Abstract

Gait and balance is a significant issue for the majority of ambulatory patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries. Indeed, they are at greater risk of falling. Direct or indirect damage to the central or peripheral nervous system can reduce an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living. In a significant number of spinal cord individuals, incomplete injury to the spinal cord may spare their descending motor control pathways and allow their ability to retain the ability work. However most of them can walk non functionally walking at slow speed, short distance or within the house. The ability to functionally ambulate is decreased. Seventeen patients with SCI (ASIA impairment scale C and D) who were able to walk independently with or without walking devices or braces were recruited for the study. Participants received 10 sessions of obstacle crossing training and conventional over ground walking training in a randomized controlled trial. Pre and post scores after each training program, functional ability of all participants was measured. The outcome measures used were Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 10 Meter Walk Test (1OMWT), Walking Index For Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI II).Results showed that the experimental group demonstrated a significant differences in WISCI II, FTSST, TUG, 1OMWT than the control group in in-between comparison within the groups.