Evaluation of a task-oriented client-centered upper extremity skilled performance training module in persons with tetraplegia.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical intervention study.

OBJECTIVE

Arm hand skilled performance (AHSP) has a major role in the rehabilitation of persons with cervical spinal cord injury (C-SCI). A task-oriented client-centered upper extremity skilled performance-training (ToCUEST) module was developed. The present study aims to evaluate effects of ToCUEST on specific and general AHSP in C-SCI, during and after rehabilitation.

SETTING

Adelante Rehabilitation Centre (The Netherlands).

METHODS

C-SCI persons, either during or after rehabilitation, completed the ToCUEST training; a control group of patients during rehabilitation received standard rehabilitation. The training module was focused on patient's individual needs, combining principles of motor learning and training physiology. Three self-selected goals were trained 3 days per week, in three sessions of 30 min per day for 8 weeks. Measures were taken at 3 months after the start of the active rehabilitation (T0), before training (T1), after training (T2), at follow-up (3 months post-training; T3) and at discharge.

RESULTS

For both ToCUEST groups during (n=11) and after (n=12) rehabilitation, an improvement (P<0.001) on specific AHSP (using the Goal Attainment Scale and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (satisfaction and performance)) was found between T1-T2 and T1-T3. Also an improvement (P<0.02) in general AHSP (using the Van Lieshout Test, the QIF and the motor FIM) was found in the total ToCUEST group between T1-T2 and T1-T3. No significant difference in improvement of general AHSP was found between the ToCUEST rehab and control group.

CONCLUSION

The ToCUEST module leads to improvement in AHSP, not only persons with C-SCI during rehabilitation, but also after finishing rehabilitation. These effects remain at follow-up.