Immediate effects of obstacle crossing training in independent ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury

A 2 × 2 cross-over design.

To compare immediate effects of obstacle crossing training and conventional overground walking training on functional ability among independent ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

A tertiary rehabilitation center, Thailand.

Twenty independent ambulatory participants with SCI received a 1-day overground walking training and a 1-day obstacle crossing training program in a randomized cross-over design with a 2-day washout period. Immediately prior and after each training program, the functional ability of all participants was measured using the timed up and go test (TUGT), five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST) and 10-m walk test (10MWT).

The TUGT, FTSST and 10MWT data were significantly better after obstacle crossing training (P<0.001) but not after the overground walking training (P>0.05). The improvement following obstacle crossing training was also significantly different from that of the overground walking training (P<0.05).

Obstacle crossing training immediately enhanced functional ability related to walking of ambulatory participants with SCI. However, a further longitudinal study using a randomized controlled trial is needed to support benefits of incorporation of obstacle crossing training into rehabilitation practice.