NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 19, issue 2

Authors: McKinley, William O. | Meade, Michelle A.

Article Type: Introduction

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2004-19201

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 79-80, 2004

Authors: Krause, James S. | Broderick, Lynne E. | Broyles, Joy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify gender differences in subjective well-being among 309 African-American participants with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: A Southeastern specialty hospital. Participants: There were a total of 309 participants, all of whom were African-Americans. All participants had traumatic SCI, were at least 18 years or older at the time of the study, and a minimum of one year had passed since SCI onset. Main Outcome Measures: Measures of subjective well-being included the Life Situation Questionnaire – Revised, Purpose in …Life scale, and the Older Adult Health and Mood Questionnaire. Results: Multiple gender differences were observed, with women reporting higher scores on depressive symptoms and negative affect, but lower scores on purpose in life. Other significant findings were observed related to self-reported problems, with men reporting greater problems with pressure ulcers and sexual issues and women reporting greater problems in several areas related to coping and affect. The only gender difference in life satisfaction indicated greater satisfaction with sex life among women. Conclusion: It is clear from the findings that differences do exist among male and female African-Americans with spinal cord injuries. More research is needed to definitively outline differences. Show more

Keywords: spinal cord injury, subjective well being, gender differences

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2004-19202

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 81-89, 2004

Authors: Charlifue, Susan | Gerhart, Kenneth

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: to examine longitudinal changes in community reintegration among people aging with spinal cord injury, and to determine if these changes are related to demographic variables and scores on psychosocial measures of stress, life satisfaction, depression, psychological well-being, and perceived quality of life. Design: 178 members of a British population-based study of outcomes after spinal cord injury were evaluated at three-year intervals from 1990 to 1999. Participants responded to a questionnaire that included measures of community integration and perceived psychosocial status. Scores and results were analyzed to identify changes over time in community reintegration. …Results: The findings indicate a general decline in community reintegration over time in terms of physical independence, mobility, occupation and social integration. However, economic self-sufficiency appears to steadily improve as time passes. Life satisfaction also declined over time and was related to community reintegration. Measures of emotional distress were not important predictors of community reintegration. Conclusions: Community reintegration declined over time in this sample of British individuals aging with SCI. Although there were concurrent relationships between demographic variables of age and neurologic group, neither these factors nor duration of injury appeared to impact change in community reintegration. More significant was the relationship between perceived life satisfaction and community integration. Show more

Keywords: spinal cord injury, aging, community reintegration, life satisfaction

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2004-19203

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 91-101, 2004

Authors: Forchheimer, Martin | Tate, Denise G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study assessed the efficacy of a community-based program designed to provide Independent Living services (ILS) to people with new, traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI). The program was implemented in six communities throughout the US served by Model SCI Care Systems where services are provided by Centers for Independent Living. Participants consisted of eighty-one people with new, traumatic SCI (38% intervention participants and 62% comparison group members). Each group was assessed with regard to ILS received, unmet needs for services, satisfaction with services and three outcomes: perceived control, quality of life and societal participation. Results show that program participants and …comparison group subjects differed little in terms of either measures of ILS or the outcome measures. There were numerous associations between ILS and outcomes; those who felt that they did not need ILS tended to have superior outcomes to both those who received these services and those who said that they had unmet needs. Advocacy services had the strongest association with study outcomes. The study highlights the importance of minimizing the need for ILS. It also indicates that there is a need for improved communication among rehabilitation professionals working in large medical institutions and those working in community organizations. Show more

Keywords: community re-integration, spinal cord injury, independent living, unmet needs, Center for Independent Living

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2004-19204

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 103-113, 2004

Authors: Hagglund, Kristofer J. | Clark, Mary J. | Mokelke, Emily K. | Stout, Brian J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Personal assistant services (PAS) are designed to support persons with disabilities in their routine performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) and to provide individuals with disability the opportunity to go to school, volunteer, obtain active employment, and participate in social and recreational activities. PAS are primary and essential to the realization of societal inclusion and personal freedom among persons with severe, disabling conditions. This paper reviews the personal assistance literature for persons with spinal cord injury and other disabilities. Evidence-based recommendations are made for PAS policy initiatives and future directions in PAS research.

