Mobility

This article in Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation describes the self-reported impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). In interviews with more than 350 adults with traumatic SCI, the authors found that the COVID-19 pandemic had multiple negative impacts. Of particular importance were reduced access to healthcare and declines in quality and stability of attendant care, with greater reliance on family.

This OTJR: Occupation, Participation, and Health journal article describes a study on relationships between these factors and depression in middle-aged adults with physical disabilities during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors also provided recommendations for OTs looking to address symptoms of depression in their clients. Participants in a larger study of people aging with long-term physical disabilities (ages 45–64) completed a supplemental survey with questions about COVID-19, depression, and factors associated with depression.

This journal article seeks to understand the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the health and participation of people with mobility disabilities living in the community. The researchers surveyed 39 people with mobility disabilities on the effects of the pandemic on their health and access to health care. Results showed that many experiences were caused by lack of appropriate policies rather than the pandemic itself.

This journal article describes a study to assess changes in access and psychological status during the COVID-19 pandemic in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). A survey of 51 participants found increased levels of psychological distress related to decreased access to goods and services in individuals with SCI due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This journal article explores the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for people with mobility disabilities across a variety of topics related to community engagement including social interactions with family and friends, and access to caregivers, groceries, transportation, and employment.

This webinar presented the findings from a recent study on the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with physical disabilities from marginalized communities in Southeast Michigan, one of the early pandemic epicenters in the United States. Interviews with 16 adults revealed how participants either had to engage in risky behavior to have their needs met or avoid risk and not have those needs met. They contribute to understandings of risk, its impact on physical and psychological health, and the importance of accommodations.

This entire newsletter issue is focused on COVID-19. This issue features an article on staying healthy to avoid the impact of the virus, as well as articles on technology for independence and opportunities to participate in research.

This video offers tips for individuals to maintain their health and daily living from UAB-SCIMS psychologists. Tips include keeping an eye on secondary conditions to avoid the need for hospital visits, maintaining a routine, getting exercise, and maintaining social contact.

Thomas Bryce, MD, answered Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and SCI for United Spinal's New Mobility magazine. Topics covered included risk of contracting the virus, the impact on respiratory function, and when to consider going to the emergency department.