Evaluation of an occupational therapy program for patients with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of an occupational therapy (OT) program combined with neuromotor rehabilitation, by assessing the degree of functional independence reached by patients with spinal cord injuries at first hospitalization.

SETTINGS

Subjects selected from the Spinal Cord Unit of the Rehabilitation Institute of Montecatone (Imola, Italy).

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-six male patients below age 60, with complete paraplegia (ASIA-A) in thoracic-lumbar level, at first hospitalization.

METHODS

Patients were divided into experimental and control groups. Subjects in the experimental group underwent neuromotor rehabilitation coupled with an OT program, whereas those in the control group followed neuromotor rehabilitation only. Increase in functional independence at discharge was evaluated by the Valutazione Funzionale Mielolesi (VFM) assessment scale.

RESULTS

Patients in the experimental group showed a significant increase in the total VFM score, and in domains concerning transfers and wheelchair use. A significant improvement was observed in unmarried patients as compared to married ones.

CONCLUSION

An OT service within a Spinal Cord Unit allows us to achieve a higher level of functional independence.