Psychosocial Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women with Spinal Cord Injury.

This study represents the first known research addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States. Women in this population face unique barriers that put them at elevated risk for compromised quality of life, risk that was magnified by physical and social restrictions imposed during the pandemic. This qualitative study examined the perceptions of women with SCI and the effect of the pandemic on their lives. The predominantly White and relatively well-educated sample of 105 women with traumatic SCI was diverse in age, injury characteristics, and geographic representation. Recruited across the USA, participants in an online psychological health intervention trial were asked to respond to the item, "Please tell us how COVID-19 has affected you and your life", administered May-October, 2020. An overall sentiment rating of impact was coded as well as the impact of COVID-19 on eight individual themes: Physical Health, Mental Health, Social Health, Activities of Daily Living, Exercise, Work, Activities Outside the Home, and Activities at Home. Sentiment responses were rated as positive, negative, a mixture of positive and negative impacts, or neutral impact. Participants described the overall impact of COVID-19 as negative (54%), positive (10%), mixed (21%) or neutral (15%). Sentiment ratings to individual themes were also described. Our findings highlight the importance of providing access to disability-sensitive and affordable support, resources, and interventions for women with SCI, especially during a public health crisis.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: Few studies have examined the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of people with spinal cord injury (SCI), a population uniquely vulnerable to pandemic-related stressors. This study examines the impact of the pandemic on three life domains (psychosocial health, health and health behavior, and social participation) and identifies risk factors for adverse psychosocial health impacts in a sample of people with SCI. METHOD: A diverse sample of 346 adults with SCI completed a survey assessing demographic, disability, health, and social characteristics, and perceived impacts of the pandemic. RESULTS: Many respondents reported no change on items reflecting psychosocial health, health and health behavior, and social participation; however, among those reporting change, more reported negative than positive impacts. Negative impacts were most striking with regard to psychosocial health and social engagement, with approximately half reporting a worsening of stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness and a reduction in face-to-face interactions and participation in life roles. Regression analyses revealed that those at greater risk of adverse psychosocial impacts were women, were non-Black, were in poorer health, had greater unmet care needs, and were less satisfied with their social roles and activities. CONCLUSIONS: Although not universal, negative impacts were reported by many respondents 9-15 months into the pandemic. Future research should examine the impacts of the pandemic over time and on a wider range of outcomes. Such research could generate substantial benefits in understanding, preventing, or minimizing the adverse effects of the evolving pandemic and future public health emergencies in people with SCI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Interpersonal Violence Against Women With Spinal Cord Injury: Adding Insult to Injury.

