New Technique Shows Promise for Spinal Cord Injury Patients

A new assisted walking program could help some individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries reach a greater level of independence.

With the use of supported treadmill ambulation training, or STAT, Dr. S. Ann Holmes hopes to "retrain" nerve cells to work with minimum connection to the brain. Dr. Holmes is an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr. Holmes' goal is to restore a degree of mobility that would allow some individuals to walk short distances, making it easier for them to function at home and at work.

Researchers at Baylor and the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) are studying the effectiveness of STAT on patients with some motor function below the injury site. Results of a pilot study are promising and a larger-scale, two-year study is now under way.

"Past studies have shown this type of treatment to be helpful in regaining some mobility, but it has yet to become standard practice," says Dr. Holmes, also VAMC medical director of the spinal cord injury service. "We hope to improve participants' speed, endurance, efficiency and muscle strength, and, in turn, make them more functional walkers."

STAT patients walk on a treadmill while supported by a harness and suspension device. Initially, 40 percent of the body weight is supported. As the program progresses, the degree of support decreases while time and treadmill speed increase. During training, two physical therapists provide assistance by positioning the patient's feet in a proper stepping pattern.

The pilot study enrolled three participants who had been injured more than two years ago. Following the three month training period, all showed improved gait speed and gait distance while reducing the amount of energy required to walk.

The new study, funded by the VA Central Office, will include patients who are six months to two years post-injury. Participation is not limited to veterans.

The researchers will also test methods which can be used to identify different patterns of injury. This should help physicians determine, beforehand, good candidates.

Each year, nearly 8,000 spinal cord injuries occur in the United States. It is estimated that between 250,000 and 400,000 individuals are currently living with a spinal cord injury or spinal dysfunction.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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