The influence of shoulder pain on functional limitation, perceived health, and depressive mood in patients with traumatic paraplegia

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2015 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772314Y.0000000271 · Published: January 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Orthopedics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the impact of shoulder pain on individuals with paraplegia, focusing on functional activities, perceived health, and depressive symptoms. It compares individuals with and without shoulder pain to understand these effects. The research found that while shoulder pain doesn't significantly limit daily functional activities, it is linked to poorer self-perceived health and increased depressive symptoms in paraplegic patients. The findings suggest that addressing shoulder pain in rehabilitation programs is crucial for improving the overall well-being and psychological health of individuals with paraplegia.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

76 patients with paraplegia

Evidence Level

Cross sectional and comparative investigation

Key Findings

1
Shoulder pain was prevalent in 30% of patients with traumatic paraplegia.
2
Patients with shoulder pain reported significantly worse perceived health compared to those without shoulder pain.
3
Higher intensity of shoulder pain correlated with greater depressive symptoms and lower self-perceived health scores.

Research Summary

The study aimed to assess the differences in functional activity, perceived health, and depressive symptoms between individuals with traumatic paraplegia with and without shoulder pain. The results indicated that shoulder pain was associated with lower perceived health and higher depressive mood levels but not with functional limitation. The authors concluded that rehabilitation programs should incorporate shoulder pain screening and treatment to improve the quality of life and mood in the paraplegic population.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Rehabilitation programs for individuals with paraplegia should incorporate strategies for screening, preventing, and managing shoulder pain.

Mental Health Support

Given the association between shoulder pain and depressive symptoms, mental health support should be integrated into the care of patients with paraplegia and shoulder pain.

Pain Management

Effective pain management strategies are essential to improve perceived health and overall well-being in individuals with paraplegia experiencing shoulder pain.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size, particularly in subgroups of patients with shoulder pain.
2
Reliance on self-reported instruments for diagnosing probable MDD, which may lead to overestimation or underestimation.
3
Participants limited to patients from a single hospital system, potentially limiting the generalizability of the results.

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