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Abstract
Context/Objective: To determine the relationship between the different functional aspects (as determined by the Spinal Cord Independence Measure) and quality of life (QOL) following a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI), considering clinical confounding factors.
Design: Retrospective review of a prospective cohort
Setting: A single Level-1 trauma center specialized in SCI care
Participants: One hundred and forty-two individuals sustaining an acute traumatic SCI
Interventions: Not applicable
Outcome measures: The four QOL domains as assessed by the WHOQoL-bref questionnaire 6–12 months following a TSCI.
Results: Mobility subscore was the only functional aspect significantly associated with all QOL domains (physical, psychological, social and environmental). Females present better chronic social and environmental QOL when compared to males. The level of injury may also influence environmental QOL.
Conclusion: Mobility training (mobility in bed, mobility with or without technical aids, transfers and stair management) should be an important part of the rehabilitation process in order to optimize chronic QOL following a TSCI.