Effects of Exercise Training on Forced Expiratory Flow in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury with Prone Positioning: A Serial Case Report

Abstract

: Two Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients with the diagnosis of thoracic level Asia Impairment Scale (AIS) A chronic phase were re-hospitalized. A 23-year-old male with accompanying problem of multiple pressure sores, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and anemia; and a 13-year-old-female with accompanying problem of pressure sores and anemia. Debridement and flap surgeries were performed in treating existing pressure sores. Six weeks of tailored-made rehabilitation program were given including the prone positioning in the midst of the ongoing program. Each subject completed peak cough flow (PCF), peak flow rate (PFR), and Spinal Cord independence Measure (SCIM) for respiratory function-interview based. Re-admitted chronic SCI patients had exercise tolerance which put them at risk of pulmonary complications. A good exercise tolerance will support the respiratory function by increasing vital capacity (VC), thus enhancing cough ability as a protection of respiratory system. Prone position also has certain advantages that can still be conducted by SCI patients in preserving respiratory capacity. Conclusions: Good exercise tolerance along with good airway cleansing technique is an effective way to prevent complications of the respiratory system in chronic SCI patients who must be in a prone position for a certain period of time.