10 | Walking Recovery

Walking as a Long-term Goal

General Introduction

Regaining the ability to walk seems to be a major long-term goal of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).1 Considering this and findings that persons with an incomplete SCI are likely to regain some level of walking ability, 2 3 4 exploring ways to facilitate “walking recovery” would be important in rehabilitation management.1 5

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Continuous Improvement Over the Course of Rehabilitation

Simon's Story

I’ve learned so much over the past six months  – my injury has actually turned into a real opportunity for me.

Simon

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Finger Strength, Flexibility, and Coordination

Assessment

Five months into Simon’s rehabilitation, a Rehab-Cycle® began that focused on furthering the recovery of his walking ability. To start off the Rehab-Cycle® an assessment of Simon's functioning was conducted as the basis for defining the goals to address in rehabilitation.

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Evaluation

I never expected to make so much progress so quickly. Now I can swim and ride a bike, but there are still some challenges. I’m nervous while swimming and can’t yet get onto a mountain bike, which I find really disappointing. But I know these will also improve with time and practice.

Simon at the end of the Rehab-Cycle®

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Walking Recovery

Discussion

Rehabilitation incorporating walking as a goal requires both the guidance and support of the rehabilitation team and the focus and determination of the injured person.

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Literature

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10 | Walking Recovery