Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence: Methods of the SCIRE Systematic Review

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil., 2007 · DOI: 10.1310/sci1301-1 · Published: January 1, 2007

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

The Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence (SCIRE) project provides a synthesis of research on rehabilitation interventions for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It assesses and synthesizes evidence using a systematic protocol. The project aims to inform health professionals about best practices in SCI rehabilitation. The SCIRE project covers a range of topics relevant to SCI rehabilitation, including inpatient rehabilitation practices, gait strategies, upper extremity reconstructive surgery, spasticity treatments, cardiovascular health, and bone health. Each article included in the SCIRE synthesis is scored for its methodological quality using either the PEDro score for randomized controlled trials or the Downs and Black Tool for other study types. Conclusions are then drawn based on the levels of evidence, study quality, and concurring evidence.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The SCIRE project identified areas where there is substantial quality evidence for practice and gaps where additional research is urgently needed.
2
The SCIRE project utilizes a systematic review methodology, including a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases from 1980-2006.
3
The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the PEDro scale for RCTs and the Downs and Black Tool for non-randomized studies, with high inter-rater reliability.

Research Summary

The Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence (SCIRE) is a synthesis of research evidence for rehabilitation interventions to improve the health of people with SCI. The SCIRE project used a systematic and well-defined protocol to assess and synthesize evidence, scoring articles for methodological quality and drawing conclusions based on levels of evidence and study quality. The SCIRE provides a transparent and reproducible synthesis of research evidence but acknowledges limitations such as the potential mismatch between published interventions and clinical practice.

Practical Implications

Informing Clinical Practice

SCIRE aims to inform health professionals about best practices in SCI rehabilitation, helping them integrate research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences.

Identifying Research Gaps

SCIRE objectively identifies areas where there is substantial evidence and areas where more research is needed, guiding future research efforts.

Promoting Evidence-Based Practice

SCIRE encourages the use of evidence-based practices in SCI rehabilitation by providing a synthesis of research findings that is transparent and reproducible.

Study Limitations

1
Interventions published in the literature may not exactly match what is currently practiced in the clinical setting.
2
The extensive literature on functional electrical stimulation in spinal cord rehabilitation is not matched by its practice in the clinical or community setting and could be due to a variety of reasons.
3
The conclusions reached by SCIRE may change as additional studies are undertaken.

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