The role of mindfulness in quality of life of persons with spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional study

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-022-02059-w · Published: October 7, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Mental Health

Simple Explanation

This study explores how mindfulness affects the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. Quality of life is seen as a key indicator of how well someone adapts after rehabilitation. The study looks at both direct effects of mindfulness on quality of life, and how mindfulness might indirectly improve quality of life by reducing pain and functional limitations often experienced by those with SCI. Researchers surveyed 231 individuals with SCI, gathering data on mindfulness, pain levels, functional limitations, and overall quality of life. Statistical analyses were used to determine the relationships between these factors.

Study Duration

February and March of 2021

Participants

231 members of three spinal cord injury organizations in the United States

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Mindfulness significantly contributes to a higher quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries, even when considering other factors like age, employment, and injury severity.
2
Pain was found to negatively impact quality of life, but mindfulness can help lessen this impact. Mindfulness was found to reduce pain, which in turn, can improve functional independence and quality of life.
3
Older age, being employed, and the absence of comorbidities also contribute to a higher quality of life, highlighting the importance of addressing these factors in rehabilitation.

Research Summary

This study investigates the role of mindfulness in the quality of life (QOL) of persons with spinal cord injury (PwSCI). It examines both the direct impact of mindfulness on QOL and its indirect effects through pain and functional limitation. The findings reveal that mindfulness significantly contributes to higher QOL in PwSCI, even after accounting for sociodemographic and injury-related variables. Pain negatively affects QOL, but mindfulness can mitigate this effect. The study suggests that mindfulness-based interventions may be effective in improving pain management, functional independence, and overall QOL in PwSCI. It also highlights the importance of addressing other factors such as age, employment, and comorbidities in rehabilitation.

Practical Implications

Mindfulness Integration

Incorporate mindfulness meditation practices (breath awareness, body scans, yoga) into SCI rehabilitation programs to enhance present moment awareness, reduce pain/functional limitation, and improve QOL.

Pain Management

Provide comprehensive pain management strategies combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches like mindfulness training to reduce pain perception and improve activity/participation.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Offer early vocational rehabilitation services (on-the-job support, assistive technology, job placement) to help PwSCI obtain/maintain employment, fostering positive rehabilitation outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
The survey included only persons with SCI from three agencies in the US
2
Potential participants who were not involved in any of these three agencies and did not have internet access were excluded.
3
Time since the injury also contributes to QOL; however, this variable was excluded in the current analysis.

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