Self-reported effects of warm seasonal temperatures in persons with spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury can disrupt the body's ability to regulate temperature, making individuals more susceptible to overheating. This study investigates how warmer seasons impact the comfort and daily activities of people with spinal cord injuries compared to those without. The research involved surveying three groups: individuals with tetraplegia (impairment in all four limbs), paraplegia (impairment in the lower body), and a control group without spinal cord injuries, to understand their experiences during warmer months. The findings reveal that warmer temperatures have a more significant negative impact on the comfort and daily lives of people with spinal cord injuries, especially those with tetraplegia, suggesting a need for greater awareness and interventions to help them manage heat-related challenges.

• 1
  Individuals with tetraplegia take significantly longer to cool down after overheating compared to those with paraplegia and non-SCI controls.
• 2
  Heat-related discomfort limits the ability of individuals with tetraplegia to go outside their homes more often than those with paraplegia and non-SCI controls.
• 3
  Persons with tetraplegia reported a greater frequency of reliance on water misters to cope with heat exposure compared to persons with paraplegia or controls.