Abstract
A 30-year-old male patient who was 17 days post traumatic complete spinal cord injury was seen for 48 sessions over a 5-week period for inpatient physical therapy rehabilitation. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury, Straight Leg Raise, Modified Ashworth Scale, Wheelchair Skills Test Version 5.0, Spinal Cord Independence Measure III and Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II. A plan of care was established to address severely decreased hamstring length, moderately decreased upper extremity muscular endurance and cardiovascular endurance, severely decreased sitting balance, limited transfer ability, limited bed and wheelchair mobility, and limitations in activities of daily living. Main patient goals were to improve hamstring length, upper extremity strength and endurance, sitting balance, and be independent with transfers, bed, and wheelchair mobility. Main interventions used were a progressive overload upper extremity strengthening program, cardiovascular and upper extremity muscular endurance training, and specific task training of balance, bed mobility, transfers, and wheelchair skills. The patient achieved all main goals except hamstring flexibility. The patient was discharged to a local board and care with a home exercise program and referred to outpatient physical therapy.