Actigraphy-based evaluation of sleep quality and physical activity in individuals with spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-019-0149-0 · Published: January 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Sleep Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at the sleep quality of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) compared to healthy individuals, using wrist actigraphs to monitor their sleep-wake cycles and physical activity. The study also explores how sleep quality, physical activity, and neuropathic pain are related in individuals with SCI. The findings suggest that while individuals with SCI spend more time in bed and sleep longer, their sleep efficiency is similar to healthy controls. Maintaining regular physical activity could improve pain control and sleep quality.

Study Duration

7 consecutive days

Participants

14 SCI patients and 10 healthy individuals

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
SCI individuals reported poorer sleep quality compared to healthy individuals based on questionnaires.
2
Actigraphy showed that SCI patients woke up later and spent more time in bed, but sleep efficiency and number of awakenings were similar to healthy controls.
3
Greater physical activity in SCI individuals predicted higher sleep efficiency, fewer awakenings, shorter sleep latency, and lower sleep disturbance.

Research Summary

The study investigated sleep quality and physical activity in individuals with SCI using actigraphy and self-report questionnaires, comparing them to healthy controls. Results indicated that while SCI patients spent more time in bed and slept longer, their sleep efficiency was similar to controls. Self-reported sleep quality was poorer in the SCI group. The study highlights the potential benefits of physical activity for improving sleep quality and pain control in individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation strategies

Incorporating physical activity into rehabilitation programs for SCI patients may improve sleep quality and pain management.

Sleep monitoring

Actigraphy can be a useful tool for objectively monitoring sleep patterns in individuals with SCI, although it should be interpreted in conjunction with self-reported data.

Pain management

Addressing neuropathic pain is crucial for improving sleep quality in individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Actigraphy does not evaluate sleep stages.
2
Drug-related sleep changes should also be considered.
3
Small sample size and the prevalence of male individuals limit the generalizability of our ﬁndings.

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