ABSTRACT

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently leads to permanent disability. Early initiation of rehabilitation may enhance functional independence and reduce secondary complications, especially in low-resource environments. Objective: To compare functional recovery between SCI patients receiving early (?4 weeks) versus delayed (>4 weeks) rehabilitation, using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III). Methods: In this comparative cohort study at Jaya Rehabilitation Institute, Gujarat, 30 SCI patients were assigned to Early (n=15) or Delayed (n=15) Rehabilitation Groups. Both groups underwent identical 8-week standardized rehabilitation. SCIM-III scores were recorded at baseline and post-intervention. Statistical analysis included paired and independent t-tests and ANCOVA. Results: Both groups improved significantly (p<0.001). The mean SCIM improvement in the early group was 32.2 ± 2.5 vs. 21.1 ± 1.6 in the delayed group (p<0.001). ANCOVA controlling for baseline confirmed timing as a significant factor (p<0.01). Conclusion: Rehabilitation initiated within four weeks post-SCI leads to significantly greater functional gains than delayed initiation. Prioritizing early rehabilitation is essential for optimal recovery in SCI patients. Keywords: spinal cord injury, rehabilitation timing, SCIM-III, functional recovery, early intervention
Publication date: 01/07/2026

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/July/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10290.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.7.10290