Introduction

Use it or lose it! Exercise treatment for spinal injuries

Use it or lose it! Exercise treatment for spinal injuries

WEST Australian researchers are taking part in an innovative ‘use it or lose it’ approach to treating spinal injuries, with the potential to revolutionise the way such injuries are treated.

Three randomised control trials are underway as part of a multi-million dollar research project involving the University of WA, eight spinal units in Australia and New Zealand, and more than 300 patients with paraplegia or quadriplegia.

The trials aim to assess the impact of regular training or exercise—as soon as possible after spinal injury—on the regeneration of damaged nerves and outcomes of subsequent treatment.

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