Background: Mounting empirical evidence suggests that, compared to women without disabilities, women with disabilities are more likely to experience interpersonal violence (IPV). However, there is extremely limited research attention on IPV against women with spinal cord injury (SCI), a particularly understudied and underserved population. Objectives: To conduct the first known examination of lifetime IPV experience in women with SCI, to explore demographic and disability-related correlates of IPV, and to examine the health impacts of IPV. Methods: The sample included 175 women with traumatic SCI from across the United States who enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of an online psychological health promotion intervention. The data, which included a brief measure of lifetime abuse, were collected as part of the baseline survey administered prior to randomization to the intervention or control conditions. Results: The majority (55%) of the women described experiencing some abuse in their lifetime, with 43% reporting physical abuse, 32% reporting sexual abuse, and 23% reporting disability-related abuse. Sixteen percent of the women indicated that they had experienced all three (physical, sexual, disability) types of abuse. Few demographic and disability characteristics were related to overall lifetime IPV experience; however, disability characteristics were associated with disability-related IPV victimization. In addition, those with a history of IPV had poorer self-reported health and greater depression. Conclusion: This study suggests that IPV is common among women with SCI. More research is needed to understand the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of IPV against women with SCI to help inform policy and practice.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of overground robotic training versus conventional locomotor training in people with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Few, if any estimates of cost-effectiveness for locomotor training strategies following spinal cord injury (SCI) are available. The purpose of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of locomotor training strategies following spinal cord injury (overground robotic locomotor training versus conventional locomotor training) by injury status (complete versus incomplete) using a practice-based cohort. METHODS: A probabilistic cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using a prospective, practice-based cohort from four participating Spinal Cord Injury Model System sites. Conventional locomotor training strategies (conventional training) were compared to overground robotic locomotor training (overground robotic training). Conventional locomotor training included treadmill-based training with body weight support, overground training, and stationary robotic systems. The outcome measures included the calculation of quality adjusted life years (QALYs) using the EQ-5D and therapy costs. We estimate cost-effectiveness using the incremental cost utility ratio and present results on the cost-effectiveness plane and on cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. RESULTS: Participants in the prospective, practice-based cohort with complete EQ-5D data (n = 99) qualified for the analysis. Both conventional training and overground robotic training experienced an improvement in QALYs. Only people with incomplete SCI improved with conventional locomotor training, 0.045 (SD 0.28), and only people with complete SCI improved with overground robotic training, 0.097 (SD 0.20). Costs were lower for conventional training, $1758 (SD $1697) versus overground robotic training $3952 (SD $3989), and lower for those with incomplete versus complete injury. Conventional overground training was more effective and cost less than robotic therapy for people with incomplete SCI. Overground robotic training was more effective and cost more than conventional training for people with complete SCI. The incremental cost utility ratio for overground robotic training for people with complete spinal cord injury was $12,353/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: The most cost-effective locomotor training strategy for people with SCI differed based on injury completeness. Conventional training was more cost-effective than overground robotic training for people with incomplete SCI. Overground robotic training was more cost-effective than conventional training for people with complete SCI. The effect estimates may be subject to limitations associated with small sample sizes and practice-based evidence methodology. These estimates provide a baseline for future research.

A comparison of one year outcomes between standardized locomotor training and usual care after motor incomplete spinal cord injury: Community participation, quality of life and re-hospitalization.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in a significant loss of mobility and independence coinciding with reports of decreased quality of life (QOL), community participation, and medical complications often requiring re-hospitalization. Locomotor training (LT), the repetition of stepping-like patterning has shown beneficial effects for improving walking ability after motor incomplete SCI, but the potential impact of LT on psychosocial outcomes has not been well-established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate one year QOL, community participation and re-hospitalization outcomes between individuals who participated in a standardized LT program and those who received usual care (UC). DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective (nested case/control) analysis was completed using SCI Model Systems (SCIMS) data comparing one year post-injury outcomes between individuals with traumatic motor incomplete SCI who participated in standardized LT to those who received UC. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes compared include the following: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS™), Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique-Short Form (CHART-SF™), and whether or not an individual was re-hospitalized during the first year of injury. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements for the LT group were found in the following outcomes: SWLS (P = 0.019); and CHART subscales [mobility (P = <0.001)]; occupation (P = 0.028); with small to medium effects sizes. CONCLUSION: Individuals who completed a standardized LT intervention reported greater improvements in satisfaction with life, community participation, and fewer re-hospitalizations at one year post-injury in comparison to those who received UC. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to verify these findings.

