The assessment of walking capacity using the walking index for spinal cord injury: self-selected versus maximal levels.
OBJECTIVE
To assess (1) the frequency and magnitude of differences between self-selected and maximal walking capacity following spinal cord injury (SCI) by using the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI) and (2) how these levels differ in efficiency and velocity.


METHODS
Prospective cohort.


METHODS
Academic medical center.


METHODS
Fifty people with chronic incomplete SCI.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Subjects ambulated at the level used in the community (self-selected WISCI) and the highest level possible (maximal WISCI). Velocity (in m/s), Physiological Cost Index (PCI), and Total Heart Beat Index (THBI) were calculated. Differences were compared using the paired t test (parametric) or Wilcoxon signed-rank test (nonparametric).


RESULTS
For 36 subjects, maximal WISCI was higher than self-selected WISCI; 21 subjects showed an increase of 3 levels or more. Ambulatory velocity was higher for self-selected WISCI compared with maximal WISCI (.68 m/s vs .56 m/s, P<.001). PCI and THBI at self-selected WISCI were lower than at maximal WISCI (PCI, 0.99 beats/m vs 1.48 beats/m, P<.001; THBI, 3.39 beats/m vs 4.75 beats/m, P<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Many people with chronic SCI are capable of ambulating at multiple levels. For these people, ambulation at self-selected WISCI was more efficient as evidenced by greater velocity and decreased PCI and THBI. The findings have implications for assessing walking capacity within the context of clinical trials.
Kim
Myeong Ok
MO
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Korea.
Burns
Anthony S
AS
Ditunno
John F
JF
Marino
Ralph J
RJ
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009983:Orthopedic Equipment; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016138:Walking