Factors Affecting Self-Care Activities and Mobility in Patients With Incomplete Tetraplegia

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) presents challenges in daily activities and mobility.
• Identifying key factors influencing functional outcomes is essential for effective rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors affecting activities of daily living (ADL) and mobility in patients with incomplete SCI.
• To determine optimal training strategies for enhancing functional recovery.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-three adult patients with incomplete SCI were assessed.
• Evaluated correlations between self-care/mobility scores (KSCIM-III) and various functional/clinical measures (e.g., UEMS, LEMS, GRASSP, TIS).
• Employed correlation and multiple regression analyses to identify significant predictors.

Main Results:

• Self-care was significantly associated with AIS classification D, GRASSP total score, and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) total score.
• Mobility showed significant correlations with GRASSP total score, Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), and TIS total score.
• Upper and lower extremity function, alongside trunk control, emerged as key determinants.

Conclusions:

• Upper and lower extremity function and trunk control significantly impact self-care and mobility in incomplete SCI.
• Emphasizing trunk control training is recommended for improving functional outcomes in this patient population.