ObjectiveTo explore the effect of occupational therapy by stages on the activities of daily living (ADL) in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients during Wenchuan earthquake. MethodsTwenty-six SCI patients during Wenchuan earthquake admitted into the People's Hospital of Mianzhu City from July 2008 to June 2011 underwent two-stage occupational therapy. The first stage therapy continued for three months and the second continued for three weeks. ADL was measured using the modified barthel index (MBI). ResultsThe MBI in SCI patients after first-stage therapy was 65.71±19.30, and the MBI in SCI patients after the second-stage therapy was 76.93±16.82. All MBI item scores during the second-stage therapy were higher than in the first stage therapy, and the ability of stool and urine control, and walking increased significantly (P<0.05). ConclusionEarly and continuous occupational therapy by stages can increase the activities of daily living in spinal cord injury patients during Wenchuan earthquake.