Chapter 16 – Spinal Cord Disabilities

Wesley J. Wilson and Luke E. Kelly

Complete the blanks with definitions or the keyword throughout the
document.
Classification Systems of SCI:
Medical Classification –

Sport Classification –

Relevant Factors
 Respiration  Hip, knee, and ankle control and
 Shoulder, arm, and hand control and sensation
sensation  Bowel and bladder control
 Trunk Stability  Quadriplegia and paraplegia
 Loss of movement and sensation

Handling Potential Spine Injuries

• Treat all injuries as potentially • Restore breathing and circulation.
serious. • Summon medical help.
• Immobilize neck. • Keep victim warm.

Treatment phases

Hospitalization –

Rehabilitation –

Return to home –

Secondary issues
 Psychosocial acceptance o Urinary tract infections
 Health Conditions o Spasticity
o Decubitus ulcers o Contractures
o Bruising o Obesity

Spina Bifida:
 Congenital birth defect – Neural tube fails to close completely in the first 4 weeks of
fetal development.
 Classifications of Spina Bifida:
 Most severe, most common; covering of the spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid, and part
of the spinal cord protrudes through the opening and forma visible sac on the back –
 Spinal cord covering and cerebrospinal fluid protrude into the sac; rarely has
neurological damage; surgically corrected –
 Mildest, least common; defect in the posterior arch of vertebra/ no protrusion
through the opening; no neurological damage; surgically corrected –

Similarities and Differences of SPIs

• Acquired spinal cord impairments • Congenital impairments—spina
• Psychosocial acceptance and bifida
development • Psychosocial acceptance and
• Physical and motor development
development • Physical and motor
development
Chapter 16 – Spinal Cord Disabilities
Wesley J. Wilson and Luke E. Kelly
Fitness and Spinal Cord Injuries
 Obesity  Fitness and safety
 General level of fitness  Hypotension –
 Flexibility, Strength, Endurance  Thermoregulation –
 Muscle imbalances  Autonomic dysreflexia –

Spinal Column Deviations

Scoliosis –

Kyphosis –

Lordosis –

Scoliosis Classification
1. Permanent or fixed changes in the alignment of the vertebrae that cannot be altered
through physical manipulation, positioning, or exercise –
2. Functional deviations, vertebrae can be realigned through positioning or removal of
primary cause –

Causes of scoliosis
 Idiopathic – cause is unknown
o S-shaped curve; one major curve and two minor curves
o Progressive
 Neuromuscular – result of a nerve or muscle problem
o C-shaped curve
o Balance difficulties
o Pressure on internal organs
o Seating problems

Treatment of scoliosis
Treatment varies with degree of curvature

Mild –

Severe –

Extremely severe (curve greater than 40 degrees) –

Treatment of spinal deviations

 Work on both strength and
flexibility.
 Make routines fun and motivating.
 Employ appropriate warm-up and
cool-down periods.
 Emphasize static over dynamic
stretching.
 Make sure they understand and can
do the exercises correctly.
 Encourage them to watch
themselves in mirrors when they
exercise.
 Make sure program is followed
outside of your setting.
 Emphasize symmetrical exercises.
 Be aware of limitations imposed by
braces
Chapter 16 – Spinal Cord Disabilities
Wesley J. Wilson and Luke E. Kelly

Inclusion

• Focus on abilities.
• Substitute objectives (e.g., wheelchair skills for locomotor skills).
• Make accommodations to ensure success and learning.
• Teach self-advocacy.
• Does the student feel a sense of value, belonging, and acceptance in physical
education?