Longitudinal Assessment of Spinal Cord Structural Plasticity Using DTI in SCI Patients

The patients will participate in standard but comprehensive SCI specific rehabilitation therapy provided by the SCI program at KIR. The therapy consists of 3 hours per day, 5 days a week. Motor function therapy includes standardized procedures for range of motion, passive and active muscle activities, and therapies to improve mobility. The treatment program for the enrolled patients will be standardized by Dr. Kirshblum, Director of the SCI program at KIR and a Co-Investigator of the study. Patients usually receive 4 weeks of rehabilitation treatment; however, if any of them are discharged earlier from KIR, their out-patient treatment activities will be monitored and the patients will be tested based on the planned schedule.