Important Clinical Rehabilitation Principles Unique to People with Non-traumatic Spinal Cord Dysfunction

Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition accompanied by severe adverse events that affect several aspects of the patient's life, such as motor, sensory, and functional impairment. Despite its severe consequences, definitive treatment for these injuries is still missing. Therefore, researchers have focused on developing treatment strategies aimed at ensuring full recovery post-SCI. Accordingly, attention has been drawn toward cellular therapy using mesenchymal stem cells. Considering their wide availability, decreased immunogenicity, wide expansion capacity, and impressive effectiveness in many therapeutic approaches, adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) injections in SCI cases have been investigated and showed promising results. In this review, SCI pathophysiology and ADSC transplantation benefits are discussed independently, together with SCI animal models and adipose stem cell preparation and application techniques. The mechanisms of healing in an SCI post-ADSC injection, the outcomes of this therapeutic approach, and current clinical trials are also deliberated, in addition to the challenges and future perspectives, aiming to encourage further research in this field.

Imaging protocols for non-traumatic spinal cord injury: current state of the art and future directions

INTRODUCTION

Non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) is a term used to describe damage to the spinal cord from sources other than trauma. Neuroimaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved our ability to diagnose and manage NTSCIs. Several practice guidelines utilize MRI in the diagnostic evaluation of traumatic and non-traumatic SCI to direct surgical intervention.

AREAS COVERED

The authors review practices surrounding the imaging of various causes of NTSCI as well as recent advances and future directions for the use of novel imaging modalities in this realm. The authors also present discussions around the use of simple radiographs and advanced MRI modalities in clinical settings, and briefly highlight areas of active research that seek to advance our understanding and improve patient care.

EXPERT OPINION

Although several obstacles must be overcome, it appears highly likely that novel quantitative imaging features and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) as well as machine learning (ML) will revolutionize degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) care by providing earlier diagnosis, accurate localization, monitoring for deterioration and neurological recovery, outcome prediction, and standardized practice. Some intriguing findings in these areas have been published, including the identification of possible serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, which are currently in the early phases of translation.

Exploring knowledge and implementation gaps of activity-based therapy in centers lacking specialized spinal cord injury services: understanding therapists' perspectives

STUDY DESIGN

Qualitative exploratory OBJECTIVES: Rehabilitation following spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-long process involving healthcare in a variety of settings, including facilities lacking SCI-specific services (i.e., non-SCI-specialized centers). Activity-based therapy (ABT) is a neurorestorative approach involving intensive, task-specific movement practice below the injury level. This study explored the existing knowledge, perceptions, and implementation of ABT among physical and occupational therapists working in non-SCI-specialized centers.

SETTING

Canadian hospitals and community clinics DESIGN/METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Canadian therapists who worked at non-SCI-specialized centers and treated at least one patient with SCI within the last 18 months. The Theoretical Domains Framework was used to develop interview questions that queried therapists' experiences in delivering SCI rehabilitation, their understanding of ABT and experience with its implementation. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using interpretive description.

RESULTS

Four physical therapists and three occupational therapists, from diverse settings (i.e., acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, long-term care, outpatient rehabilitation, rural outpatient clinic) participated. Three themes were identified: (1) Available knowledge, resources and therapy time in non-SCI-specialized centers challenge ABT implementation, (2) How current therapy practices in non-SCI-specialized centers align with ABT and (3) Desire for ABT knowledge. Although participants were not familiar with the term ABT, it was identified that they were unknowingly incorporating some components of ABT into their practice. Participants expressed a keenness to learn more about ABT.

CONCLUSION

Current knowledge and implementation of ABT in non-SCI-specialized centers is limited. Tailoring ABT education to therapists at non-SCI-specialized centers may increase ABT implementation.

Role of Rehabilitation in Spine Tumors

ABSTRACT

Primary and metastatic spine tumors can lead to devastating complications, but timely and careful management of these patients can improve outcomes. A multidisciplinary and structured approach is the most effective way to evaluate patients with spine disease and mitigate the risk of complications. The neurologic, oncologic, mechanical and systemic disease framework gives comprehensive guidance to providers regarding appropriate management. Physiatrists play a critical role in these patients' initial evaluation and continued management throughout cancer treatment. Patients with spinal cord involvement have extensive needs, requiring an individualized management approach. Even though patients with nontraumatic spinal cord injury benefit from rehabilitation efforts and have improved outcomes, they are not routinely admitted to inpatient rehabilitation units or referred to outpatient cancer rehabilitation. Ongoing efforts are needed to promote rehabilitation medicine involvement in improving functional outcomes and quality of life for patients with spine involvement.

