The Effect of Overground Locomotor Training on Self-Efficacy Following Spinal Cord Injury: An Exploratory Study

This study describes changes in movement self-efficacy following full-weight bearing overground locomotor training (OLT) in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries (iSCI). Movement self-efficacy was measured as confidence when completing physical actions as measured by the Outpatient Physical Therapy Improvement in Movement Assessment Log (OPTIMAL). Fifteen individuals with motor iSCI completed the initial 12 wk of training, and 14 after another 12 wk of OLT. The total OPTIMAL showed small effects from baseline to 24 wk of OLT and from 12 wk to 24 wk, with larger effects found in sub-tasks of the OPTIMAL. Post-hoc analysis found significant improvements in movement self-efficacy for squatting and hopping. Findings suggest movement self-efficacy improved with 12 and 24 wk of OLT, and that these changes may be different for those with higher or lower-level SCI. Improvements in movement self-efficacy may have implications for future rehabilitative care, including reduced burden on caregivers for individuals with SCI.