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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
13:31
A Neonatal Mouse Spinal Cord Compression Injury Model
Published on: March 27, 2016
Spina bifida and mobility in the transition years
Brad E Dicianno1, Melissa H Bellin, Andrew T Zabel
1Human Engineering Research Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Full-time wheelchair use in adolescents with spina bifida is linked to lower quality of life. However, psychological distress and self-management issues are common across all mobility levels.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Care
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Adolescents with spina bifida often face mobility challenges, particularly during the transition to adult healthcare.
- Limited research exists on the interplay between mobility, self-management, psychological well-being, and quality of life in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationships between mobility status, self-management skills, psychological distress, and quality of life in adolescents and young adults with spina bifida.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, interdisciplinary study involving 61 participants with spina bifida (mean age 21.0 years).
- Data collection included structured clinical interviews on self-management and standardized self-report measures for psychological distress, quality of life, and mobility.
- Participants were categorized into ambulators, part-time wheelchair users, and full-time wheelchair users for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- Full-time wheelchair use was significantly associated with a reduced quality of life.
- Psychological distress and self-management challenges were prevalent across all mobility groups, irrespective of wheelchair use.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing psychological distress and self-management in adolescents with spina bifida.
- Future research should explore the impact of assistive technology, including advanced wheelchair design and universal design principles, on enhancing mobility and life satisfaction.
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