Neurol. praxi. 2009;10(3):143-147

Examination and rehabilitation procedures in patients after spinal cord lesion

MUDr. Jiří Kříž, MUDr. Šárka Chvostová

Spinální jednotka při Klinice rehabilitace a tělovýchovného lékařství 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha

The physiotherapy of the spinal cord injuries takes, due to its high demands in costs, skills and specific needs, place at the specialized

wards – the Spinal cord units. With respect to those requirements the special ASIA neurological assessment (performed according to

the American Spinal Injury Association, ASIA) has been currently used. This examination permits an assessment of the level and extent

of the neurological impairment. The rehabilitation begins immediately the SCI patients are admitted to the SCU. The main attention is

paid to the respiratory and pain management. A wide range of specific physiotherapy methods have been used in order to minimize

neurological and functional deficits after SCI (e. g., techniques based on the clinical neurology approach, performance of passive and

active movements, verticalization, physical therapy, functional electrical stimulation, using MotoMed and Lokomat devices etc).

The specialized physiotherapeutic management during the acute, sub-acute and chronic phase after SCI has been focused on a recovery

of disturbed functions, a restoration of the remaining muscle potential, a creation of compensatory mechanisms to achieve as high as

possible level of self-sufficiency and especially to reach the acceptable quality of life.

Keywords: spinal cord injury, ASIA assessment, physiotherapy, Vojta reflex therapy, Lokomat, occupational therapy.

Published: July 1, 2009  Show citation