Journal article
Assessment of physical function and secondary complications after complete spinal cord injury
Disability and rehabilitation, Vol.28(2), pp.103-110
2006
DOI: 10.1080/09638280500163828
PMCID: PMC3270309
PMID: 16393840
Abstract
Purpose. Two physical function questions on the widely used SF-12 Health Related Quality of Life questionnaire appear less than optimal for people with complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Physical function questions typically receive the lowest score unless the individual is ambulatory. Additionally, the influence of secondary complications of SCI on quality of life is largely unknown. The purposes of this report are: (1) to determine whether two SF-12 physical function follow-up questions provide increased information in subjects with complete SCI; and (2) to describe the secondary complications of SCI in this group.
Method. Ten subjects with complete SCI completed two survey instruments (the SF-12 and a Secondary Complications survey) every 3 months. The SF-12 included two physical function follow-up questions designed to improve the sensitivity and appropriateness of the SF-12 for a population with complete SCI.
Results. The SF-12 follow-up questions revealed differences in physical function that did not appear with the original SF-12 items. With the new questions, subject scores approximated population normative values. The most common secondary complications (back pain, shoulder pain, leg spasms, leg joint stiffness, and difficulty coughing) were the most likely to be rated as moderately or greatly bothersome.
Conclusion. We advocate the use of follow-up questions for the SF-12 in complete SCI populations that are not ambulating to better discriminate changes in physical function. Secondly, we advocate further investigations to better understand the incidence and the severity of secondary complications after SCI.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Assessment of physical function and secondary complications after complete spinal cord injury
- Creators
- Shauna Dudley-Javoroski - 1Graduate Program in Physical Therapy and Physical Rehabilitation Science, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, USARichard K Shields - 1Graduate Program in Physical Therapy and Physical Rehabilitation Science, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Disability and rehabilitation, Vol.28(2), pp.103-110
- DOI
- 10.1080/09638280500163828
- PMID
- 16393840
- PMCID
- PMC3270309
- NLM abbreviation
- Disabil Rehabil
- ISSN
- 0963-8288
- eISSN
- 1464-5165
- Publisher
- Informa UK Ltd
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2006
- Academic Unit
- Orthopedics and Rehabilitation; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
- Record Identifier
- 9984047725602771
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