Body experience during post-acute rehabilitation in individuals after a traumatic spinal cord injury: a qualitative interview-based pilot study

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-020-00375-1 · Published: January 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study explores how individuals experience their bodies after a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) during rehabilitation. It looks at perceptive, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of body experience to understand how TSCI impacts body awareness. The study found that individuals with tetraplegia had high body-related awareness and dependence on others, while those with paraplegia focused on regaining activity and autonomy. All participants expressed a need to understand their paralyzed bodies. The study suggests that exploring individual body experience can improve body awareness, communication, and engagement in rehabilitation, which helps tailor the rehabilitation process.

Study Duration

Between September and November 2018

Participants

Eight patients in the post-acute phase of their TSCI

Evidence Level

Qualitative interview-based pilot study

Key Findings

1
Individuals with tetraplegia described high body-related awareness and dependence, whereas those with paraplegia focused on regaining activity and autonomy.
2
Participants expressed uncertainty in understanding their paralyzed body while maintaining a sense of identity continuity pre- and post-TSCI.
3
Increased ability to describe body-related perceptions enhanced active participation in rehabilitation and fostered hope for the future.

Research Summary

This qualitative pilot study explored the body experience of individuals during post-acute rehabilitation following traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). The study involved semi-structured interviews that explored body experience in relation to perceptive, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects. The study concluded that exploring individual body experience after TSCI can strengthen patients’ body awareness, communication, and engagement in rehabilitation and help individualize the rehabilitation process.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Rehabilitation

Individualizing the rehabilitation process by understanding the patient's body experience can lead to improved outcomes.

Improved Communication

Focusing on body awareness and verbalization can enhance communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

Psychological Support

Addressing the emotional aspects of body experience can improve psychological adjustment and well-being after TSCI.

Study Limitations

1
The sample was recruited from a single rehabilitation center, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
2
Participants with impaired cognitive or communication functioning were excluded, potentially missing important perspectives.
3
The study did not include individuals after non-traumatic SCI.

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