Article

Objectives: To compare multidirectional seated postural stability between
individuals with spinal cord injury and able-bodied- individuals and to evaluate
the impact of abdominal and low back muscle paralysis on multidirectional seated
stability. Design: Case-control study. Participants: Fifteen individuals with
complete or incomplete spinal cord injury affecting various vertebral levels
participated in this study and were gender-matched with 15 able-bodied
individuals. Methods: Participants were instructed to lean as far as possible in
8 directions, set apart by 45 degrees intervals, while seated on an instrumented
chair with their feet placed on force plates. Eight direction-specific stability
indices and a global stability index were calculated. Results: The global
stability index and all direction-specific indices, except in the anterior and
posterior directions, were lower in individuals with spinal cord injury than in
able-bodied individuals. However, the individuals with spinal cord injury who had
partial or full control of their abdominal and lower trunk muscles obtained a
similar global stability index and similar direction-specific indices compared to
the able-bodied individuals. Conclusion: Multidirectional seated postural
stability is reduced in individuals with SCI who have paralysis of the abdominal
and lower back muscles in comparison to able-bodied individuals.

Langue : ANGLAIS