Relationship between ASIA examination and functional outcomes in the NeuroRecovery Network Locomotor Training Program.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of locomotor training on: (1) the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury examination; (2) locomotion (gait speed, distance); (3) balance; and (4) functional gait speed stratifications after chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).

DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort.

SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation centers in the NeuroRecovery Network (NRN).

PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (n=225) with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade C or D chronic motor incomplete SCI having completed locomotor training in the NRN.

INTERVENTION: The NRN Locomotor Training Program consists of manual-facilitated body weight-supported standing and stepping on a treadmill and overground.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: AIS classification, lower extremity pin prick, light touch and motor scores, ten-meter walk and six-minute walk tests, and the Berg Balance Scale.

RESULTS: Significant gains occurred in lower extremity motor scores but not in sensory scores, and these were only weakly related to gait speed and distance. Final Berg Balance Scale scores and initial lower extremity motor scores were positively related. Although 70% of subjects showed significantly improved gait speed after locomotor training, only 8% showed AIS category conversion.

CONCLUSIONS: Locomotor training improves gait speed to levels sufficient for independent in-home or community ambulation after chronic motor incomplete SCI. Changes in lower extremity motor and sensory scores do not capture the full extent of functional recovery, nor predict responsiveness to locomotor training. Functional classification based on gait speed may provide an effective measure of treatment efficacy or functional improvement after incomplete SCI.