External Devices Among Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury From a Developing Country

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the proportion, number, and type of external devices (including mobility devices, ambulatory aides, and orthotics) possessed and used by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) from a developing country.

Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Participants: A total of 163 participants with SCI from several rural communities in a developing country participated in the study from June 2018 to August 2019.

Methods: The participants were interviewed and assessed for their SCI characteristics and the external devices (i.e., mobility devices, ambulatory aides, and orthotics) they possessed and used in their daily living.

Results: Most participants (85%), who lived in rural communities with a family income of less than $3167 per year, possessed external devices (one to five types), and 80% of all participants actually used the devices (one to three types) in their daily living. Most participants with motor-complete SCI used a single device, especially a manual wheelchair, whereas those with mild lesion severity used multiple devices for their daily activities, particularly a standard walker.

Conclusion: Owing to budget and environmental constraints, the external devices used by individuals with SCI from a developing country are different from those reported in a developed country. The findings provide particular insights into the management of external devices for these individuals of a developing country.