Citation

Jörgensen S, Iwarsson S, Norin L, Lexell J. PM R 2015; 8(7): 667-677.

Affiliation

Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, and Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.10.014

PMID

26548969

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Advances in acute treatment, physiatric care and rehabilitation have greatly improved survival 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 (SASCIS), 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 ten 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), three SCI severity groups 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 to the other two groups.

CONCLUSION: These baseline data of the SASCIS 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.

Language: en