Effectiveness of core stabilization exercises for functional improvement of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive damage to the spinal cord that affect the motor and sensory functions as well as frequently representing itself as a long-term medical condition that require a sophisticated management and rehabilitation plan. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of core stability exercises in functional improvement of SCI patients. Objective: To explore the effectiveness of core stability exercises in functional improvement of SCI patients, that will include self-care, respiratory and sphincter management, and mobility (room and toilet). Methodology: The study was a Quasi Experimental study design that measured pre-test and post-test results. 28 patients were allocated based on inclusion criteria. The age range was 18-78 years. The participants received daily sessions for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale was used to measure the SCI level. Spinal Cord Impairment Measure version 3 (SCIM-3) was used to measure the functional independence of SCI patients, that has three sub-scales including self-care, respiratory and sphincter management, and mobility (room and toilet). Results: The pre and post test results of 28 participants were measured using Wilcoxon Signed ranked test. The test reveals that the total functional independence score statistically improved (p<0.05) after receiving the intervention. Self-care and mobility (room and toilet) score improved (p<0.05) significantly but respiration and sphincter management function did not show a significant difference (p=0.205) when analyzed respectively. Conclusion: The study showed that core stability exercises improve functional independence in patients with an incomplete SCI. Among the measured functional activities, self-care, and mobility (room and toilet) activities were improved but respiratory and sphincter activities did not improve after the intervention. Keywords: Spinal cord injury, functional independence, core stability exercises