Spinal Cord Injury Paper

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Occupational therapists are continually striving to enhance the quality of life of their clients. Several factors are essential to enhancing quality of life in people with spinal cord injuries. A literature review by Barclay McDonald and Lentin (2015) found that participation in meaningful occupations has been correlated more strongly with quality of life than impairment and functional ability (Barclay, McDonald, & Lentin 2015). Quality of life is also related to monitoring the secondary conditions associated with SCI. According to Sweet, Noreau, Leblond and Dumont (2014) the needs of spinal cord injury patients should be addressed, as they can be predictors of secondary complications leading to decreased quality of life (Sweet, Noreau, …show more content…
Martin Ginis, Jetha, Mack, and Hetz (2010) conducted a meta analysis on the subject and found that a small to medium effect size of positive relationships were found in subjective well-being and physical activity in people with spinal cord injuries (Martin Ginis, Jetha, Mack & Hetz, 2010). Additionally, Kehn and Kroll (2009) found an increase in the “quality of life, energy, self- confidence and body image” for individuals that participated in an exercise program. Given the physical and psychological benefits of participation in sports, more emphasis and opportunities should be presented to people with spinal cord …show more content…
Suttiwong, Vongsirinavarat, Chaiyawat, and Vachalathiti (2015) performed a study among people with spinal cord injuries in Thailand and found that the most telling predictor of community participation was social support (Suttiwong, Vongsirinavarat, Chaiyawat, & Vachalathiti, 2015). Interestingly, Ulrich et al. (2012) found quality of life among people with SCI was stronger in areas of participation such as community involvement and social support, but was not seen to be associated with the severity of the injury (Ulrich et al., 2012). This idea is further strengthened by Kennedy, Lude, Elfstrom, and Smithson’s (2010) longitudinal study. The results indicated that quality of life is enhanced with social support, and involvement in social activities, along with employment, education level and financial security (Kennedy, Lude, Elfstrom & Smithson,

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