Underwater treadmills used for spinal cord injury rehabilitationRSS Feed

Spinal cord injury patients have been using underwater treadmills as part of research at Middle Tennessee State University.

Patients have noticed improvements in their movement and one even walked out of the laboratory without his crutches as his balance and muscle tone had improved so much, Tennessean.com reported.

"They're walking faster, their endurance is better, their aerobic fitness is up, it's just a better quality of life," said researcher Sandy Stevens.

The scientists believe that, even when the connection between the brain and the spinal cord is damaged by a spinal injury people can learn to walk again through a primal reflex.

Ms Stevens told the website that patients do well on the aquatic treadmills as they do not need to worry about falling over so they can concentrate more on what they are doing. Also, the buoyancy of the water helps to support weight and alleviates pressure on joints.

Recent research, published this month in the journal Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, found that 48 per cent of spinal cord injury patients who use wheelchairs have had to have their chairs repaired.

Serious Law, leading spinal cord injury solicitors.

Half of spinal cord injury patients 'have to make wheelchair repairs'

21 December 2009

Almost half of spinal cord injury patients that use a wheelchair have had to have their wheelchairs repaired, according to recent research.The study, published this month in the journal Archives of Physical...

Read More...

Sheffield spinal injury unit praised by former patient

18 December 2009

A person who recently benefited from the services of a Sheffield-based spinal injury unit has given praise to the facility's workforce.Writing in a letter published by the Sheffield Telegraph, K Roberts...

Read More...

Spinal injury group stages Santa run

18 December 2009

A festive-themed fun run was recently staged by a spinal injury organisation.According to a report from This is Wiltshire, as many as 300 people took part in the Longleat Santa Fun Run earlier this month,...

Read More...