The impact of task-oriented client-centered training on individuals with spinal cord injury in the community

Quasi-experimental study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an 8-week, task-oriented client-centered training (TOCCT) on physical function, perception of performance and satisfaction with the activities and achievement of training goals of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Participants were 12 persons with SCI living in Ubolratana District, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. Outcome measures consisted of physical function and perception of performance and satisfaction with the activities, which were assessed at pre- and post-training periods by using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, respectively. The achievement of training goals was also determined by the Goal Attainment Scale. Data were analyzed by using paired t-tests.

The 8-week, TOCCT significantly improved physical function of the participants (P=0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.22-7.12). Another positive impact of the training was found in the perceived levels of performance and satisfaction with the activities (P=0.001, 95% CI 1.31-3.49 and 1.68-3.67, respectively). Furthermore, at the end of the study, most of the participants could reach their expected training goals.

The 8-week, TOCCT significantly improved physical function and perception of performance and satisfaction with the activities of individuals with SCI when compared with the pre-training period. The training could also help most of the participants to achieve their training goals. Future studies with randomized controlled trial and longitudinal design are suggested to reveal further benefits of such training on individuals with SCI.