Abstract
Changes in trunk postural orientation following a targeted physiotherapy intervention in individuals with cervical and thoracic spinal cord injury: a case series
Southern Rehabilitation Medicine Centre, Local Health Unit of Algarve, Portugal
School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Portugal
School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic of Porto, Portugal
Physiotherapy Review, 2026, 30(3), 54-69
Background
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex neurological condition involving motor, sensory, and autonomic impairments, often leading to deficits in postural control (PC). Optimising PC, particularly trunk postural orientation (PO) in sitting, is a primary rehabilitation goal due to its relevance to independence and functional
performance.
Aims
To investigate whether physiotherapy interventions targeting PC can modify trunk PO in sitting in individuals with cervical or thoracic SCI, and to examine their impact on trunk control and functional independence.
Material and methods
A case series including six individuals with cervical or thoracic SCI was conducted. Assessments were performed at baseline (M0) and after six weeks (M1). Trunk PO was evaluated using kinematic analysis (SAPO®, Kinovea®), while trunk
control and functionality were assessed using the Trunk Control Test–SCI (TCT-SCI) and the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III). The physiotherapy programme was trunk-focused, addressing segmental activation, pelvic alignment, somatosensory stimulation, and task-oriented training.
Results
All participants demonstrated improvements in trunk PO during sitting, accompanied by increased TCT-SCI and SCIM III scores. Positive changes were observed in kinematic parameters across all cases
Conclusions
A trunk-focused physiotherapy intervention may improve trunk PO, trunk control,
and functional independence in individuals with cervical and thoracic SCI.
Keywords
spinal cord injury; postural control; sitting position; kinematic analysis; physical therapy interventions
Integrated with
