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Research Article
Issue Date: November 1985
Published Online: November 01, 1985
Updated: April 30, 2020
High-Level Quadriplegia: An Occupational Therapy Challenge
Pamela A. Lathem; Theresa L. Gregorio; Susan Lipton Garber
Author Affiliations
  • Pamela A. Lathem, OTR, is a unit supervisor, Theresa L. Gregorio, OTR, is a senior staff therapist, and Susan L. Garber, MA, OTR, is Assistant Director for Research; all at the Occupational Therapy Department, The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, Houston, TX 77030. Susan Lipton Garber is also Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
  • Pamela A. Lathem, OTR, is a unit supervisor, Theresa L. Gregorio, OTR, is a senior staff therapist, and Susan L. Garber, MA, OTR, is Assistant Director for Research; all at the Occupational Therapy Department, The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, Houston, TX 77030. Susan Lipton Garber is also Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
  • Pamela A. Lathem, OTR, is a unit supervisor, Theresa L. Gregorio, OTR, is a senior staff therapist, and Susan L. Garber, MA, OTR, is Assistant Director for Research; all at the Occupational Therapy Department, The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, Houston, TX 77030. Susan Lipton Garber is also Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
Article Information
Spinal Cord Injury / Wound Management / Features
Research Article   |   November 01, 1985
High-Level Quadriplegia: An Occupational Therapy Challenge
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, November 1985, Vol. 39, 705-714. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.39.11.705
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, November 1985, Vol. 39, 705-714. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.39.11.705
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Abstract

Rehabilitation of the C1 to C4 quadriplegic person is a relatively recent phenomenon. Few rehabilitation facilities accept the challenge these patients present. This paper describes a comprehensive occupational therapy program for the C1 to C4 quadriplegic person. It presents the objectives and mechanisms for treating these individuals (e.g., range of motion, strengthening existing musculature, functional activities training, pressure sore prevention, and equipment prescription) and introduces new approaches to increasing function through current therapeutic and engineering technological advances. The quality of life of these patients may well be determined by their exposure to functional activities in occupational therapy.