Abstract
Consequences of brachial plexus injuries (BPI) would likely impact participation, but outcomes are not well understood. This exploratory study aimed to report the participation in productive, leisure and social roles for individuals following BPI. Fourteen male participants were diagnosed with a traumatic, BPI. Descriptive data reported included demographic, injury, surgical, and participation measures. Two-sample t-tests were conducted for comparative analysis with other studies following life altering conditions.
Just over two-thirds reported feeling satisfied to very satisfied with their participation in everyday life. This long-term follow up study found on-going and profound impact on participation in a range of life situations for this diagnostic group. Participation in productive roles, home duties, and physical exercise were particularly impacted and need to be prioritized during rehabilitation.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to Ms Melanie McCulloch (Occupational Therapist), Re-Wired Hand Therapy, Melbourne and Mr Scott Ferris (MBBS, FRACS, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon) for their insights and support for this project.
Conflicting interests
The authors have no potential competing interests to declare.
Funding
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Contributorship
SB wrote the first draft of the manuscript. All authors reviewed and edited the manuscript and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Ethical approval
Ethical approval to report this cohort study was obtained from the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (APPROVAL NUMBER: 0392) on 28/10/2016.
Informed consent
Written informed consent was obtained from the patient(s) for their anonymized information to be published in this article.