Technology used in activity based therapy for individuals living with spinal cord injury across Canada

Abstract

Study design Cross-sectional equipment inventory. Objectives The objective of this study was to describe the equipment used in activity-based therapy (ABT) programs for individuals with spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D) across Canada. Settings Publicly funded and private SCI/D care settings. Methods A survey on equipment available for ABT for different therapeutic goals was answered by Canadian sites providing SCI/D rehabilitation. Information about the setting and type of client were also collected. The survey results were compiled into an inventory of the reported types and use of ABT related equipment, with equipment grouped into varying levels of technology. Descriptive statistics and qualitative descriptive analysis were used to answer the questions: (1) ‘who’ used the equipment, (2) ‘what’ types of equipment are used, (3) ‘why’ (i.e., for which therapeutic goals), and (4) ‘how’ it is used. Results Twenty-two sites from eight Canadian provinces completed the survey. Reported equipment was classified into 5 categories (from low to high-tech). Most equipment reported was used to train balance. The high-tech equipment reported as available, was mostly used for walking training and strengthening of the lower limbs. Low-tech equipment was reported as being used most frequently, while high-tech devices, although available, were reported as infrequently or rarely used. Conclusions A large spectrum of equipment with varying levels of technology were reported as available, but were inconsistently used to provide ABT interventions across sites. In order to increase the clinical use of available equipment for ABT, education tools such as protocols regarding ABT principles and implementation are needed.

Implementing Activity-Based Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation in Canada: Challenges and Proposed Solutions

“…To provide physical opportunity for ABT implementation, Gauthier et al described equipment use for ABT programs across the continuum of care in Canada [8]. They noted high use of the low-tech equipment (e.g., parallel bars, fitness/training machines, splints/braces), while the medium-(e.g., elliptical, rower) to high-tech (e.g., exoskeleton, balance trainers) devices were used much less frequently.…”

“…Furthermore, educational materials have been created and disseminated by the ABT CoP [13]. Research activities such as peer-reviewed journal articles [8,9,15] and knowledge-sharing activities like ABT information postcards, a biennial ABT Expo, and Spinal Moves [13], a podcast about ABT, incorporate two BCTs. They provide information about health consequences (i.e., education) and represent credible sources (i.e., persuasion).…”

“…ABT is often associated with the use of technology such as electrical stimulation devices, since these pieces of equipment help deliver high doses of training and stimulation [5][6][7]. However, ABT interventions are not limited to their use [8]. Healthcare facilities have reported using manual stimulation and conventional gym equipment to provide ABT interventions [9].…”