ACTIVITIES AND PARTICIPATION FOLLOWING SPINAL CORD INJURY: A 10 YEAR LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Background: The disability after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) has a tremendous impact on both the individual and the society. Daily living performance and social participation are related with the changes in activity patterns,... [ view full abstract ]

Background: The disability after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) has a tremendous impact on both the individual and the society. Daily living performance and social participation are related with the changes in activity patterns, functional state, life satisfaction and adjustment over the time among people with SCI.
Method: The preliminary data were collected at inpatient SCI rehabilitation unit in Rehabilitation, Physical and Sports medicine centre of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu klinikos. The follow–up data were collected at a Lithuanian Paraplegics Association. Instruments: ICF Core Set for SCI in post–acute period, ICF Core Set for SCI in long–term context and Life Situation Questionnaire–revised were used.
Results: Approximately in 68% cases participation in daily activities during inpatient SCI rehabilitation was related with lesion level, age, physical state, functional problems and secondary conditions (pain, infections and pressure ulcers). In long–term context (over a 10 year period after SCI onset) daily living activities more related with lower level of pain and fatigue, environmental barriers and higher level of physical activity. Participation in social life was related with physical activity, family and disabled people support.
Conclusion: Participation in daily living and social activities were more related with higher level of physical activity, environment adaptation and greater support, than with decreased health state and functional problems.
Application to Practice: A comprehensive investigation that contains objective and subjective information about changes in activities and participation among people with SCI over the time, can help to identify predictive value of functioning, independence and integration.