Quantitative Functional Recovery Assessment of Spinal Cord Injury by using “Spinal Cord Injury-Ability Realization Measurement Index (SCI-ARMI)”: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to a physical injury to the spinal cord that distorts normal spinal cord function. The sudden occurrence of SCI leading to paralysis of the muscles below the level of injury leads to major functional limitations. Thus, the Spinal Cord Injury- Ability Realization Measurement Index (SCI-ARMI) tool was developed that evaluates functional recovery quantitatively. Purpose: To assess changes in quantitative functional recovery before and after rehabilitation of spinal cord injury by using Quadric Formula of SCI-ARMI. Methodology: SCI-ARMI was used as an outcome measure. Participants followed a routine conventional approach. They were assessed before starting inpatient rehabilitation and after 4 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation by taking Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III (SCIM-III) and AIS motor score (AMS) along with age and gender as a factor for calculation of SCI-ARMI. Results: A highly significant difference was found with a p-value of <0.001. That is suggestive of significant changes in SCI-ARMI scores before and after conventional rehabilitation. Change in this score and improvement in functional performance was influenced by the conventional approach of inpatient rehabilitation. Conclusion: The present study concludes that SCI ARMI is useful and effective tool that monitors achievement of rehabilitation potential and helps to observe changes in quantitative functional recovery in individuals with SCI. Clinical Implication: SCI-ARMI is valid and reliable tool and also takes less time for calculation that can be incorporated into routine clinical assessment for the evaluation of functional performance and rehabilitation potential in SCI population. Keywords: SCI-ARMI, Quantitative Functional Recovery, Spinal Cord Injury.