The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of a training protocol for Lumbar Segmental Stabilization (LSS) on trunk control and skills on wheelchair management (WC) in paraplegic individuals. The sample consisted of 5 men (31.2±12.9 years) with spinal cord injury below T6. The total displacement (TD) and the anteroposterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) amplitudes of center of pressure (COP) were analyzed using a force platform in two test positions (hands on knees and crossover arms). Skills in the wheelchair were analyzed by the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST), pre and post LSS training protocol. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (15.0) using an ANOVA test (α≤0.05). In comparison pre- and post-training, there was significant reduction in the TD of the CP in the sitting position with hands on knees (P<0.01) and crossed arms on chest (P<0.01). There was no change in skills (as measured by the WST) between pre- and post-training in any of the levels studied. The LSS training protocol proposed was effective for improving trunk control, but did not change the skills for wheelchair management in paraplegic individuals.
Spinal cord injury; Exercise therapy; Physical therapy modalities
