Biomedical Research

Purpose: The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship of fatigue and pain between mobility aid usage and depressive symptomatology in ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Materials and Methods: The data was collected from 200 ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury. Numerical rating scale was used to evaluate the intensity of pain. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score was applied to evaluate fatigue. For assessment of depressive symptomatology hospital anxiety and depression Scale (HADS) was utilized. Mobility aid usage was informed by individuals personally.

Results: Depressive symptomatology indications were shown by sixty three percent (63%) of individuals with moderate to severe levels of depression. About fifty two percent (52% at 95% CI) of the patients have moderate to severe fatigue symptoms which impede with normal function. Extreme pain intensity was measured in 20.5% whereas moderate intensity of pain was measured in 31% of the patients. Several mobility aid devices like wheel chairs, orthoses, canes, crutches and walkers were utilized by the SCI individuals. Near about 5% of the individuals need other people assistance for ambulation.

Conclusion: The correlation among mobility aid devices and depressive symptoms is interceded by pain and fatigue. Depressive symptomatology is more prominent in individuals using other people assistance for ambulatory services.

Author(s): Xuejun Zhao, Guodong Sun, Guihua Jiao, Hao Lv
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