Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation
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Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil · Jan 2016
Self-Report of Behaviors to Manage Neurogenic Bowel and Bladder by Individuals with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: Frequency and Associated Outcomes.
Background: The management of neurogenic bowel and bladder by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) often requires a complicated set of behaviors to optimize functioning and reduce complications. However, limited research is available to support the many recommendations that are made. Objective: To describe the occurrence of behaviors associated with the management of neurogenic bowel and bladder among individuals with chronic SCI and to explore whether relationships exist between the performance of those behaviors and outcomes related to health and quality of life. ⋯ Many methods are performed with significant consistency, but significant variations exist for some and are often associated with neurological status, methods of evacuation, and quality of life. Conclusion: Many people with SCI of long duration are not sure of the sources of recommendations for some of the management activities that they or their personal care assistants conduct. It is prudent for clinicians working with these people to review their recommendations periodically to ensure that they are current and understood.
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Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil · Jan 2016
Examining How the Perception of Health Can Impact Participation and Autonomy Among Adults with Spinal Cord Injury.
Background: Studies examining participation as defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as well as autonomy among the spinal cord injury population (SCI) are only starting to emerge. Little research has looked at how this population perceives their health status and the role this plays in active participation within their lives. Objective: This exploratory study was developed to determine whether the perception of health has an impact on participation and autonomy among adults with SCI. ⋯ Perceived health did not have a significant impact on autonomy indoors. Conclusion: The perception of health may have an impact on participation and autonomy within the areas of family role, outdoors, work/education, and social life. Implications for rehabilitation are included.