Functional outcome following inpatient rehabilitation among individuals with complete spinal cord injury in Nepal

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-021-00452-z · Published: January 28, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examines the functional improvements of patients with complete spinal cord injuries (SCI) undergoing rehabilitation in Nepal. The Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III) was used to assess patients' abilities upon admission and discharge from the rehabilitation center. The study found that most patients showed improvement in their SCIM III scores after rehabilitation, indicating increased independence in daily life activities.

Study Duration

Data collected for 2017

Participants

96 individuals with complete SCI

Evidence Level

Descriptive study

Key Findings

1
Individuals with cervical and thoracic NLIs demonstrated statistically significant improvement in SCIM III scores from admission to discharge.
2
The most common level of injury among the participants was thoracic (84.4%), specifically T11.
3
The total SCIM III discharge scores and change in scores were inversely correlated with NLI.

Research Summary

This study describes functional outcomes among individuals with complete SCI in the low-income setting of Nepal. All SCI groups showed a positive trend in SCIM III from admission to discharge, with improvements reaching statistical significance among groups with cervical and thoracic NLIs. The study highlights the potential for improved functional outcomes following inpatient rehabilitation, even in resource-limited settings.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Planning

Expected SCIM III discharge scores based on NLI may inform goals and duration of rehabilitation.

Resource Allocation

Identifies the need for interventions to improve sphincter and mobility outcomes in Nepal.

Comparative Studies

Highlights differences in outcomes compared to high-income countries, suggesting context-specific rehabilitation strategies are needed.

Study Limitations

1
Data from just one centre in Nepal limits generalizability.
2
Small number in subgroups limits ability to compare data across settings.
3
Absence of inter-rater reliability assessment of the SCIM III may limit findings.

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