STUDY DESIGN:

A survey on functional ability, perceived exertion, and employment was mailed to 190 individuals with spinal cord lesion. Analysis is based on the 91 completed replies.

OBJECTIVES:

To establish a database of individuals with spinal cord lesions and to assess the effectiveness of training programs designed to improve life quality and employment chances among the individuals with spinal cord lesion.

SETTINGS:

Subjects selected from the Spinal Cord Injury Association of the Republic of China (SCIAROC) and from the Asylum Center Spinal Cord Injury (ASCCI) in Taiwan.

METHODS:

Information was obtained from a survey sent to the subjects who are chosen randomly from the SCIAROC and from all the subjects through ACSCI training program.

RESULTS:

Respondents in ACSCI had a higher functional activity level and lower perceived exertion during activities than those in SCIAROC. The employment status is related to the functional independence and level of injury.

CONCLUSION:

The database provides information on functional and employment status of individuals with spinal cord lesion. The present study also demonstrates the efficacy of a vocational training program for individuals with spinal cord lesion in Taiwan.