Association Between SCIM III Total Scores and Individual Item Scores to Predict Independence With ADLs in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arrct.2019.100029 · Published: January 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study analyzes the relationship between the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III) total score and individual SCIM III item scores. The study aims to understand how the total SCIM III score can predict a person's ability to perform specific daily living activities after a spinal cord injury. The results help in planning rehabilitation by identifying which activities are most likely to be achieved at different SCIM III scores.

Study Duration

May 2013 and September 2015

Participants

81 inpatients with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SCIM III total scores significantly predict individual SCIM III item scores, indicating the probability of achieving independence in specific ADLs.
2
The difficulty of achieving independence varies among ADL items; some tasks like feeding are easier to achieve at lower total scores, while others like stair management require higher scores.
3
The study found only minor differences between complete and incomplete SCI in subgroup analysis, suggesting the results are useful for guiding SCI treatment in daily practice.

Research Summary

This study examined the association between SCIM III total scores and individual item scores to understand the ADL structure in SCI patients. The results indicate that the SCIM III total score can provide information on the probability and degree of difficulty in attaining independence for each item. The study suggests that a higher total SCIM III score and the probability of individual items scores are useful for planning efficient rehabilitative approaches.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Planning

The SCIM III total score can be used to set realistic and achievable goals for ADL independence during rehabilitation.

Targeted Interventions

Knowing the relative difficulty of each ADL item allows clinicians to focus on the most appropriate interventions for each patient's specific needs.

Generalizability

The results are applicable to both complete and incomplete SCI, making it a useful tool for a broad range of patients.

Study Limitations

1
Single-center study in Tokyo, potentially limiting generalizability.
2
Exclusion of patients with severe cognitive disorders may have distorted the demographics.
3
Older participant age may affect the generalizability to younger populations.

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