Project Walk Orlando

The Old Approach to Spinal Cord Injury

No hope for recovery

Interfere with sensation and muscle contractions with drugs

Limited to no stimulation of the paralyzed areas

Place the person in a continual reduced gravity environment (the wheelchair)

	Results in:

	Loss of bone density and muscle mass, further reducing the chances of recovery in the future
	Decreased circulation
	Increased risk of infections and pressure sores
	No improvement of function

The Project Walk Orlando Approach to Spinal Cord Injury

Hope of recovery

Begin external stimulation for the nervous system to promote reorganization

Remove clients from reduced gravity environment while working out

Muscle contractions are increased and used to build muscle mass and control

Load bearing exercises are performed from day one

Worse case result is the client is healthy and more independent

Best case result is the client begins to regain function and continues to improve

	Results in:

	Increased central nervous system activity
	Increased muscle mass
	Increased circulation
	Increased sensation in some clients
	Increased hot and cold in some clients
	Increased control of life
	Decreased pressure sores
	Decreased use of medications
	Decreased health problems associated with a spinal cord injury
	Hope

Phase I & Phase II: Development/Stabilization

The goal is to stimulate the nervous system with load bearing and active recruitment to develop joint stabilization.

Phase III: Strengthen

The goal in Phase III is to initiate muscle contractions through positional movement or stimulation.

Phase IV: Function & Coordination

The goal here is to improve coordinated movement through all planes of movement and motion.

Phase V: Gait Training

We don't teach you to walk; we teach you the skills necessary to walk well.