The results of this re-evaluation, or rather the final assessment of Jason's functioning, were documented using the ICF Evaluation Display. The ICF Evaluation Display is an extended version of Jason's ICF Categorical Profile that visually shows (as a bar graph) the ICF qualifier rating given to each of his intervention targets during the final assessment along with the ratings from the initial assessment three months prior.
""At the end of the Rehab-Cycle®, Jason had achieved all of his cycle goals.""
At the end of the Rehab-Cycle®, Jason had achieved all of his cycle goals. In turn, his service-program goal of increased independence in daily living was also achieved. This was evident in the final Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) score14 of 90 (out of 100); this was an increase from a score 65 at admission. The higher Jason's SCIM score was, the higher was his independence in the SCIM domains of self-care, respiration and sphincter management, and mobility.
Cycle Goal 1: Re-gain Walking Ability
At the completion of the Rehab-Cycle®, cycle goal 1 ‘re-gain walking ability’ was achieved. Jason was able to walk – and even jog – short distances independently and on a range of surfaces and terrain without the use of assistive devices. Since he became unstable after walking long distances or for more than 30 minutes, he walked with crutches to lower the risk of falling.
""Jason was able to walk...""
Almost all of the intervention targets identified for cycle goal 1 were also achieved. Higher muscle power, better joint mobility and stability, improved gait patterns and overall mobility contributed to re-gaining Jason's walking ability. He was also able to control simple movements, and the involuntary movement reactions that facilitated, for example body balance while walking, functioned well. Furthermore, many of the affected muscle groups were now able to perform active movement against gravity and resistance with a full range of motion – quite a contrast from the total paralysis measured in the same muscle groups at admission to the rehabilitation centre.
Cycle Goal 2: Participation in Sports
Jason’s enthusiasm for sports gradually returned as the Rehab-Cycle® progressed. In the beginning of the Rehab-Cycle® Jason was unfocused in some of the group activities, such as swimming. Later he fought for the right to engage in other sports activities, such as wheelchair basketball, that seemed to suit him better, even if this also meant that he had to accept potential risk of additional injury.
""The physician...encouraged Jason to do sports, but advised him not to do it competitively...""
Towards the end of the Rehab-Cycle®, Jason was able to pass a physical fitness test; consequently, he received a “sports pass” that enabled him to use the sporting facilities whenever he wished. The physician on his rehabilitation team encouraged Jason to do sports, but advised him not to do it competitively, as this may put him at risk of further injury, particularly to the spine.
Cycle Goal 3: Health Maintenance
The final assessment revealed that Jason had achieved all the goals set for the intervention targets defined for cycle goal 3 ‘health maintenance’. Specifically, he gained weight and became independent in self-care activities, such as caring for body parts, skincare and dressing.
""...Jason had achieved all the goals set for the intervention targets defined for cycle goal 3 ‘health maintenance’.""
In Jason's case, health maintenance was not only about gaining weight or independent self-care, it was also about optimising emotional functioning. At the conclusion of the Rehab-Cycle® Jason's emotional functioning improved considerably; he was no longer taking the anti-depressants. His renewed enthusiasm and participation in sports had a clear and direct impact on achieving the goal of improving Jason's emotional functioning.
Regarding the global goal of community reintegration, the rehabilitation team felt that Jason had good prospects for a successful community reintegration. The vocational rehabilitation counsellor on the rehabilitation team managed to negotiate a transitional plan with Jason's pre-injury employer that allowed him to return to his apprenticeship programme.
Goal Achievement and Motivation
Initially, I tried to reason with him to motivate him. I explained I was on his side and there to support him, but could only do so if he let me. When that had no effect, I tried to leave him alone – if he didn’t want to do an exercise, I would say: ‘Fine, don’t do it; you can leave the clinic in a wheelchair then’. At some point something inside of him clicked, and he realised that he was responsible for himself. I’m not certain what the real reasons were, but Jason changed his behaviour. I think he just grew up; he is now an adult.
Jason's physical therapist
The rehabilitation team suggested that Jason’s motivation was one of the factors that facilitated the achievement of all his cycle goals. They believed that had Jason remained unmotivated and uninvolved during his rehabilitation, the outcomes at the end of the Rehab-Cycle® would have not been as successful.
Sometimes it was really hard to motivate myself. The daily routines were tiring…Ultimately, what I wanted most was to be able to walk again.
Jason commenting on his attitude change