Affiliations: Case Western Reserve University, The Cleveland FES
Center, Cleveland, OH, USA | Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Grand Rapids,
MI, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Anne M. Bryden, OTR/L, 2500 MetroHealth
Dr. (H601) Cleveland, OH 44109, USA. Tel.: +1 216 778 4999; Fax: +1 216 778
8409; E-mail: amb31@case.edu
Abstract: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in a sudden, devastating loss
of function. SCI is particularly challenging for the pediatric and adolescent
populations who, under normal circumstances, are still achieving developmental
milestones, but following SCI face additional barriers posed by paralysis and
the accompanying secondary complications. Advancing technology in
rehabilitation is changing the course of how people with spinal cord injury
participate in rehabilitation. Technology plays an ever-increasing role in both
restorative and compensatory rehabilitative interventions. While the practical
or functional needs of the pediatric patient may differ from those of the
adult, technology can and does play a role in restoring function for this
population. Applications of technology span broad areas, providing improved
options for care in grasp and manipulation, seating and mobility, augmentative
and alternative communication, electronic aids to daily living, and computer
access and use. This article reviews select applications of technology that
have great impact on the functional needs of people with spinal cord injury
(SCI): therapeutic and functional stimulation, EMG biofeedback and
EMG-triggered stimulation, assistive technology for computer access, and
implanted functional electrical stimulation systems. Some of these technologies
are already in use in the pediatric population, while some are not – yet have
great potential for restoring function in this group. The challenges and
potential solutions for implementing these technologies in the pediatric
population are discussed.
