Fifty years ago people with SCI lived two years. Now they enjoy almost normal life expectancy. One reason for this dramatic improvement is early intervention. We now know that the sooner the spine is stabilized and the patient given drugs with neuro-protective effects, such as the steroid methylprednisolone, the better the chances to minimize the effects of paralysis. The other key is rehabilitation.
Patients now have a number of options to maintain muscle tone and overall fitness.
After much convincing by Webb and even Reeve himself, Haller reluctantly agreed to let Webb purchase him some high-tech equipment to make his life more comfortable and improve his health. Like many quadriplegics, Haller has battled weight gain caused by inactivity and has developed diabetes. The longer you've been injured, the harder you have to work. Exercise improves cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and circulation as well as weight control. Add to that substantial enhancement of critical psychological factors.