Article

Objectives:To identify changes in subjective
quality of life (QoL) as one ages with a spinal cord injury
(SCI).Setting:Vancouver, Canada.Methods:Electronic databases were searched for
studies reporting on age-related QoL changes over time. Data from relevant
studies were transcribed into data extraction forms and analyzed by years post
injury (YPI) and chronologic age. Each study was assigned a level of evidence
based on a modified Sackett scale.Results:In all, 21 studies, each with a low
level of evidence, were included for review. The results indicated that
regardless of chronologic age, individuals with relatively new SCI have the
potential to improve their QoL. Among individuals with advanced YPI, overall QoL
is consistently reported as good or excellent over time, however, with variations
in different QoL domains.Conclusion:The QoL of individuals aging with a SCI has
the potential to improve, and remain high and stable over time. As the identified
studies provide low levels of evidence, more longitudinal research with greater
methodological and measurement rigor is needed to corroborate the findings and
conclusions of this review.

Langue : ANGLAIS