Psychological and socioeconomic status, complications and quality of life in people with spinal cord injuries after discharge from hospital in Bangladesh: a cohort study

This study aimed to perform a systematic review of studies that address the influence of physical activity on the quality of life and functional independence of adult individuals with spinal cord injury. The review was performed using data obtained from the MEDLINE, CINAHL, SciELO, LILACS, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, and PEDro databases using the following keywords: quality of life; functional independence; autonomy; independence; physical activity; activities of daily living; physical exercise; tetraplegia; paraplegia; spinal cord injury; physical disabilities; and wheelchair. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Although there was a lack of consensus among the selected studies, the majority of them presented a strong correlation between physical activity and variables of quality of life and/or functional independence. Thus, physical activity appears to have an important influence on social relationships, functional independence, psychological factors, and physical aspects, which can enhance quality of life and independence in the performance of daily activities.

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Assistive Device Utilization And Quality-of-Life in Adults With Spinal Cord Injuries or Cerebral Palsy

Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling ◽

10.1891/0047-2220.19.2.21 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 21-30 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Marcia J. Scherer

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Spinal Cord ◽

Cerebral Palsy ◽

Spinal Cord Injuries ◽

Assistive Device ◽

Research Approach ◽

Emotional Inhibition ◽

Functional Capabilities ◽

Four Quadrant

A preliminary assessment of assistive device (AD) utilization by adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and spinal cord injuries (SCI) was conducted during the winter, 1986. A qualitative research approach was selected over a quantitative one so that pre-selected themes would not be imposed upon the data but, rather, would emerge from the data obtained. Five males with SCI and five females with CP, all subjects having a four-quadrant involvement, were interviewed about their AD use and quality-of-life. The findings indicate that female AD users with CP emphasize the capability to do things for the first time in their lives because of their ADs. They speak in terms of gains. In contrast, male AD non-users with SCI interpret ADs as poor replacements for their own functioning and see them as reminders of loss. AD users of both disabilities see their quality-of-life as being within their control whereas non-users believe otherwise. It was concluded that increased functional capabilities gained through AD utilization and the attainment of a “normalized” quality-of-life may present users with generalized “high functioning” expectations and frustrations for which their prior socialization did not prepare them. This, coupled with little peer contact, was discussed as contributing to participants' feelings of nervousness, depression, emotional inhibition and a sense of identity confusion.

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