Walk On

"Walk On SCI Recovery Project” is an initiative of Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) to bring the world leading Project Walk^® Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Program to Australia.

The Walk On intensive exercise recovery program, offers a path to maximising functional recovery through a structured program based upon the Project Walk® www.projectwalk.org methodology, which has been offered in the United States since 1999. In Project Walk’s^® experience, the earlier an intensive recovery strategy is commenced after injury, the greater the opportunity for advancing recovery. This is particularly true for those diagnosed with “incomplete injuries”. If you are recently injured, whether your diagnosis is “complete” or “incomplete”, it is vital you commence intensive recovery training as soon as possible.

Project Walk® findings have demonstrated that the techniques used increase central nervous system activity, muscle mass and movement, and decrease pain, depression, skin tissue breakdown and other health problems associated with spinal cord injury. A number of scientific papers are now emerging which support the positive effects of intensive exercise in spinal cord injury recovery.

SCIA, with an initial grant from Spinal Cure Australia and a venue partnership with Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association of Queensland, opened the first program in Brisbane, in February 2008. Walk On currently has seven Recovery Specialists, who deliver the program. Each specialist is tertiary qualified in either Exercise and Sports Science or a related allied health science, such as Physiotherapy. Prior to delivering Walk On, each specialist undertakes an intensive training program at the Project Walk® Recovery Centre, based in Carlsbad, California, USA. Specialists are accredited in the Dardzinski Method^TM, on which the program is based. Training is ongoing and supported by the Project Walk^® professional development program.

SCIA is currently in negotiations to open Walk On facilities in other states of Australia. The first facility in Sydney is expected to open in April 2010.

Walk On is not a cure for spinal cord injury. Strict enrolment conditions do apply, however the program offers the opportunity to maximise functional recovery beyond the current traditional rehabilitation model.

There have been a number of outstanding functional improvements for clients who have participated in Walk On at the Brisbane facility over the last two years.

Walk On was officially launched at Sydney Opera House. Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services acknowledged the maginalisation of people with spinal cord injury, and that a program such as Walk On is vital in the progress of breaking down barriers. ... read more

Channel 7's Sunday program followed Michael Forbes on his quest to walk again. CLICK HERE to watch the segment.