Treatments perceived to be helpful for neuropathic pain after traumatic spinal cord injury: A multicenter cross-sectional survey study.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perceived helpfulness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions and their combinations for neuropathic pain (NeuP) and subcategories of NeuP after spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Six Spinal Cord Injury Model System Centers. METHODS: Three hundred ninety one individuals at least one year post traumatic SCI were enrolled. A telephone survey was conducted to determine the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments used in the last 12 months for each participant's three worst pains, whether these treatments were "helpful", and if currently used, each treatments' effectiveness. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty participants (56%) reported 354 distinct NeuPs. Pharmacological treatments rated helpful for NeuP were non-tramadol opioids (opioids were helpful for 86% of opioid treated NeuPs), cannabinoids (83%), and anti-epileptics (79%). Non-pharmacological treatments rated helpful for NeuP were massage (76%), body position adjustment (74%), and relaxation therapy (70%). Those who used both opioids and exercise reported greater NeuP treatment helpfulness compared to participants using opioids without exercise (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Opioids, cannabinoids, and massage were reported more commonly as helpful than treatments recommended as first-line therapies by current clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for NeuP after SCI (antiepileptics and antidepressants). Individuals with SCI likely value the modulating effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments on the affective components of pain in addition to the sensory components of pain when appraising treatment helpfulness.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Efficacy of Mindfulness Training in People With Upper Motor Neuron Disorders: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on depression, anxiety, fatigue, and health-related quality of life among individuals with upper motor neuron disorders (UMNDs). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, PsycINFO, Excerpta Medica Database, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched for relevant studies published between January 2001 and June 2021. STUDY SELECTION: Clinical trials published in English evaluating MBIs in adults with the 4 most common UMNDs (multiple sclerosis, brain injury including stroke, spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently performed the risk of bias assessment using standardized tools and extracted desired data electronically. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 44 studies were included: 26 randomized controlled trials, 10 nonrandomized controlled trials, and 8 pre-post intervention studies. The average ± SD duration of MBIs was 8±2 weeks. On average, 85%±14% of participants completed the MBI, and the retention rate at follow-up was 80%±16%. Only 14% of the studies delivered MBIs virtually, and feasibility metrics were similar to in-person studies. Among studies reporting acceptability data, most participants reported satisfaction with the MBI. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of MBI on depression, anxiety, fatigue, and quality of life revealed greater relative improvement in these outcomes among MBI participants compared with controls, with differences greater when compared with passive control than active control participants. None of the studies included in this review studied dose response. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current data, MBIs are feasible and offer a promising approach to address the biopsychosocial needs of individuals with UMNDs. MBIs are associated with a high acceptance rate among participants, with notable improvements in depression, anxiety, fatigue, and quality of life post intervention. Future studies are needed to evaluate alternate models of delivery of MBIs and the dose-response relationship.

Predicting Duration of Outpatient Physical Therapy Episodes for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Based on Locomotor Training Strategy.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) who use outpatient physical therapy or community wellness services for locomotor training and predict the duration of services, controlling for demographic, injury, quality of life, and service and financial characteristics. We explore how the duration of services is related to locomotor strategy. DESIGN: Observational study of participants at 4 SCI Model Systems centers with survival. Weibull regression model to predict the duration of services. SETTING: Rehabilitation and community wellness facilities at 4 SCI Model Systems centers. PARTICIPANTS: Eligibility criteria were SCI or dysfunction resulting in motor impairment and the use of physical therapy or community wellness programs for locomotor/gait training. We excluded those who did not complete training or who experienced a disruption in training greater than 45 days. Our sample included 62 participants in conventional therapy and 37 participants in robotic exoskeleton training. INTERVENTIONS: Outpatient physical therapy or community wellness services for locomotor/gait training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: SCI characteristics (level and completeness of injury) and the duration of services from medical records. Self-reported perceptions of SCI consequences using the SCI-Functional Index for basic mobility and SCI-Quality of Life measurement system for bowel difficulties, bladder difficulties, and pain interference. RESULTS: After controlling for predictors, the duration of services for the conventional therapy group was an average of 63% longer than for the robotic exoskeleton group, however each visit was 50% shorter in total time. Men had an 11% longer duration of services than women had. Participants with complete injuries had a duration of services that was approximately 1.72 times longer than participants with incomplete injuries. Perceived improvement was larger in the conventional group. CONCLUSIONS: Locomotor/gait training strategies are distinctive for individuals with SCI using a robotic exoskeleton in a community wellness facility as episodes are shorter but individual sessions are longer. Participants' preferences and the ability to pay for ongoing services may be critical factors associated with the duration of outpatient services.

