Physical strain, work capacity and mechanisms of restoration of mobility in the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI)

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Welcome to the English website of the ZON-Rehabilitation program ´Physical strain, work capacity and mechanisms of restoration of mobility in the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).´

This multi-centre & multidisciplinary research program is a strong collaboration between 5 research groups and 8 large SCI-specialized rehabilitation centres in the Netherlands. The program started initially with 5 projects but currently consists of 19 highly complementary projects, funded by the ZON-Rehabilitation program in collaboration with NWO-Medical Sciences, as well as other smaller third money partners. For a quick overview of the program (information and pictures) you can watch the slide show.

Restoration of mobility during rehabilitation of persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI) is generally directed to a wheelchair bound daily life. SCI implies an acute change from leg to arm work. This has a major impact onto the cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular and skeletal systems, as well as for overall functionality in daily life. A SCI affects physical strain of simple every day activities and the individual work capacity, as well as the opportunities to be functionally mobile in daily life. Many (neuro) physiological and biomechanical changes take place as a mere consequence of SCI or the role of rehabilitation. Little is known of the complex adaptations in the organ systems that are basic to the restoration of mobility. Although with a strong focus on these biomedical issues of mobility, the program does not restrict itself to that. It also addresses mobility issues at the level of function as well as activities and participation.

This research program of 19 interrelated research projects is, therefore, directed to the following main objectives:

1. Development of fundamental and clinical knowledge of adaptations in organ systems and the mechanisms of restoration of mobility from a (neuro)physiological, biomechanical and rehabilitation technology perspective.
2. Development of a knowledge base of the effects of rehabilitation and protocols of physical training on overall work capacity as well as functional progress.
3. Analysis of associations between impairment, disability and handicap in this respect.
4. Understanding of material, physical and process requirements for an optimal restoration of mobility during and after the rehabilitation of patients with SCI.

For more information about the 19 research projects, click on the project titles on the left side of this webpage. If you have any further questions, please contact us or any of the other members of the research team.