Abstract
A patient with incomplete C4 spinal cord injury was seen for outpatient physical therapy treatment for 16 sessions over 8 weeks at a university outpatient pro bono clinic. All treatment sessions were administered by a student physical therapist under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Upon physical therapy evaluation, the patient’s functional limitations were assessed with the 6 Minute Walk Test, 10 Meter Walk Test, the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury, Spinal Cord Injury Spasticity Evaluation Tool, and assistance required during transfers. Goals were established to evaluate improvement of the patient’s gait speed and endurance, and decrease assistance required during gait and transfers. Treatments included over-ground gait training, balance training, transfer training, lower extremity and trunk strengthening, endurance training, and caregiver education. Improvement in these functional limitations was important for the patient to regain leisure activities within the community. The patient was discharged to home with his wife and caregiver, and was provided a home exercise program to promote further progress towards functional independence.