Experiences of people with non-traumatic spinal cord injuries returning home after inpatient rehabilitation

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to explore the experience of people with non-traumatic spinal cord injuries who have recently returned home from inpatient rehabilitation.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven adults with non-traumatic spinal cord injuries who had been discharged from inpatient rehabilitation from an Australian rehabilitation hospital, within the last two years.

RESULTS

Three themes were identified: the practicalities of coming home; adjusting to "my altered home life"; pursuing recovery. When people felt prepared by their rehabilitation service, and had appropriate support from others, they had a more positive adjustment experience, although not one without challenges. Due to less independence and inability to participate in meaningful life roles, participants experienced a sense of lost or changed identity. Maintaining hope for physical recovery was very important and motivated participants to actively engage in rehabilitation efforts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study adds to the knowledge regarding the lived experience of people with non-traumatic spinal cord injury transitioning from rehabilitation to home. Facilitators for successful rehabilitation discharge included ensuring community services contacted patients immediately after they left hospital, and providing support for carers. Health care workers can positively influence the adjustment process of people with NTSCI by facilitating re-engagement in meaningful roles.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe transition home from inpatient rehabilitation after non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) is facilitated by early discharge planning and follow-up from services after discharge.Establishing routines helped participants adjust to their new circumstances.The emotional and practical support of carers is vital for successful adjustment to living in the community with an NTSCI.Health care workers can positively influence the adjustment process of people with NTSCI by facilitating their re-engagement in meaningful roles.

Responsiveness of the International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set V2.0: An international longitudinal study

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE

Examine the sensitivity of the International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set V2.0 (QoL-BDS V2.0) to reflect changes in mobility and secondary health conditions (SHCs) between inpatient rehabilitation and one-year follow-up.

DESIGN

International longitudinal study. Questionnaires were administered at baseline (Median 6 weeks, inter-quartile range 4-10 weeks post-onset) and after 12 months.

SETTING

Spinal cord rehabilitation institutions in the US, Brazil, Australia and the Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS

: Individuals with recent onset of spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/SCD) admitted to inpatient rehabilitation.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The QoL-BDS V2.0, comprises four items on satisfaction with 'life as a whole', 'physical health', 'psychological health', and 'social life'. Mobility level was measured with a single item and SHCs with the SCI Secondary Conditions Scale (SCI-SCS).

RESULTS

Of the 160 participants, 61% had SCI, 48% had tetraplegia and 82% were wheelchair-users. Scores on 'life as a whole', 'physical health' and the total scale were significantly higher at follow-up compared to baseline in the total sample and the SCD subgroup, but not in the SCI subgroup. Increases in 'physical health', 'psychological health', 'social life' and the total score were significantly associated with improvements in the SCI-SCS or mobility scores. Participants with improved SCI-SCS and mobility at follow-up showed significantly more improvement in satisfaction with social life and the total score compared to participants without such favorable changes.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide partial evidence of responsiveness of the QoL-BDS V2.0 total score as a measure of QoL among individuals with SCI/SCD.

Post-acute Care Needs and Benefits of Inpatient Rehabilitation Care for the Oncology Patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This study aims to assess recent literature published on the post-acute care needs of cancer patients, specifically focusing on the acute inpatient rehabilitation setting.

RECENT FINDINGS

The neurologic cancer population appears to be the most studied oncologic population in acute inpatient rehabilitation studies within the past 5 years. This finding is consistent with prior findings from the past several decades. Recent trends in inpatient cancer rehabilitation note a population with lower admission functional status and shorter lengths of stay compared to prior studies. Despite these findings, the percentage discharged to the community remains high. With new treatments yielding improved survival, cancer patients may live longer and risk accumulating more functional impairments. Physicians involved in their care must understand post-acute care needs and work in a multidisciplinary group to best determine post-acute disposition. This decision remains very individualized and should consider both oncologic and functional needs.

Nontraumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Epidemiology, Etiology and Management

The spinal cord is a conduit within the central nervous system (CNS) that provides ongoing communication between the brain and the rest of the body, conveying complex sensory and motor information necessary for safety, movement, reflexes, and optimization of autonomic function. After a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), supraspinal influences on the peripheral nervous system and autonomic nervous system (ANS) are disrupted, leading to spastic paralysis, sympathetic blunting, and parasympathetic dominance, resulting in cardiac dysrhythmias, systemic hypotension, bronchoconstriction, copious respiratory secretions, and uncontrolled bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction. This article outlines the pathophysiology of the less reported nontraumatic SCI (NTSCI), its classification, its influence on sensory/motor function, and introduces the probable comorbidities associated with SCI that will be discussed in more detail in the accompanying manuscripts of this special issue. Finally, management strategies for NTSCI will be provided.

Spontaneous spinal cord infarction: a practical approach

Spontaneous spinal cord infarction is significantly less common than cerebrovascular disease. Because of the tight anatomical distribution of pathways in the cord, small spinal cord infarcts usually give more obvious symptoms and signs than similar lesions in the brain. Large epidemiological stroke studies have generally not included spinal cord stroke and so the incidence of vascular syndromes in the spinal cord is unknown. Management and prevention strategies for spontaneous spinal cord infarcts stem from small case series and case reports. Patient outcomes from spinal cord infarction are better with prompt recognition, timely management and prevention of associated medical complications arising from paraplegia, tetraplegia, neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction. The process of rehabilitation following spinal cord infarction is an evolving area.

Rehabilitation in Advanced Cancer Patients with Bone Metastases and Neural Compromise: Current Status and Future Directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aimed to increase the understanding of oncologists and physiatrists about the necessity, efficacy, and safety of rehabilitation in advanced cancer patients with bone metastases and neural compromise.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recently, there are growing evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of rehabilitation in patients with bone metastases and neural compromise. Despite the potential benefits of rehabilitation, however, rehabilitative services are considerably underutilized in clinical practice. Many oncologists are not familiar with functional issues and have limited understanding of the available rehabilitative services. Moreover, medical professionals, even physiatrists, have uncertainties and concerns about skeletal complications and often regard rehabilitation as a contraindication in this patient group. This review aimed to raise awareness on the role of rehabilitation in the continuum of cancer treatment, to improve its use in clinical practice. A multidisciplinary team approach involving physiatrist may facilitate integration of relevant clinicians.

Epidemiology of non-traumatic spinal cord injury in Ireland - a prospective population-based study

Objective: To carry out a study of non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) epidemiology in IrelandDesign: Prospective study of all new incident cases of NTSCI during 2017Setting: Republic of IrelandParticipants: All persons with a newly acquired NTSCIInterventions: NoneOutcome measures: Crude and age/sex specific incidences; ISCoS core dataset and non-traumatic dataset; population denominator was 2016 national census figures, adjusted to 2017.Results: Overall crude incidence of NTSCI in the Republic of Ireland in 2017 was 26.9 per million per year. Mean age at onset was 56.6 (SD 17.7) years. Females accounted for 51.2% of cases. Most frequent grade of ASIA impairment scale (AIS) was AIS D. Most common etiology was degenerate conditions (48.8%) followed by neoplastic (26.4%). The most common pattern of onset (51.2%) was lengthy (greater than one month).Conclusions: Incidence of NTSCI is more than double that for traumatic SCI in the Republic of Ireland. This suggests that the delivery of rehabilitation services to patients with spinal cord injuries requires prompt review and expansion.

Reliability and validity of the international standards for neurological classification of spinal cord injury in patients with non-traumatic spinal cord lesions

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

OBJECTIVES

The International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) represent the gold standard for the assessment of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their measurement properties have been evaluated in patients with traumatic lesions. Albeit the ISNCSCI are widely used also for the assessment and prognosis of patients with non-traumatic SCI, a validation of this grading system in this sample has never been performed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the measurement properties of the ISNCSCI in a population of persons with non-traumatic SCI.

SETTING

Three Italian rehabilitation hospitals.

METHODS

The sample included 140 patients with non-traumatic SCI of different etiology, level and grade, for a total of 169 evaluations performed by two examiners. Cronbach's Alpha was used to evaluate the internal consistency of the ISNCSCI various components. The agreement between two examiners of each center in the definition of different components was used to assess the inter-rater reliability. The construct validity was evaluated through the correlation of the ISNCSCI with the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM).

