol and other drugs and these results were related to demographic characteristics, including prior history of alcohol ...

Examines the ability of people with higher level spinal cord injury (SCI) to cough independently. Argues that cough efficacy and motor level are correlated.

Study examines the frequency and related characteristics of concurrent extraspinal fractures among patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Of 5,711 study participants, 1,585 (28 percent) had extraspinal fractures; 580 (37 percent) had more than one fracture site. The most common region of fractures was the chest, followed by lower ...

Two groups of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and chronic pain were surveyed regarding the frequency of use of different pain treatments and the perceived helpfulness of these treatments. The most commonly reported treatments were oral medications and physical therapy. Medication types included nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and ...

Study examined the quality of life (QOL) and experiences with caregiving among people using long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) compared to patients with tetraplegic spinal cord injury (SCI) not using LTMV. QOL was conceptualized in 3 distinct ways: health-related QOL, global cognitive appraisal, and individualized/judgmental. Caregiving was assessed in terms ...

Chapter from a symposium on children with spinal cord injuries (SCI), focusing on empirical studies related to psychosocial factors in the rehabilitation of children with SCI.

Study examining the recovery of functional independence following spinal cord injury (SCI) as a continuous process using growth curve analysis. A retrospective database review of functional outcome assessment data was conducted for a cohort of 142 individuals admitted to a rehabilitation unit during 1986-1994. Results show that functional recovery ...

Study compared the relationships between family and individual adjustment in families with a child with traumatic brain injury (TBI) versus spinal cord injury (SCI). Family adjustment was measured in terms of level of family stress and family empowerment. Participants included 32 families, including 18 children with TBI and 14 ...

Study comparing post-rehabilitation outcomes for spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by firearms versus motor vehicle crash. Data were collected through interviews and reviews of medical records from 164 men with SCI age 18-35, to determine the differential effects of impairment, disability, etiology, and selected preinjury and social factors on ...