Study design: Experts opinions consensus.Objective: To develop a common strategy to document remaining autonomic neurologic function following spinal cord injury (SCI). Background and Rationale: The impact of a specific SCI on a person's neurologic function is generally described through use of the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of SCI. These standards document the remaining motor and sensory function that a person may have; however, they do not provide information about the status of a person's autonomic function. Methods: Based on this deficiency, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) commissioned a group of international experts to develop a common strategy to document the remaining autonomic neurologic function. Results: Four subgroups were commissioned: bladder, bowel, sexual function and general autonomic function. On-line communication was followed by numerous face to face meetings. The information was then presented in a summary format at a course on Measurement in Spinal Cord Injury, held on June 24, 2006. Subsequent to this it was revised online by the committee members, posted on the websites of both ASIA and ISCoS for comment and re-revised through webcasts. Topics include an overview of autonomic anatomy, classification of cardiovascular, respiratory, sudomotor and thermoregulatory function, bladder, bowel and sexual function. Conclusion: This document describes a new system to document the impact of SCI on autonomic function. Based upon current knowledge of the neuroanatomy of autonomic function this paper provides a framework with which to communicate the effects of specific spinal cord injuries on cardiovascular, broncho-pulmonary, sudomotor, bladder, bowel and sexual function.

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This pilot study has provided proof of concept that BFA has clinically meaningful effect on the modulation of SCI neuropathic pain.

Abstract-Different motives and purposes drive research. New knowledge advances any discipline, and use of the information obtained from careful scientific study as the basis for clinical practice promotes patient care. It is important to consider the preferences of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and use this as the framework in formulating research questions and clinical applications of discoveries made in the laboratory. A literature review of articles related to the interests and concerns of persons with SCI was conducted through the National Library of Medicine resource. Patient interest in finding a "cure" for SCI was not directly ascertained by any of the studies reviewed. Mobility remains the area of greatest interest, and decreased mobility has been rated as the most difficult consequence to deal with after the injury. This review indicates a congruence of the interests of both patients and researchers. However, the methodology most often used to ascertain the preferences of persons with SCI may need to be supplemented with different approaches. In addition, these preferences and the factors that influence them should be longitudinally assessed.

Background Poor mental health is common among medical students. In response, some medical schools have implemented wellness interventions. The University of Florida College of Medicine recently introduced a mind–body medicine elective, Promoting Resilience in Medicine (PRIMe), based on the Georgetown University School of Medicine course. PRIMe teaches meditation techniques including mindfulness, biofeedback, art, and journaling in a faculty-facilitated small group setting. Methods First- and second-year medical students (N = 24) who participated in the 11-week elective (3 cohorts over 2 years) completed anonymous surveys regarding their experiences. Measures included the Freiberg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), Perceived Stress Scale-10 item (PSS-10), and a series of multiple-choice and free-response questions developed for this study. The study was approved by the University of Florida Institutional Review Board. Results Among students with available pre- and posttest scores, the average PSS-10 score at pretest was 14.4 ( SD =  6.17, range = 3–26) and at posttest was 14.2 ( SD =  4.17, range = 8–22), suggesting no change in perceived stress. However, average scores on the FMI improved from 34.4 ( SD =  6.10, range = 24–47) at pretest to 41.8 ( SD =  4.81, range = 33–49) at posttest. The overwhelming majority of participants (95.8%) described the course as “definitely” worth it. The greatest improvements were noted in mindfulness, relationships with peers, and having a safe place in medical school to receive support. Learning mindfulness/meditation skills and increasing social support were noted as the primary factors impacting student well-being. Conclusion A mind–body medicine elective course may be a practical method to improve medical student well-being and improve ability to care for patients. Future studies should include follow-up testing to determine if benefits are sustained over time. In addition, more work is needed to understand the cost–benefit of providing instruction in mind–body medicine techniques to all medical students.