Changes in mood states during inpatient rehabilitation after spinal cord injury

Retrospective observational study.

To analyze changes in mood states during the acute phase of inpatient rehabilitation for spinal cord injury (SCI) and the factors associated with worse mood states and less improvement.

Spinal unit in Italy.

The study included people with SCI admitted between 2014 and 2019 and treated for psychological problems with a focus on 'emotion processing' and 'emotional adjustment'. The sample included 170 patients (71.8% male, mean age 47.1 ± 16, range 17-78), 46.5% with tetraplegia and 50% with comorbidities.

The Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire was used to assess mood states at baseline and at the end of treatment. Multiple linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with changes in mood states during treatment.

At baseline, patients with distress related to SCI diagnosis reported lower levels of vigor, whereas those with distressing life events reported higher levels of anger and confusion-bewilderment. POMS subscales improved significantly by at least 4 points. ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) C score, living with family of origin, comorbidities and critical events during hospitalization were associated with greater improvements, whereas higher education was associated with less improvement in depressive mood. In tetraplegic patients, higher improvements in depressive mood were associated with greater independence at discharge, whereas in patients with paraplegia, higher improvements in anxiety and vitality were associated with better mobility.

Our results indicate that mood states improved in people with SCI receiving a psychological treatment. Socio-demographic and SCI-related characteristics associated with a greater effect of psychological treatment should be considered in order to tailor the intervention.