title: Immediate effects of obstacle crossing training in independent ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury.
abstract: METHODS
  A 2 × 2 cross-over design.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare immediate effects of obstacle crossing training and conventional overground walking training on functional ability among independent ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
  
  
  METHODS
  A tertiary rehabilitation center, Thailand.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty independent ambulatory participants with SCI received a 1-day overground walking training and a 1-day obstacle crossing training program in a randomized cross-over design with a 2-day washout period. Immediately prior and after each training program, the functional ability of all participants was measured using the timed up and go test (TUGT), five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST) and 10-m walk test (10MWT).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The TUGT, FTSST and 10MWT data were significantly better after obstacle crossing training (P<0.001) but not after the overground walking training (P>0.05). The improvement following obstacle crossing training was also significantly different from that of the overground walking training (P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Obstacle crossing training immediately enhanced functional ability related to walking of ambulatory participants with SCI. However, a further longitudinal study using a randomized controlled trial is needed to support benefits of incorporation of obstacle crossing training into rehabilitation practice.
authors: School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Pramodhyakul
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Wattanapan
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Siritaratiwat
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Eungpinichpong
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Amatachaya
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*