Spinal Cord Injury Outcomes
Adults with Spinal Cord Injuries Meet Goals
Between February 2008 and January 2009 Courage Center collected information on 52 clients with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) who took part in our therapy programs. Below we identified the two major types of spinal injury that brought these clients to our center. Tetraplegia, involving both arms and legs (C-3 through C-8 levels), seen in blue below, affected 30 clients. Paraplegia, involving legs only (T-1 though L-3 levels), in maroon, affected 22 clients.
We take information about our clients’ abilities when they are admitted to any of our programs, and when they are discharged, to evaluate the effectiveness of our therapy and continually improve our therapy programs for future clients. The information we collected, shows that our clients made progress both clinically and statistically. On average, by discharge, clients with both tetraplegia and paraplegia made major gains in achieving their goals.
Results of Programs for People with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Courage Center offers several programs to help adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI) achieve as much independence as possible. Particularly important to people with SCI is the ability to do self-care (e.g., feed, wash and dress oneself) and to be able to move from place to place. Courage Center programs that work with clients on these activities are:
The Transitional Rehabilitation Program (TRP), an inpatient residential program that focuses on intensive daily therapy.
Medical Rehabilitation Services (MRS) - outpatient therapy services, either at the Golden Valley facility or at Courage Center St. Croix (CCSC).
Who was admitted to these programs during the last year?
The 52 clients who took part in our programs for people with SCI between February 2008 and January 2009 included the following:
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The average age of our clients was 47.
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Men made up 77% of our clients, and women, 23%.
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The average length of time from their initial injury to admission to our programs: 70 days.
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The average length of stay in the program, until discharge: 120 days.
What other kinds of problems did our clients have?
These 52 clients with SCI also had additional medical problems affecting their function and therapy. Some of the problems included brain injuries, diabetes, and other fractures.
How much did our clients improve during these therapy programs with us?
Our clients with SCI made significant gains in the two major areas of Self-care and Mobility, as measured on a scale of function (see chart below). The maximal number of points is based on the ability of a person with no physical or mental limitations.
If you think you or a family member or friend who has a spinal cord injury might benefit from one of Courage Center programs, please call 763.520.0312 or 1.888.846.8253 (Golden Valley), or 651.439.8283, (Stillwater/St. Croix), or e-mail mailto:Client.Services@CourageCenter.org.
If you would like to learn more about the results of these programs, please ...