A Clinical Trial of Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation for Sensory and Motor Recovery in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury

The goal of CMR is to restore proprioception (i.e., sense of joint position and movement), body awareness, and awareness of the paralyzed limbs and trunk in space, in order to improve sensory and motor function. For example, CMR tasks will have the participant solve exercises related to: (i) where the legs are situated in space; where the legs are in relation to the pelvis and the upper part of the body (ii) the dimensions and length of the legs, the dimension of the pelvis, and sensation of the pelvis as a central body reference. (iii) the relationship between the left and right side of the body, and the relationship between the pelvis and the feet. Further, improvements in touch and pressure sensation are obtained with (v) texture discrimination tasks, and (vi) discrimination of sponges with varying resistance. Given the importance of sensory feedback for movement, sensory improvements create the opportunity for motor recovery to occur.

The Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute centers provide access to state-of- the-art adaptive gym equipment in their fitness center to promote fitness and recreation. Equipment includes treadmills, elliptical, NuSteps, SciFit upper body ergometers, Ski Erg and Rowing Machine, Upright and recumbent stationary bicycles, chest press, rear row, leg extension, leg curl, leg press, uppertone, free weights, and kettlebells. The equipment is spaced to allow for movement and is accessible for use from a wheelchair. They allow for transfers and caregiver assistance.