There is new access to independence for those with spinal cord injuries, thanks to Kennedy Krieger Institute’s plan to purchase a driving simulator that helps patients improve their ability to drive safely.
The International Center for Spinal Cord Injury (ICSCI) at Kennedy Krieger Institute has received a grant from the Samuel and Margaret Gorn Foundation enabling them to buy the simulator. The machine will be integrated into patient therapy to help them gain skills and confidence as they prepare to return to the road.
For many people with spinal cord injuries, returning to driving takes special and personalized rehabilitation and, in some cases, adaptive equipment. This return to the driver’s seat is often delayed by long wait times for driver rehabilitation programs, decreased confidence, and other circumstances. The impact on the person who has already suffered the injury is additional limited independence and social isolation.
“Driving is crucial to independence,” said Anna Schneider, director of operations and business development at ICSCI. “Many of our patients cannot rely on rideshare services or public transportation. The ability to drive themselves to run errands, go down the street or attend appointments has an immeasurable impact on their lives.”
Spinal cord injury is any damage to the spinal cord, and can be caused by trauma, disease, or a degenerative disorder. After a spinal cord injury, the nerves above the injury work as they did before, but below the level of injury, messages from the brain to the body transmitted through the spinal cord can be fully or partially blocked. The higher up on the spinal cord the damage occurs, the greater the degree of impairment.
In addition to the impairment caused by the spinal cord injury, secondary health complications are common. These may include chronic pain, pressure injuries, spasticity, respiratory issues, and more. Depression is also common, impacting up to 37% of people with spinal cord injury. Regaining the ability to drive can reduce isolation and increase independence, helping stave off factors that contribute to depression.
The new simulator replicates real-world driving scenarios and vehicle features. This enables therapists to customize treatment to each patient’s needs and abilities. The safe, controlled environment gives patients the best chance at improving their coordination, motor skills, strength, and reaction time. They also get practice using adaptive driving equipment, like hand controls, left-foot accelerators, and steering aids.
“Many of my patients don’t realize that driving is possible after a spinal cord injury,” said Jenna Shipley, occupational therapist at ICSCI. “This simulator helps show them what’s achievable and gives them the opportunity to learn how to use adaptive equipment for the first time.”
Kennedy Krieger estimates this new therapeutic tool will impact around 100 patients every year, improving rehabilitation outcomes for patients ages 16 and older who have spinal cord injuries and related conditions.
