The positive role of physical therapy and appropriate technology in the reduction of bone mineral density loss associated with complete spinal cord injury: A case report.

Abstract

While no single method effectively prevents bone loss after spinal cord injury (SCI), consistent participation in activity-based therapies can help reduce it in individuals with chronic complete SCI. This case report presents the results of multiple dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans conducted over 14 years, highlighting changes in bone mineral density (BMD). The individual studied maintained a healthy lifestyle, preventing secondary complications associated with SCI. The focus is on the participant's engagement in various therapies, including functional electrical stimulation, lower-extremity cycling, and walking with a robotic exoskeleton. Remarkably, the findings indicate that, rather than losing BMD, this individual not only maintained but, in some areas, also even increased their BMD in the lower extremities. This observation contradicts the expected trend for individuals with chronic complete SCI, suggesting that activity-based therapies may yield positive outcomes.