Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

For individuals with a spinal cord injury at T7-T12, what is one capability they may have?

1. Walking long distances without assistance

2. Using a manual wheelchair independently

3. Walking with the use of long leg braces

4. Total independence in all activities of daily living

The correct answer is: Walking with the use of long leg braces

Individuals with a spinal cord injury at the T7-T12 level often retain considerable trunk control and some degree of ambulation ability, particularly with assistive devices such as long leg braces. They may have enough muscle function and balance to walk with the aid of these braces, which typically provide the necessary support for their lower extremities, allowing for a form of mobility that can be independent with practice and rehabilitation. This capacity includes the ability to transfer weight and maintain balance while walking, which is crucial for ambulation. Walking long distances without assistance would typically be beyond their capability, as would total independence in all activities of daily living. Using a manual wheelchair independently is often a possibility for those with these injuries, but the emphasis on the ability to ambulate with long leg braces is critical for this specific level of injury, highlighting a blend of mobility options available to them.