Recovery of golfing ability in someone with an incomplete spinal cord injury: a case report. (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moriello, Gabriele; Cole, Rita E.; Ryan, Brendon P.; Schuck, Abigail R.; Swift, Spencer R.
• Is Part Of: Disability and rehabilitation. Volume 36:Number 24(2014:Nov.)
• Page Start: 2101
• Page End: 2106
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: People with disabilities -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2014.890672
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8288

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Purpose</italic>: The purpose of this case report was to describe the elements needed to play golf, detail a rehabilitation program designed to teach someone with an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) to play golf and to document outcomes of such a program. <italic>Methods</italic>: The participant was a 58-year-old male who sustained an incomplete C3-C6 SCI. The program was divided into three phases. Phase one (nine sessions) consisted of balance, strengthening and flexibility activities to prepare him to play golf. During phase two (12 sessions), he practiced his golf swing in a clinical setting and in phase three (seven sessions) focused on task-oriented training at a golf course. The ability to play golf, putting accuracy, driving distance, quality of swing, balance, physical functioning, walking capacity, muscle strength, endurance and quality of life were measured before and after the intervention. <italic>Results</italic>: The participant was able to complete 9-holes of golf with assistance and demonstrated greater ability to drive the ball with better quality of swing. Improvements were observed in balance, physical functioning, walking capacity, endurance and quality of life but not in overall strength or putting accuracy. <italic>Conclusions</italic>: This individual was able to return to golf following an intense rehabilitation program even though he required an assistive device to walk.<list list-type="bullet"><title>Implications for Rehabilitation</title><list-item><p>Individuals with spinal cord injury often have impairments which make participation in leisure activities more difficult.</p></list-item><list-item><p>Participation in leisure activities has been associated with better subjective well being and quality of life.</p></list-item><list-item><p>Rehabilitation therapists should consider creating leisure goals with their patients.</p></list-item></list></p> </abstract>