RESULTS

The ISNCSCI showed substantial internal consistency, and substantial inter-rater agreement for AIS grade, cumulative motor and sensory scores. The motor scores for upper and lower extremity showed fair to moderate correlation with SCIM self-care and motility subscores, respectively. The ISNCSCI total motor score correlated with the total SCIM score.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that the ISNCSCI are a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of patients with non-traumatic SCI.

Survival, discharge destination, and referral for rehabilitation after metastatic spinal cord compression surgery

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of medical records.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine probability of survival after 90- and 180-days after surgery, to document the rehabilitation needs, patients discharge destination, and whether discharge destination, re-admission, and probability of survival among patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) were associated with potential risk factors.

SETTING

Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet that serves a population of 2.8 million people from the Eastern part of Denmark, Faroe Islands, and Greenland.

METHODS

Adult (≥18 years) patients with MSCC undergoing surgery in 2017-2018 were included. Descriptive statistics were used to investigate the probability of survival after 90- and 180-days, rehabilitation needs documented in the patient's medical record, and discharge destination. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between a priory defined potential risk factors for mortality and readmission.

RESULTS

Seventy-four medical records were included in final analysis. The probability of survival after 90- and 180-days post-surgery were 78% and 57%, respectively. Higher age was the only defined variable that was significantly associated with higher mortality. Ninety-three percent of the patient's medical records described rehabilitation potential, but only 44.6% of the patients were discharged with a rehabilitation plan. Seventy-three percent of the patients were discharged to their home. None had a specialized rehabilitation plan.

CONCLUSION

Almost all patients diagnosed with MSCC have a rehabilitation potential described in their medical records. However, only half of these patients are discharged with a rehabilitation plan indicating an unmet potential for rehabilitation.

Prevalence of prescribed opioid claims among persons with nontraumatic spinal cord dysfunction in Ontario, Canada: a population-based retrospective cohort study

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and to identify predictors of prescription opioid use among persons with nontraumatic spinal cord dysfunction within 1 year after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.

SETTING

Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative data to determine predictors of receiving prescription opioids during the 1 year after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation among persons with nontraumatic spinal cord dysfunction between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2015. We modeled the outcome using a Poisson multivariable regression and reported relative risks with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

We identified 3468 individuals with nontraumatic spinal cord dysfunction (50% male) with 67% who were aged ≥66. Over half of the cohort (60%) received opioids during the observation period. Older adults (≥66 years old) were significantly more likely to experience comorbidities (p < 0.05) but less likely to be dispensed opioids following rehabilitation discharge. Being female, previous opioid use before rehabilitation, experiencing lower continuity of care, increasing comorbidity level, low functional status, and having a previous diagnosis of osteoarthritis or mental illness were significant risk factors for receiving opioids after discharge, as shown in a multivariable analysis. Increasing length of rehabilitation stay and higher income were protective against opioid receipt after discharge.

CONCLUSION

Many individuals with nontraumatic spinal cord dysfunction in Ontario are prescribed opioids after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. This may be problematic due to the number of severe complications that may arise from opioid use and their use in this population warrants future research.

Metastatic spine oncology: symptom-directed management

Spinal tumors pose significant treatment challenges for the physicians treating them. Understanding the location of the tumor within the intramedullary, intradural extramedullary, or extradural (epidural) space is not only critical in determining a differential diagnosis but may also provide important information about current and future neurologic deficits. Despite significant advances in the treatment of spinal tumors over the past few decades, these patients may still experience significant symptoms related to the tumor or its treatment, such as pain, weakness, impaired sensation, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Treatment of spinal tumors should involve a multidisciplinary team of neuro-oncologists, spine surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, physiatrists, and pain specialists to provide comprehensive oncologic management, while optimizing the patient's functional status and quality of life.

Longitudinal course and predictors of posttraumatic stress symptoms after spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE

This study examined longitudinal changes in post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in individuals newly diagnosed with spinal cord injury (SCI) and tested various psychosocial and injury-related characteristics as predictors for interindividual differences in symptom courses.

DESIGN

Longitudinal data from the larger Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study were used. The sample consisted of 269 patients (70.6% male; M_age = 53.21) admitted for inpatient rehabilitation to SCI rehabilitation centers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

PTSS were measured at one and six months after injury using the Impact of Event Scale-6.

