Locomotor training: experiencing the changing body.
This study examined the experiences of persons with incomplete spinal cord injury who participated in loco-motor training (LT). LT is an emerging rehabilitation intervention for enhancing the recovery of walking in persons with central nervous system disorders. Multiple interviews and field observations provided data from eight participants, including four veterans. Findings indicate that experiences of bodily changes were prevalent among participants. Themes included (1) experiencing impaired or absent proprioception, (2) struggling for bodily control, and (3) experiencing emergent bodily sensations. Themes 1 and 2 reflected bodily disruption as a result of spinal cord injury and were challenging to participants as they attempted to reconnect the body and self through LT. Theme 3 reflected bodily sensations (burning, soreness) that were seen as positive signs of recovery and resulted in hope and motivation. Understanding how LT participants experience bodily changes may enable therapists to develop improved participant-centered intervention approaches.
Hannold
Elizabeth M
EM
VA Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, 1601 SW Archer Road, Mail Stop 151B, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA. Lisa.Hannold@med.va.gov
Young
Mary Ellen
ME
Rittman
Maude R
MR
Bowden
Mark G
MG
Behrman
Andrea L
AL
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome