Abstract:

Little is known of the outcome and effectiveness of clinical rehabilitation on physical activity, mobility, fitness, functioning in society or quality of life. A multi-disciplinary research collaboration and multicenter prospective cohort study (www.scionn.nl) was conducted and studied the course of restoration of mobility of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) served as a conceptual framework. A total of 225 SCI from eight Dutch specialized units participated. A variety of physical tests and questionnaires were administered at standardized moments during (3x) rehabilitation, and one and five years after rehabilitation. Results over time were analyzed with multi-level regression analysis (p<0.05). Multi-level analyses showed significant improvements in fitness and functioning in a wide range of outcome measures. positive during rehabilitation (but not BMI). Profiles showed a tendency to deteriorate after rehabilitation. Longitudinal multi-center research during and after regular SCI rehabilitation proves feasible and fruitful; results show positive trends at the group level regarding rehabilitation treatment and development towards a more active lifestyle

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