The positive role of physical therapy and appropriate technology in the reduction of bone mineral density loss associated with complete spinal cord injury: A case report

This case report explores how consistent participation in activity-based therapies (ABT) can help reduce bone loss in individuals with chronic complete spinal cord injury (SCI). It focuses on one individual's engagement in therapies like functional electrical stimulation, cycling, and exoskeleton walking. Over 14 years, the person studied not only maintained but in some instances increased their bone mineral density (BMD) in the lower extremities. This goes against what is typically expected for people with long-term complete SCI. The study suggests that regular involvement in activity-based therapies may lead to positive results in maintaining bone health for individuals with chronic complete SCI.

• 1
  An individual with chronic complete SCI maintained and, in some areas, increased BMD in the lower extremities over 14 years.
• 2
  Consistent participation in activity-based therapies (FES, cycling, exoskeleton walking) may contribute to preventing BMD loss in SCI.
• 3
  The individual had above-average BMD compared to other individuals with SCI at the same time since injury.