RESULTS

Latent change score modelling revealed no average change in PTSS in the sample, but significant variability in the individual symptom courses. Reliable change index analyses suggest that among individuals with an initial PTSS severity of clinical concern (n = 65), only 27.7% showed clinically significant decreases over time. Predictors explained 34% of the variance in PTSS change. Loss appraisals (β = .30, p < .001) and cause of injury (β = .16, p = .018) emerged as unique predictors.

CONCLUSION

Clinically elevated PTSS one month after SCI typically remain across the following months highlighting the need for early screening and intervention. Low loss appraisals were related to decreases in symptom severity and might therefore be a suitable intervention target for reducing PTSS after SCI.

Etiology-specific variation in survival following non-traumatic spinal cord injury: a causal inference approach using data from a population-based cohort

Study design

Observational, population-based cohort study.

Objectives

To evaluate the origin and contribution to excess of survival differences following non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) using etiology as proxy for variation in underlying health condition.

Setting

Specialized rehabilitation centers in Switzerland.

Methods

Medical record data collected by the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury cohort (SwiSCI) study were linked with mortality information from the Swiss National Cohort. Considering contemporary theory and empirical evidence, a directed acyclic graph (DAG) was developed to formally evaluate causal differences among NTSCI etiologies, relative to traumatic SCI (TSCI). Statistical inference was contingent on hazard ratios (HRs) and marginal survival differences, derived using flexible parametric modeling.

Results

3643 individuals (NTSCI = 1357; TSCI = 2286) diagnosed with SCI between 1990 and 2011 were included, contributing a cumulative 41,344 person-years and 1323 deaths. Test statistics confirmed DAG-dataset consistency. As compared to TSCI, mortality was elevated in all NTSCI etiological groups; malignant etiologies had the highest HRs (10; 95% CI, 8.0 to 14) followed by infection (2.6; 1.8 to 3.6) and vascular (2.5; 2.0 to 3.2) etiology groups. At the attained age of 55, the estimated reduction in survival among non-malignant etiologies was 9.4% (5.8 to 13) at 5 years and 17% (11 to 23) at 20 years.

Conclusions

Causal differences in survival among NTSCI etiological groups are likely a result of chronic variation in health conditions. This study supports the development of long-term interdisciplinary management and policy for individuals with NTSCI, specific to etiology.

A Narrative Review of Pediatric Nontraumatic Spinal Cord Dysfunction

This article provides a narrative review of seven key issues relevant to pediatric onset of spinal cord damage not due to trauma, or spinal cord dysfunction (SCDys). The first topic discussed is terminology issues. There is no internationally accepted term for spinal cord damage not due to trauma. The implications of this terminology issue and an approach to addressing this are discussed. Second, a brief history of SCDys is presented, focusing on conditions relevant to pediatrics. Third, the classification of SCDys is outlined, based on the International Spinal Cord Injury Data Sets for Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Following this, a summary is given of the epidemiology of pediatric SCDys, primarily focused on the incidence, prevalence, and etiology, with a comparison to traumatic spinal cord injury. Next, important clinical rehabilitation principles unique to children with SCDys are highlighted. Then important prevention opportunities for SCDys in children are discussed. Finally, trends, challenges, and opportunities regarding research in SCDys are mentioned.

All-cause and cause-specific mortality following non-traumatic spinal cord injury: evidence from a population-based cohort study in Switzerland

Study design

Observational cohort study.

Objective

To benchmark all-cause and cause-specific mortality following NTSCI to the general population (GP).

Setting

Specialized rehabilitation centers in Switzerland.

Methods

Longitudinal data from the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury (SwiSCI) Medical Record study were probabilistically linked with cause of death (CoD) information from the Swiss National Cohort. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were estimated for all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Competing risk frameworks were used to estimate the probability of death due to specific CoD.

Results

One thousand five hundred and one individuals were admitted for first rehabilitation with NTSCI between 1990–2011; CoD information was available for 454 individuals of the 525 individuals that died. Overall, the mortality rate for persons with NTSCI was 1.6 times greater than that of the GP. Deaths due to cardiovascular disease (39.8%), neoplasms (22%), and infection (9.9%) were most often reported. Individuals with an SCI due to a vascular etiology indicated the greatest burden of mortality from infection compared with the GP (SMR 5.4; 95% CI, 3.1 to 9.2).

