Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2025
Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 1, 2018
A mixed-methods study exploring and comparing the experiences of people who sustained a spinal cord injury earlier
Ethan Simpson1,2, Bonita Sawatzky2,3, Susan Forwell1,2
1Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Study Design:
Mixed-methods.
Objectives:
(1) To explore psychosocial and quality of life outcomes between those injured early versus later in life, and (2) to explore their post-injury experiences.
Setting:
GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, Canada.
Methods:
For this community-based study, we recruited individuals with SCI (>55 years of age) who were either injured between the ages of 15-30 (n = 15) or after the age of 50 (n = 15). We collected quantitative data about participants' sociodemographics and participants completed standardised questionnaires assessing personal factors, environmental factors, life habits, and quality of life. An independent samples t test was performed for continuous variables and the Chi-square test was conducted for the categorical variables. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews. Thematic content analysis was performed on the interview transcripts.
Results:
We found no statistically significant differences between the two groups on any of the psychosocial outcomes. However, those injured later in life were significantly more likely to be female, have a higher income, and live in residential care. We identified three main qualitative themes that were consistent across the two groups: 'dealing with health and changes in occupation', 'enacting interdependence', and 'living in the community'. Some sub-themes varied between groups.
Conclusions:
To facilitate better rehabilitation, clinicians need to be aware of disparities among people with SCI relating to age of injury. Across age cohorts, it is important to increase independence, provide greater support when entering or returning to the workforce, and reduce societal stigma.
