Introduction
stroke, ’ impairments, cord injuries
STROKE
A key aim of physiotherapy for people with recent spinal cord injuries (SCI) is to maximise neurological recovery and function [Intensive Motor Training is advocated for its potential to promote recovery and improve function, particularly in those with some neurological preservation below the level of the injury and if provided soon after injury. The evidence supporting intensive Motor Training in people with recent SCI comes from animal studies and from the stroke literature [Most physiotherapists and occupational therapists are highly trained in delivering the two components of Motor Training as provided in the SCI-MT Trial, namely task-specific and strength training. However, the challenge for the SCI-MT Trial is ensuring that the trial therapists administer Motor Training in a consistent way following some key principles whilst individualising it to the needs of each person, and that the therapists deliver the intervention to the highest possible standard. The other challenge is communicating the contents of this complex intervention to the scientific community, and particularly to those without a background in physiotherapy (or occupational therapy) in accordance with the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) guidelines [Intervention description of the SCI-MT trial using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist.• A training package has been developed for the SCI-MT intervention therapists. The 2 h package (delivered via Zoom) conveys the key principles and guidelines of the intervention.• An Intervention Manual has been developed as a supplement to the training package (see • Practice Sheets will be used by the SCI-MT intervention therapists and participants together to set exercise targets, and to document exercise intensity, set-up, and duration. Dosage parameters documented in the Practice Sheets will be reviewed during each session, and these will be used to encourage the participants to work as hard as they can, and to progress the exercises from day to day, week to week.• Intervention therapists will review and upgrade weekly goals with the participants. The weekly goals will be related to the four baseline goals identified at the initial assessment.• Motor Training will be individualised to the participants’ impairments, goals, and needs. The intervention therapists will prescribe exercises based on their clinical decision making whilst adhering to the key principles of the SCI-MT Trial protocol.• Practice Sheets will be used to capture exercise set-up, dosage, and intensity for every session.• SCI-MT trial staff will review Practice Sheets at every training site and provide ongoing feedback and training to the intervention therapists to ensure adherence to key principles.• The intervention participants will receive 12 h of Motor Training in addition to usual care, for 10 weeks.• The number and duration of sessions per week is not stipulated but typically the 12 h per week will be provided over 5 to 10 sessions of 1 to 2 h duration each.