What is the thoracic level functional mobility described?

What is the thoracic level functional mobility described?

• A. Nonfunctional ambulation/standing during therapy, school or home; wheelchair mobility
• B. Independent outdoor walking
• C. Running a marathon
• D. Swimming long distances

Answer: (A)

At thoracic-level injuries, leg function is typically lost while some trunk control may be limited or preserved depending on the exact level. The usual mode of functional mobility in daily life is wheelchair use, with occasional standing or brief stepping possible only in therapy, school, or with assistive devices. This makes wheelchair mobility the best description of thoracic level functional mobility.

Independent outdoor walking, running a marathon, or swimming long distances require substantial leg function and endurance that are not expected with thoracic-level injuries, so those options don’t fit the common mobility pattern for this level.