title: Trunk strength and function using the multidirectional reach distance in individuals with non-traumatic spinal cord injury.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Trunk control is essential to engage in activities of daily living. Measuring trunk strength and function in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) is difficult. Trunk function has not been studied in non-traumatic SCI (NTSCI).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To characterize changes in trunk strength and seated functional reach in individuals with NTSCI during inpatient rehabilitation. To determine if trunk strength and seated reach differ between walkers and wheelchair users. To explore relationships between trunk and hip strength and seated functional reach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two SCI rehabilitation facilities.
  
  
  METHODS
  32 subacute inpatients (mean age 48.0 ± 15.4 years).
  
  
  METHODS
  Isometric strength of trunk and hip and function (Multidirectional Reach Test: MDRT) were assessed at admission and within 2 weeks of discharge. Analysis of variance was conducted for admission measures (MDRT, hip and trunk strength) between walkers and wheelchair users. Changes in MDRT, hip and trunk strength were evaluated using parametric and non-parametric statistics. The level of association between changes in values of MRDT and strength was also examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences between walkers and wheelchair users were found for strength measures (P < 0.05) but not for MDRT. Left- and right-sided reaches increased in wheelchair users only (P < 0.05). Associations between changes in hip strength, trunk strength, and reach distance were found (R = 0.67-0.73).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In clinical settings, it is feasible and relevant to assess trunk, hip strength, and MRDT. Future studies require strategies to increase the number of participants assessed, in order to inform clinicians about relevant rehabilitation interventions.
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gabison
authors.forename: Molly C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Verrier
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nadeau
authors.forename: Dany H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Gagnon
authors.forename: Audrey
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roy
authors.forename: Heather M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Flett
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D060726:Torso / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: Function; Muscle strength; Non-traumatic spinal cord injury; Rehabilitation; Trunk control