Blood Flow Restriction Training for a Patient with Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Background and Purpose: Approximately 18,000 people experience a spinal cord injury in the US. Independent ambulation is a primary goal for individuals with spinal cord injury. Blood flow restriction training (BFRt) is an emerging intervention that may assist in neurorecovery after a spinal cord injury and may improve ambulation and functional mobility. Design: A retrospective case report Methods: A 26-year-old male experienced a T 5 spinal cord injury after a fall from a roof in July of 2022. Initial classification was T 5 ASIA B. The patient had received substantial rehabilitation services at an inpatient rehab center and residential program, followed by services rendered at an outpatient neurological specialty clinic. Blood flow restriction was initiated to explore the impact on LE strength, spasticity and function. Manual blood flow restriction cuffs, by B strong were inflated to occlusion at 150 mmHG and then released to 40% of occlusion pressure or 60 mmHg. Lower extremity functional strengthening was conducted for a duration of 10 minutes for a total of 10 visits. Lower extremity strength, gait metrics and patient satisfaction were measured for intervention effectiveness. Results: Data collection is still in process; data analysis will take place before research days. Comparative analysis will take place to determine any impact the training method may have on the performance of the lower extremity.