Applications of complementary therapies during rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic spinal cordiInjury: Findings from the SCIRehab Project

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J82036

Journal:

Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine - JSCM (formerly Journal of the American Paraplegia Society)

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2019 , 42, 5, 571-578

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined the use of complementary therapies during rehabilitation for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Secondary analyses were conducted to identify the use and associated outcomes of complementary therapies provided by occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) during rehabilitation, using a public dataset composed of 1376 patients enrolled in the SCIRehab Project, a five-year, multi-center investigation. In the SCIRehab Project, OTs and PTs recorded use of complementary therapies during sessions, including yoga, Pilates, tai chi, aromatherapy, relaxation techniques, imagery, and other. Secondary analyses focused on a subset of 93 patients (47 who received complementary therapy during treatment and 46 case-matched controls who received no complementary therapy). Outcomes examined included pain interference, pain severity, mobility, and social integration. The results indicated that three percent of participants received any complementary therapies. Patients who received complementary therapies showed greater reductions in pain severity from 6 months to 12 months relative to matched controls. Furthermore, the amount of time that patients received complementary therapies during physical therapy sessions was associated with reduced pain interference at 6 months and with reduced pain severity at the 6-month and 12-month follow-ups. Complementary therapy use was not associated with mobility or social integration. Findings provide preliminary evidence documenting the limited use of complementary therapies in rehabilitation settings and offer suggestions for further research, particularly regarding pain-related outcomes.

Author(s):