Abstract: Objective To study the effect of early rehabilitation on the ambulatory capacity and the relationship between motor , sensory function and ambulatory function in patients with acute spinal cord injury.Methods 47 patients with spinal cord injury were treated with comprehensive rehabilitation program. Their motor and sensory function were assessed using Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ASIA, 1992) and their ambulatory function were assessed using Hoffer's ambulation classification during the treatment.Results Motor and sensory function increased significantly in the 12 months after trauma (P<0.05). Motor score at admission was correlated with the outcome of the ambulatory capacity(P<0.05).Conclusion Early rehabilitation was effective. The initial motor function was related to the outcome of the ambulatory capacity in patients with spinal cord injury.

Key words: early rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, ambulatory capacity