An evidence-based review on the influence of aging with a spinal cord injury on subjective quality of life

Study design: Systematic review. Objectives: To identify changes in subjective quality of life (QoL) as one ages with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: Vancouver, Canada. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for studies reporting on age-related QoL changes over time. Data from relevant studies were transcribed into data extraction forms and analyzed by years post injury (YPI) and chronologic age. Each study was assigned a level of evidence based on a modified Sackett scale. Results: In all, 21 studies, each with a low level of evidence, were included for review. The results indicated that regardless of chronologic age, individuals with relatively new SCI have the potential to improve their QoL. Among individuals with advanced YPI, overall QoL is consistently reported as good or excellent over time, however, with variations in different QoL domains. Conclusion: The QoL of individuals aging with a SCI has the potential to improve, and remain high and stable over time. As the identified studies provide low levels of evidence, more longitudinal research with greater methodological and measurement rigor is needed to corroborate the findings and conclusions of this review. Spinal Cord (2012) 50, 570-578; doi:10.1038/sc.2012.19; published online 27 March 2012