How to exercise optimally for Lower-level spinal cord injury?

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What is a spinal cord injury?
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the result of a
traumatic injury that bruises, partially tears,
or completely tears the spinal cord. Compression
of the spine or neck can be a potential cause of
SCI. Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of
the most crippling neurological conditions that
affects the human body.
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Signs of an SCI
? Respiratory issues ? Muscle
weakness ? Loss of feeling in arms, legs, or
chest ? Loss of voluntary movement of
muscles in chest, arms, or legs ? Loss of
bowel and/or bladder control and function ?
Loss of sexual function
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Causes of an SCI
? Sports injuries ? Diving accidents ?
Trampoline accidents ? Motor vehicle
accidents ? Abscess on spinal cord caused by
infection ? Acts of violence ? Birth
injuries ? Compression from tumor or
infection ? Gunshot wounds ?
Complications from surgery ? Falls
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Complete and incomplete SCI
A complete injury results in absolutely no
movement and feeling below the level of the
injury. An incomplete injury will still have some
degree of movement and/or feeling below the level
ofthe injury. The two medical terms used to
describe an SCI patients condition
are Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia Loss of movement
and feeling in arms, legs trunk, pelvic
organs Paraplegia Loss of function and feeling
from the waist-down (trunk, legs, and pelvic
organs)
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Types of lower-level SCI
Lumbar SCI - Affects the hips and legs - Leads to
varying degrees of loss of motor function in the
lower body Sacral SCI - Rare type of SCI -
Affects upper thighs, hips, buttocks, and
genitals - Caused by injury to the sacral region
- Loss of function in the legs and hips is an
indicator of this type of SCI - Patients have
regained the ability to walk with timely
treatment and physiotherapy
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How does exercise help manage SCI?
? Reduces pain ? Improves flexibility and
muscle strength ? Improves sleep ?
Reduces mood swings ? Improves energy levels
and ability to take part in activities ?
Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight ?
Improves blood sugar and cholesterol ? Lowers
the risk of heart disease
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Exercises for lower SCI
STRETCHING (prevents muscle stiffness and joint
pain) CIRCUIT TRAINING (urges muscles in limbs
to participate) PUSHING WHEELCHAIR (strengthens
back muscles, as well as muscles in the arms and
legs) STRENGTH TRAINING (yoga, weights,
resistance bands) SEATED MARCHING STRAIGHT LEG
EXERCISES HEEL RAISES KNEE SQUEEZES
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Leg exercises for lower SCI
Range of motion (ROM) exercises like ? Hip and
knee flexion ? Hip rotation ? Hip abduction ?
Heel-cord stretching ? Lumbar rotation
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Lower extremity SCI exercises
? Use ankle pumps Lie down on a mat and point
your toes down so that the ankle is extended.
Next, raise your feet upwards towards the knees
to flex the ankles ? Knees to chest Place one
hand on the upper leg just above your knee and
the opposite foot. Bend one knee in so that its
reaching towards your chest. Then bring your foot
down and straighten the knee. ? Straight leg
lifts Lie down on a mat with your legs
straightened. Lift one leg without bending at the
knees. When the leg is as high as it can go, hold
for a few seconds. Bring the leg back down
and alternate with the other leg. ? Seated
marching Sit at the edge of your seat with both
feet on the ground, then alternate lifting your
knees one at a time.
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Patient-centric and specific
Exercises for SCI must be suited to the level of
injury. A neurologist or a physical
therapist/occupational therapist specializing in
SCI will provide you with a list of specific
exercises applicable to your level of
injury. This list can be compiled only after a
complete neurological assessment.