Life Space Assessment in Spinal Cord Injury

Objectives: To examine the Life Space Assessment (LSA) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), exploring its psychometric properties, differences between persons with cervical versus thoracolumbar injuries, and cutoff score differentiating a restricted from an unrestricted life space. Method: We conducted a test-retest reliability study in a community setting involving 50 persons with SCI (25 injured above C7, 25 injured below T1). Data were collected in 2 phone interviews approximately 9 days apart using the LSA. Results: Mean LSA scores were 66 ± 25 (n = 50): 62 ± 23 for the cervical group, and 70 ± 25 for the thoracolumbar group. Scores were not significantly different between phone interviews [t(49) = 0.379, p = .706] or between groups [t(48) = -1.214, p = .231]. Test-retest reliability intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.876 (95% CI, 0.792-0.928). Spearman's rho correlations between the LSA and Reintegration to Normal Living Index total and subscores ranged from .509 to .538 (p < .001). LSA scores were normally distributed. The minimum detectable change was approximately 23 points. A cutoff score of 78.5 (sensitivity 76.9%, specificity 81.1%) differentiated between persons with a restricted from an unrestricted life space if equipment and personal assistance were not needed for mobility. If equipment was needed, the cutoff score was found to be 49 (sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 90%). Conclusions: The LSA is a reliable and valid measure of life space in persons with SCI and can be used to identify persons with a restricted life space who may be at increased risk of mobility disability.