Keywords: personal assistance, disability, spinal cord injury, community integration

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2004-19205

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 115-120, 2004

Authors: Slater, Daniel | Meade, Michelle A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Recreation and sports following Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) are beneficial, but under-studied, aspects of community integration. Previous studies have shown that sports and recreation can offer numerous physiological and psychological benefits to those who participate. This manuscript critically reviews available literature focused upon participation in recreation and sports among persons with SCI. Issues of participation, technology and safety are discussed and recommendations are provided.

Keywords: spinal cord injury, recreation, sports, community-integration

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2004-19206

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 121-129, 2004

Authors: Targett, Pam | Wehman, Paul | Young, Cynthia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Recent advances in medical practices have led to increased survival rates among persons with spinal cord injuries. Many of these individuals find themselves unemployed post injury and face a myriad of challenges, such as lack of transportation, limited accessibility, and health problems. This paper describes how a Supported Employment approach can be used to assist persons with SCI with return to work. A number of issues that may impede employment and how to circumvent each are offered, along with a case study that describes one individual's return to work.

Keywords: return to work, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Supported Employment (SE)

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2004-19207

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 131-139, 2004

Authors: McKinley, William | Tewksbury, Michael A. | Sitter, Pat | Reed, Jennifer | Floyd, Shawn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Spinal cord injury (SCI) commonly occurs in individuals during important years for formation of vocational goals, resulting in low post-injury employment rates and higher costs to society. Individuals with SCI who are employed have improved quality of life. Assistive technology, often available at modest cost, can help individuals with SCI to compensate for functional limitations, overcome barriers to employability, enhance technical capacities and computer utilization, and improve ability to compete for gainful employment.

Keywords: assistive technology, computer, adaptions, spinal cord injury

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2004-19208

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 141-146, 2004

Authors: Bricout, John C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Return-to-work is an area of critical concern for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI), because of the psychological, psychosocial and economic benefits of employment. Although the majority of individuals with SCI are employed pre-injury, they are impeded from maintaining those jobs due to personal, organizational and systems level barriers. Telework, which permits home-based work through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), alleviates many of return-to-work barriers for individuals with SCI, including job demands, mobility limitations, transportation needs and fatigue imposed by medical complications. For telework to fulfill its potential as a return-to-work strategy, rehabilitation professionals and …employers must assess and enhance the readiness of the individual, workgroup and organization within the context of a disability management program. Strategies for successfully implementing telework as a return-to-work strategy for individuals with SCI are discussed, along with implications for future research. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2004-19209

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 147-159, 2004

Authors: Cooper, Rory A. | Boninger, Michael L. | Cooper, Rosemarie | Fitzgerald, Shirley G. | Kellerher, Annmarie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The INDEPENDENCE™ 3000 IBOT™ Transporter (IBOT™) is an electronically stabilizing device for people with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to collect qualitative data on the potential for the IBOT™ to improve employment satisfaction of veterans who use wheelchairs to work. This study was based upon observations by trained clinicians, and responses to a survey completed by four men with traumatic spinal cord injury, who worked in an office environment. The mean age of the subjects was 52 ± 8.8 years. The subjects used the devices to hold eye-level discussions with colleagues, climb stairs, ascend steep ramps, and negotiate …curbs. When subjects were asked to rate the ease of getting around in the IBOT™ compared to their personal wheelchairs, they responded with a mean of 6.7 ± 1.8 on a 10-point visual analog scale. The response to rating the overall function of the IBOTTM within their working environment yielded a rating of 6.0 ± 2.8. Half of the users felt that the IBOT™ would help them at work and all thought it should be made available to veterans who use wheelchairs. A larger study should be conducted to determine if the IBOT™ affects work performance and the ability to return to work. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2004-19210

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 161-170, 2004