Association of Spasticity and Life Satisfaction after Spinal Cord Injury

OBJECTIVE: To identify the relationship between spasticity and life satisfaction as measured by 3 multi-item factor scales and a rating of overall quality of life among participants with spinal cord injury (SCI). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey; secondary analysis of existing data by linear regression analysis between spasticity and quality of life. SETTING: Large specialty hospital in the Southeastern United States. METHODS: Participants included 1,549 adults with traumatic spinal cord injuries, at least 18 years of age and a minimum of 1 year post-injury at survey. Outcome measures included: (1) Home Life Satisfaction, (2) Global Satisfaction, (3) Vocational Satisfaction, (4) Overall Quality of Life and (5) three subscales from the Patient Reported Impact of Spasticity Measure. RESULTS: Three aspects of spasticity (Daily Activities, Positive Impact, and spasticity at its worst) all were negatively correlated with Home Life Satisfaction, Global Satisfaction, and Overall Quality of Life. Only the Daily Activities scale and the spasticity at its worst rating had a significant negative correlation with Vocational Satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Spasticity is negatively associated with quality of life after SCI. These negative outcomes need to be considered in an individual’s rehabilitation and treatment methods.