Article

Advances in acute treatment, physiatric care, and rehabilitation have
improved survival greatly after spinal cord injury (SCI) and increased longevity.
This has led to a need for an in-depth understanding of factors associated with
healthy aging in people with long-term SCI. OBJECTIVE: To present the methodology
and initial results of the Swedish Aging with Spinal Cord Injury Study, a
longitudinal cohort survey targeting older adults with long-term SCI. DESIGN:
Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING: Home and community settings. PARTICIPANTS:
People aged 50 years or older with SCI for at least 10 years. METHODS: Data were
collected through interviews and assessments during home visits and from the
participants' medical records. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS : Study-specific protocol
with custom-designed questions, and validated generic and SCI-specific assessment
tools focusing on functioning, disability, health, well-being, lifestyle, and
personal and environmental factors. RESULTS: Of 795 potential participants, 184
matched the inclusion criteria and the final sample comprised 123 participants
(67% response rate; 36 women and 87 men, mean age 63 +/- 9 years, mean time since
injury 24 +/- 12 years). Traumatic SCI accounted for 62%, and 31% had sustained a
complete SCI. A majority was married or had a partner, and used some form of
assistance and/or mobility device. Thirty-five percent were working full-time or
part-time. Based on the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale
(AIS), 3 groups of SCI severity were formed. There were no significant
differences in chronological age, marital status, or vocational situation between
the tetraplegia AIS A-C group (n = 22), the paraplegia AIS A-C group (n = 41),
and the all AIS D group (n = 60). Participants in the all AIS D group were
significantly older at injury, had a shorter time since injury, and were less
likely to use mobility devices compared with the other 2 groups. CONCLUSION:
These baseline data of the Swedish Aging with Spinal Cord Injury Study provide a
description of older adults with long-term SCI. Forthcoming studies and
subsequent follow-ups will generate new insights into factors that promote
healthy aging, minimize disability and enhance participation, quality of life,
and life satisfaction in people aging with long-term SCI.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS