Spinal Cord Injury Functional Integrated Therapy

What is SCI-FIT

The SCI-FIT program is based on five key components- active and passive range of motion, load bearing, gait training, developmental and functional movement patterns, and functional electrical stimulation (FES).

Every SCI-FIT program is tailored to the individual. Your program will be as unique as you are and may include these components:

• Aerobic Capacity/Endurance – Any activity that requires additional effort by the heart and lungs to meet increased demand on skeletal muscles for oxygen.
• Body Mechanics – The mechanics of the various systems of the human body, especially the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems.
• Ergonomics – Helping the body be more productive by teaching and practicing the skills needed to operate more efficiently, comfortably, and safely.
• Gait/Locomotion – Facilitating a movement pattern in lower extremities that simulates an upright movement pattern (done with body weight supported system, or over-ground using assistive devices). Click here for an example.
• FES – Functional Electrical Stimulation is used to stimulate peripheral nerves (lower motor neurons) to evoke muscle contraction and can be used in upper extremity, trunk, and lower extremity training. 
• Balance – The result of a number of body systems working together in order to maintain a specific pose, or achieve a certain movement. Click here for an example.
• Motor Function – Dexterity, coordination, and agility – refers to the many parts of our bodies that work together to enable us to act and move.
• Muscle Performance –Refers to the maximum amount of strength, power, and endurance produced by a particular muscle or muscle group, and the amount of time for which the individual can perform a particular activity.
• Neuro Muscular Development – The development of the nervous and muscular systems.
• Posture – Involves training the body to stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement or weight-bearing activities.
• Active/Passive Range of Motion – The use of stretching and/or controlled movement through a normal range of motion in multiple planes, utilizing multiple joints.

Benefits:

• Protection against chronic and secondary diseases related to neurological disorders and sedentary lifestyles
• Increased muscular strength
• Increased flexibility
• Increase stimulation to musculoskeletal system
• Increased circulation and blood flow to areas prone to skin breakdown
• Postural improvements
• Maintenance of optimal health
• Maintenance of bone density
• Potential for increased joint integrity
• Potential to reduce pain and depression
• Potential of increased motor function
• Potential to reduce spasms

New Client Application and Qualifications

Select the SCI-FIT location that is most convenient for you and fill out the application form in its entirety. All information will remain confidential. If you are under the age of 18, the information for a parent or guardian must be included. A knowledgeable team member will contact you soon to set up a free evaluation and talk with you about your goals.

To be accepted as a SCI-FIT client, you must meet these qualifications:

• Have a spinal cord injury, stroke, or neurological disorder of any level
• Be cleared by a physician to participate in an intense exercise therapy program
• Be cleared by a physician to perform weight-bearing activities through the upper and lower extremities (a bone scan will be required for those individuals one or more years post-injury)
• Be able to breathe independently
• Must have a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard

On June 3rd, 2005 Dan Dumas was hit by a wave while vacationing in Maui and broke his neck, leaving him with a C-5 incomplete spinal cord injury. He spent three months in the hospital after fusing his cervical vertebrae. Dan was told repeatedly that would never walk again, let alone move anything below his level of injury.

Dan and his wife, Annabelle, refused to believe this prognosis and began searching for alternative therapies for spinal cord injuries. One week after being discharged from the hospital they moved to Southern California to start an intense exercise-based recovery program. Dan began working out two hours a day five days a week. Dan saw tremendous progress within the first couple months and by the sixth month mark, Dan took his first steps in a walker. By the end of his program, Dan was no longer using a wheelchair, and walked with a walker or crutches full time.

Dan and Annabelle decided they wanted to create an opportunity for individuals with spinal cord injuries to participate in an aggressive therapy program without having to re-locate. Dan and Annabelle opened SCI-FIT Pleasanton in 2007 and have been in integral part of the business operations of the company. In 2014 a second location was opened in Sacramento making this program available to more people with neurological disorders in Northern California.