Spinal cord injury: 10 and 15 years after

Abstract

Researchers have only recently begun to study the problems and adaptations of persons who have lived with spinal cord injury (SCI) for many years. This descriptive study examined recent functional changes and perceptions regarding the quality of life in 43 SCI persons who were 10 or 15 years post injury; 31 percent of the 137 persons surveyed (by mail) responded. On a general rating of quality of life, neither level nor completeness of injury was a significant factor. Subjects who were in a preferred current living situation had a significantly better perceived quality of life (t = -3.2, p