Effects of a rehabilitation program for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury in Shanghai, China

BMC Health Services Research, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05181-x · Published: April 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study evaluates a rehabilitation program in Shanghai for people with long-term spinal cord injuries. It looks at how the program improves basic life skills and their use in daily life. The program includes education, physical therapy, and psychological support. Participants receive training both inside the rehabilitation center and in real-world settings like supermarkets and restaurants. The results showed that the rehabilitation program improved basic life skills, especially in areas like toileting and transferring. However, improvements varied depending on factors like gender and injury level.

Study Duration

2013-2019

Participants

455 individuals with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The SIBR training program effectively improved basic life skills and their application in family and social life for individuals with CSCI, even with a long SCI history.
2
Female individuals with CSCI showed greater improvement in basic life skills compared to their male counterparts.
3
Individuals with thoracic and lumbosacral cord injuries experienced more significant gains in motor function and basic life skills applications compared to those with cervical cord injuries.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Specialized Institution-Based Rehabilitation (SIBR) program for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (CSCI) in Shanghai, China. The program aimed to improve basic life skills and their application in family and social life. The study found that the SIBR training improved abilities in basic life skills and their applications, with notable improvements in wheelchair use, housework, toileting, and bath transfer. However, gains varied across individuals and skills. The research suggests that rehabilitation is beneficial even for those with long-term SCI and supports the allocation of more resources to rehabilitation services for individuals with SCI in developed regions of China.

Practical Implications

Policy Making

It's never too late to start rehabilitation. People with SCI should be given on-going rehabilitation service to help them enjoy a long and full life

Social Inclusiveness

The long-term goal of rehabilitation is always to promote social inclusiveness and help individuals with SCI reintegrate into their society

Community Effects

Participants share experiences and basic life skills in local communities, strengthening community-wide effects of rehabilitation training

Study Limitations

1
Limited sample size due to low SCI incidence and service capacity
2
Relatively low explained variance in regression analyses due to limited data on training processes and social supports
3
Lack of data on the severity of injury based on ASIA classification

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