Priorities of desired functional recovery in Indian spinal cord injury patients

Background: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) affect various functions and therefore the Quality of life (QOL) of these patients. Regaining even partial function can lead to improved QOL; making it crucial to know which functions are most important for these patients.

Material and methods: This prompted us to conduct a survey in which subjects were asked to rank seven functions in order of importance to improve their quality of life. Survey was administered by personal interview of patients in different spinal injury rehabilitation centers across India.

Results: A total of 112 patients completed the survey. Regaining arm and hand function was ranked as first priority by quadriplegics while bowel/bladder function and walking movements were ranked as 2nd and 3rd priority. Paraplegics ranked return of walking movements as their first priority, bladder/bowel recovery as second and trunk strength/sexual function as 3rd priority.

Conclusion: This knowledge empowers us to focus our research on what is most important for their QOL.