Life after personalized adaptive locomotor training: a qualitative follow-up study.

STUDY DESIGN

Qualitative follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES

Intensive locomotor training can improve physical and psychological functioning for individuals with spinal cord injury. Few studies have examined long-term effects of locomotor training. Specifically, there is a lack of qualitative follow-up that provide insight into participants' perceptions of the effects of locomotor training on level of function and daily life. This study aimed to gain insight into participants' perceptions of intensive locomotor training and whether participation influenced the level of function and community living 1-2 years after training.

SETTING

Tertiary rehabilitation facility in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

Participants were six individuals who had lived with spinal cord injury between 1.9 and 2.7 years at the time of the interviews and had completed locomotor training during the subacute phase of injury. Semi-structured interviews explored participants' daily experiences and level of function after locomotor training. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes were identified. (1) Outcomes: Personalized Adapted Locomotor Training led to transferable gains from the program to daily functioning and eased transitions out of the rehabilitation hospital. (2) Continuing the rehabilitation journey: following disappointment after training ended, recovery was perceived incomplete regardless of current functional status. Endeavors were now directed to maintaining gains achieved during the program. (3) Challenges: since discharge from Personalized Adapted Locomotor Training, participants identified changes in their psychological well-being and the risk of falls as challenges.

CONCLUSIONS

Personalized Adapted Locomotor Training was a positive experience. The identified challenges present future opportunities for the improved delivery of intensive locomotor training programs.