Injuries and Falls in an Aging Cohort with Spinal Cord Injury: SCI Aging Study

Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 2015 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2103-201 · Published: July 1, 2015

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the incidence of injuries and falls in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) as they age. It aims to understand how frequently these injuries occur, their impact on daily activities, and the factors that contribute to them. The research found that a significant portion of participants experienced injuries and falls within a year, with prescription medication use and a combination of walking and wheelchair use being associated with increased risk. The findings emphasize the need for targeted prevention strategies and further research into the circumstances surrounding subsequent injuries in the SCI population.

Study Duration

12 months

Participants

759 participants with traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
19.2% of participants reported at least one injury in the past year, and 10.4% reported a fall resulting in injury.
2
Prescription medication use was associated with increased odds of injury and falls resulting in injury.
3
Using both walking and wheeling as the primary mode of locomotion was associated with higher odds of falls compared to using a wheelchair only.

Research Summary

This study examined the incidence of injuries and falls in an aging SCI cohort and found that a substantial percentage of participants experienced these events within a 12-month period. The research identified prescription medication use as a significant predictor of both injuries and falls, while also noting that a combination of walking and wheelchair use increased the risk of falls. The study highlights the importance of developing targeted interventions to prevent subsequent injuries in the SCI population, considering factors like medication management and mobility strategies.

Practical Implications

Targeted Prevention Programs

Develop interventions that focus on reducing falls and injuries among individuals with SCI, particularly addressing medication management and mobility strategies.

Medication Review

Regularly review prescription medications of individuals with SCI to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with injury and falls.

Mobility Assessment

Assess and optimize mobility strategies for individuals with SCI, considering the potential risks associated with using both walking and wheelchair for locomotion.

Study Limitations

1
Data were self-report, including the outcomes.
2
Self-report of prescription medication use could also be subject to reporting bias
3
Participants were identified through rehabilitation hospitals in the Midwest and Southeast, and thus the results may not represent the experiences of all persons with SCI.

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