Effect of Elastic Aids (Bands) on Functional Reach Test in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: Pilot Study

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#This study aimed: to confirm the balance ability of patients with spinal cord injury in the sitting state through a functional reach test using an elastic aid; and to propose a balance improvement plan. @*Methods@#The study evaluated seven patients with spinal cord injury who could maintain a sitting posture through minimum assistance. A functional reach test was performed before and after wearing an elastic aid while sitting on a chair, and the effects before and after use of the elastic aid were compared and analyzed through a motion analyzer. @*Results@#In the functional reach test, the forward movement distance of the hand was 97.45 mm before wearing the elastic aid, but significantly increased to 131 mm after wearing the aid (p < 0.05). Corresponding forward movement distances for the shoulder were 81.26 mm and 113 mm (p < 0.05 for the increase). There was no statistically significant change in lateral functional arm extension. @*Conclusion@#It was confirmed, through a functional reach test, that trunk stability in patients with spinal cord injury increased with use of an elastic aid. In future, more efficient rehabilitation treatment programs will be possible if trunk stability in patients with spinal cord injury is improved by using elastic aids, and if various exercise treatments are also included in the rehabilitation programs.