The timing and achievement of mobility skills during SCI rehabilitation.
METHODS
Retrospective, observational study, with consecutive sampling.


OBJECTIVE
To document the frequency and time frames for the achievement of independence in mobility skills for people undergoing rehabilitation following spinal cord injury (SCI).


METHODS
The South Australian Spinal Cord Injury Service, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, Adelaide, Australia.


METHODS
Retrospective data collection from a purpose-designed form. The achievement of independence in nine functional mobility skills, and time lines for this, were documented for people with a new SCI undergoing rehabilitation. Data from 152 participants were analyzed.


RESULTS
Of the nine mobility-based goals evaluated, the one most likely to be achieved was sitting on the edge of the bed and the least likely was gait. Time taken to achieve the skills varied from 4 to 10 weeks on average and reflected the degree of difficulty.


CONCLUSIONS
The frequency and time frames to achieve independence in mobility skills documented in this study will be useful when goal setting in a post-acute SCI rehabilitation setting.
International Centre for Allied Health Evidence, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. susan.hillier@unisa.edu.au
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Hillier
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Fisher
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Stiller
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*