The association of age, pain, and fatigue with physical functioning and depressive symptoms in persons with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2013 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772312Y.0000000072 · Published: September 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how pain and fatigue affect the physical and mental health of adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It explores how these factors relate to both physical abilities and symptoms of depression. The research also considers how age might play a role in the relationship between pain, fatigue, and overall well-being, examining if the impact of these symptoms changes as people with SCI get older. The study aims to understand the independent contributions of pain and fatigue to physical and psychological functioning, as well as for designing interventions to improve functioning in this population.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

481 adults with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Pain and fatigue were independently associated with depression, meaning that each symptom contributes to depressive feelings on its own.
2
Only pain, and not fatigue, was directly linked to physical functioning, indicating that pain levels affect a person's ability to perform physical tasks.
3
Depression was more severe among middle-aged participants compared to younger or older participants, suggesting a unique vulnerability during this life stage.

Research Summary

This study investigated the independent associations of pain and fatigue with depressive symptoms and physical functioning among persons with SCI. Regression analyses revealed an association of more depressive symptoms with middle age and with higher levels of pain and fatigue. Lower levels of physical functioning were associated with older age, higher level of injury, and more severe pain.

Practical Implications

Aggressive treatment of pain and fatigue

The findings support the aggressive treatment of pain and fatigue among persons with SCI for the improvement of physical functioning and mood.

Monitoring and early intervention

Close monitoring and appropriate early intervention will assist patients and healthcare providers in proactively managing the risks for decline in physical and psychological functioning in this population.

Address depression in middle age

Actively assess for emergence of depression in persons with SCI, particularly as these individuals enter midlife and proactively prepare individuals with SCI for challenges they may face in middle age.

Study Limitations

1
Convenience sample of individuals who were motivated to participate in this study.
2
Cross-sectional study and thus allows only for the identification of associations between variables without causal conclusions.
3
Data were self-reported, meaning that the results reflect participants’ perception of their symptoms and functioning

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