Spinal Cord Injury Facts
October 23, 2022
Spinal Cord Injury Facts:
- More than 250,000 Americans currently suffer from a spinal cord injury
- Spinal cord injury disrupts function of muscles & nerves
- Spinal cord injury can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Car accidents, crash, falls, and sport injuries are the most common causes of spinal cord injury
Well Known People with Spinal Cord Injury:
- Stephen Hawking, scientist
- Christopher Reeve, actor
- Ted Pendegrass, musician
- Curtis Mayfield, singer
- Darren Drozdov, wrestler
- Darryl Stingly, NFL player
- Sam Schmidt, Indy racer
Rehab Technology for Spinal Cord Injury:
- Robotic Exoskeletons are wearable robotic exoskeletons that provide powered hip and knee motion to enable individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) to stand upright, walk, turn, and climb and descend stairs. ReWalk is the first exoskeleton to receive FDA clearance for personal and rehabilitation use in the United States
- FES Stim Bikes are exercise bikes that uses functional electrical stimulation (FES) to assist leg movement despite muscle weakness or paralysis caused by disorders like spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. FES works by using small amounts of electricity to help muscles contract and produce functional movements. MYOLYN developed new stimulation techniques and control algorithms that led to a more powerful and efficient cycling workout for people with paralysis.
- Body Weight Supported (BWS) Treadmill Training is a method for retraining walking. A person using BWS is supported by a harness that is suspended from a metal frame or from the ceiling (see photograph here below). The harness and BWS provide support and reduce the weight on your feet while you walk on the treadmill.
Rehab Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury:
- Physical Therapy to: improve Balance, build Flexibility and Strength, reduce Pain and gain Mobility
- Occupational Therapy to: improve independence with ADLs, recommend assistive devices for wheelchair mobility, driving, work and play
- Speech Therapy to: improve Voice Volume and Control