Rehabilitation following spinal cord injury (SCI) has traditionally focused on utilization of spared musculature above the lesion and compensation for functional impairments. Knowledge from basic science has led to a new understanding of the complexity and roles of the central nervous system below the lesion in controlling movement. Therapies developed from this new knowledge have had several names, e.g. activity-based therapies (ABT), recovery-based therapies, restorative therapies.
- The first set of articles, Sadowsky et al. 2009 (1), Roy et al. 2012 (2), McDonald et al. 2012 (3), Dolbow et al. 2015 (4), and Behrman et al. 2017 (5) provide an overview and introduction to the concept and principles of ABTs.
- Thielen et al. 2018 (6) discusses the mechanism for development of an evidence-based protocol on the implementation of ABTs in upper extremity rehabilitation.
- The next set of articles report on outcomes when applying ABTs alone or in combination with other therapeutic interventions in the pediatric and adolescent populations: Behrman et al. 2012 (7), Melicosta et al. 2019 (8), Felter et al. 2019 (9), Behrman et al. 2019 (10), and Argetsinger et al. 2020 (11).
- Argetsinger et al. 2019 (12) examines the responsiveness and sensitivity of the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control as an outcome measure in the context of implementation of ABT in children with SCI.
- The last article, Felter et al. 2017 (13), reports on the psychosocial attributes of individuals with SCI pursuing and participating in ABT treatment.
Articles selected by:
- MacKenzie Goode-Roberts, PT, DPT, Frazier Rehab Institute, Pediatric NeuroRecovery, Louisville, KY, USA
- Danielle Stout, MS, OTR/L, Frazier Rehab Institute, Pediatric NeuroRecovery, Louisville, KY, USA
- Margaret Calvery, PhD, Developmental Psychologist, Dept. of Pediatrics, Director Psychological Services for Pediatric NeuroRecovery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA