Current research outcomes from the spinal cord injury model systems

Abstract

This article serves as an introduction to this issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation that is devoted to current research findings of the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) program. The SCIMS program began in 1970, with funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research in the U.S. Department of Education, to demonstrate a comprehensive care system for spinal cord injury (SCI) and also to conduct research to improve the health and quality of life of persons with SCI. Over the last 20 years, similar collaborative efforts for the dissemination of SCIMS research outcomes have produced conference proceedings in 1990, a book in 1995, and dedicated journal issues in 1999 and 2004. The collection of 24 articles in this issue shows the depth and breadth of work being carried out by the SCIMS investigators, from descriptive epidemiology to a randomized controlled trial, from neurologic recovery to community reintegration, and from health services utilization to assistive technology for mobility. Herein, we provide a brief overview of the SCIMS program, highlight the research initiatives currently underway, and describe the important findings of the original research articles contained in this issue.