Activity Based Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Our activity-based program focuses on repetitive activity such as cycling and treadmill training. The theory behind this repetitive movement is that a circuit within the spinal cord, called a central pattern generator, is being stimulated and therefore may cause more movement in the legs. Additionally, the children also receive spinal cord injury-related education, attend numerous community outings and form a strong social environment.

Core Programming: Activities center on repetitive motion to produce a health benefit and/or possible activate the central pattern generator.

• Cycling with FES (functional electrical stimulation), active (person using his/her own muscle strength), or motor assisted (cycle is powered to help move the pedals)
• Gait training with a partial weight bearing system on a treadmill and/or land
• Gait training using an aquatic treadmill
• Electrical stimulation for muscle strengthening

Recreational and Leisure Education: Our program continues the promotion of health and fitness through recreational and leisure education by providing resources and introducing activities such as:

• Adapted sports
• Adapted aquatics and SCUBA
• Hand cycling
• Cooking group
• Investigation into resources in local communities

Psychosocial Programs:

• Weekly teen peer-support group: a structured teen meeting offering discussion, sharing, and interaction.
• Munch N’ Mingle: a group lunch which provides an opportunity for patients and families to network. 
• Resource group: designed to explore the support services and financial resources available in a patient’s community .

• Daily exercise to establish and progress cardiovascular, strengthening, and flexibility programs.
• Instruction in carry-over for home and/or gym.