ABRTfor SCI-V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Impact of Activity Based Restorative Therapy(ABRT) program for upper limb on a sample of people with tetraplegic spinal cord injury.
IRAS ID
275394
Contact name
Sushmita Mohapatra
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Brunel University London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
An estimated 50,000 people in the UK with Spinal Cord Injury(SCI), with approximately 2,500 newly injured every year(Backup trust 2019). Loss of hand function is considered as one of the most devastating consequences of the injury (Pohlmeyer et al. 2009). Therefore, rehabilitation of hand function is of great importance and priority. Activity-based interventions such as Activity Based Restorative Therapies (ABRT) has been identified as one of the most effective interventions to restore muscle function and sensation below the spinal cord lesion by targeting the activation of the neuromuscular system rather than compensating strength and agility of intact muscle groups above the lesion (Behrman & Herkema 2000). Although there is an increase in research into ABRT over the past decade, the positive preliminary outcomes, especially in the use of upper limb after SCI are yet to be determined (van Middendrop et.al 2016). Similarly, the intensity of participation in an activity has been proven to enhance neurological and functional recovery; however, the evidence on the effectiveness of an intensive program in upper limb rehabilitation after spinal cord injury is limited. Investigating the effects of activity-based interventions during SCI rehabilitation has also been identified as one of the highest priority for research (van Middendrop et.al 2016). Hence, the current study aims to investigate ‘whether participation in an intensive ABRT program could influence the functional performance of upper limb during rehabilitation in patients with tetraplegia (paralysisiof all four limbs) following acute Spinal Cord Injury?’
Using a quantitative approach, the study will undertake a retrospective secondary data analysis of the already available non-identifiable participant data from the occupational therapy team at the National Spinal Injuries Center(NSIC) with due permission. The results of the study will add to our current understanding and inform clinical practice on ABRT for upper limb in people with SCI.REC name
N/A
REC reference
N/A