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It has been stated that, one year
following a spinal cord injury a person will have achieved as
much functional return as can be expected. We refuse to
believe that and we believe that as long as there is continued
exercise and re-patterning, spinal cord injured patients will
continue to make functional progress.
Why Is the Program Called
"First Five"?
Program Description:
The First Five Project consists of a high intensity, focused exercise
program for motivated spinal cord injured adolescents and
adults with quadriplegia. Program participants work out three
times a week at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy,
Massachusetts with an exercise physiologist, physical
therapists and many volunteers.
Purpose of the Project:
The purposes of the First Five
Project are health promotion, functional improvement, and
reduction of complications. Our long-term goal is to establish
a program that is open to any spinal cord injured person who is interested in
participating.
Program Outline:
Pre-Program and Frequent Measurements
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Muscle strength
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Motor function
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Sensory function
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Self-ffficacy
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Quality of life
The Program (at least a 6 month
commitment)
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Upper body strength
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Lower body FES
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Standing body weight
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Cardiovascular exercises
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Balance and mat work
Phase I, the pilot project,
concluded spring 2004 (4 participants). Phase II of the
project ran from September 2004 - July 2005 (5
participants). Phase III began January 2005 (7 new
participants plus 5 continuing participants).
Organizers have received grants
from the Travis Roy Foundation,
the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, The
Pfeiffer Foundation, and the Shepherd Center.
They continue to submit applications for additional grant
funding in hopes that the project can be expanded. Organizers are currently
seeking
donations to expand the program
to include more participants. |