Conclusions

Cause-specific SMRs varied according to etiology. This supports the need for targeted clinical care and follow-up. Cardiovascular disease, neoplasms, and infection, emerged as main causes of death following NTSCI and should thus be targets for future research and differential clinical management approaches.

Challenges in rehabilitation of patients with nontraumatic spinal cord dysfunction due to tumors : A narrative review

The incidence of cancer-associated non-traumatic spinal cord dysfunction is rising due to population aging and better cancer treatment. The overall benefit of rehabilitation in specialized facilities for traumatic spinal cord dysfunction has been confirmed many times. Because of their fragility and multiple comorbidities cancer patients still face challenges to complete rehabilitation in the spinal rehabilitation facilities. In this narrative review we describe specific aspects, challenges in rehabilitation and opportunities to improve care. A literature search was performed in the PubMed database from 1 January 1978 to 30 November 2018. The focus was to find publications that discuss challenges and opportunities for rehabilitation of patients with non-traumatic spinal cord dysfunction due to a tumor. Most publications described the benefits of rehabilitation in specialized facilities. There were only few publications about survival and functional outcomes after rehabilitation for this patient population. Overall benefits including fewer complications associated with spinal cord dysfunction, less pain and depression, and better quality of life were shown. Within the past decades increasing number of publications revealed a growing interest for this group of patients. Despite major progress in cancer treatment, patients still have a limited vital prognosis and access to specialized rehabilitation units because of the concerns about the medical complexity. Patients with spinal cord tumors can benefit in areas of functionality, mood, quality of life, and survival from inpatient rehabilitation programs, in spite of the increased medical comorbidities.

Satisfaction with life, health and well-being: comparison between non-traumatic spinal cord dysfunction, traumatic spinal cord injury and Australian norms

Study design

Cross-sectional survey.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to compare self-reported satisfaction with life, and self-reported health and well-being of people with NTSCD, to that of people with TSCI, and with Australian population.

Setting

Victoria, Australia.

Methods

Participants completed surveys by post or email. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to assess self-reported satisfaction with life, and health and well-being. Descriptive statistics are reported including median and interquartile range (IQR). The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to investigate differences between groups.

Results

There were 41 participants: NTSCD (n = 14) and TSCI (n = 27). There were no significant differences in the median scores on the SWLS for NTSCD and TSCI, but both groups scored lower than the Australian non-disabled sample mean. There were significant differences between NTSCD and TSCI for SF-36 domains physical functioning, role limitations physical and vitality (p < 0.05). Median scores for both groups in all eight domains were lower than the means of the comparative Australian sample, except for role limitations emotional.

Conclusions

There were more apparent difficulties for people with NTSCD in completing desired functional tasks than those with TSCI. Both groups had lower self-reported satisfaction with life, and lower reported health and well-being in comparison to samples of non-disabled Australians.

Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities Regarding Research in Non-traumatic Spinal Cord Dysfunction

Background: Spinal cord dysfunction (SCDys) is caused by heterogeneous health conditions, and the incidence is increasing. Despite the growing interest in rehabilitation research for SCDys, research into SCDys faces many challenges. Objective: The objective of this project was to perform a clinical review of changes in SCDys research over the last 4 decades; identify challenges to conducting research in SCDys; and propose opportunities for improving research in SCDys. Methods: A triangulation approach was used for obtaining evidence: literature search (January 2017) using MEDLINE and Embase databases for publications in English (1974-2016) regarding SCDys; workshop discussions at the International Spinal Cord Society annual meeting, September 16, 2016, Vienna, Austria; and our collective expertise in SCDys clinical rehabilitation research. Results: There has been a substantial increase in publications on SCDys over the 4 decades, from 1,825 in 1974-1983 to 11,887 in the decade 2004-2013, along with an improvement in research methodology. Numerous challenges to research in SCDys rehabilitation were grouped into the following themes: (a) identification of cases; (b) study design and data collection; and (c) funding, preclinical, and international research. Opportunities for addressing these were identified. Conclusions: The increase in scientific publications on SCDys highlights the importance of this heterogeneous group among the research community. The overall lack of good quality epidemiological studies regarding incidence, prevalence, and survival in these patients serves as a benchmark for guiding improvements to inform evidence-based care and policy.