User satisfaction with lower limb wearable robotic exoskeletons.

Objective: To provide the results of a robotic exoskeleton user satisfaction questionnaire completed by participants utilizing two robotic exoskeletons.Method: Seven individuals with physical disabilities engaged in two exoskeleton-assisted training phases with the REX and the Ekso 1.1 (Ekso), after which they completed a user satisfaction questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of structured items with a Likert scale, which were averaged and compared, as well as free response questions, which were interpreted thematically.Results: Participants reported some differences in user satisfaction between the two exoskeletons. They indicated higher satisfaction with transferring in and out of the REX and with its appearance and higher satisfaction with the transportability of the Ekso. Expectations for exoskeleton use were relatively similar for the two devices, with some exceptions. Whereas participants indicated that many changes should be made to both exoskeletons, they reported that some were more necessary for the REX and others were more necessary for the Ekso. Participants reported that they would be somewhat likely to use both exoskeletons at home and in the community if they were available.Conclusions: This brief report provides an initial comparison of user satisfaction with two exoskeletons, thereby contributing to the growing body of literature in this area.Implications for rehabiliationContributes to the literature on user satisfaction with robotic exoskeletons Implications for rehabilitationEmphasizes the role of user/participant/patient feedback in rehabilitation researchProvides user satisfaction questionnaire items that can be used in future studies.

Promoting psychological health in women with SCI: Development of an online self-esteem intervention.

BACKGROUND: There are no known interventions addressing self-esteem in women following spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVES: To test the feasibility of an online self-esteem intervention for women with disabilities, as modified for women with SCI. METHOD: We conducted a randomized, controlled feasibility test of a self-esteem intervention (N = 21). Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group that received intervention materials at the end of the study. Intervention participants met as avatars for 7 weekly real-time group sessions in Second Life (SL), a free online virtual world. Feasibility indicators were study engagement, acceptability of SL and the intervention, and improvements on measures of psychological health promoting behaviors, social support, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and depression. RESULTS: Intervention participants (n = 10) were highly engaged, and most described the SL program as more enjoyable and more convenient than in-person programs. All rated the intervention as "good" (n = 4) or "very good" (n = 6), and all 10 rated themselves has having made positive life changes as a result of the program. Intervention participants experienced significantly greater change than controls on two measures of health-promoting behavior (Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II Spiritual Growth/Self-actualization; Interpersonal Relations). Examining change in the intervention group using regression analyses, we found medium-to-large effects of the intervention on these behaviors and measures of depression (CESD-10, PHQ-9). The intervention had small effects on remaining measures. CONCLUSION: We found preliminary support for the feasibility of this modified self-esteem intervention offered in SL. Such programming may help circumvent barriers to community-based psychological services and may improve psychological health.

Associations Between Insurance Provider and Assistive Technology Use for Computer and Electronic Devices 1 Year After Tetraplegia: Findings From the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems National Database.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between insurance provider and reported assistive technology (AT) use to access computers and electronic devices 1 year after sustaining tetraplegia. DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional study. SETTING: Participants enrolled in the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) National Database. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. PARTICIPANTS: Men and women with tetraplegia (N=498) enrolled in the SCIMS National Database were included in the analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary study outcome was the use of AT when operating a computer or other mobile electronic device. The primary predictor was the subject's principal health insurance provider, which was grouped into the 3 categories: government (Medicare, Medicaid, and other government), private (private insurance, private funds, and other), and workers' compensation. RESULTS: Overall, 34.7% of participants reported using AT to access computers and electronic devices. Results of logistic regression analysis revealed sex, injury level, injury completeness, self-perceived health status, and 12-month history of pressure ulcer were all significantly associated with AT use. After adjusting for these factors, participants with workers' compensation were more likely to report AT use than individuals with either government or private insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant technological advances, AT is not readily available to the people who might benefit most from its use. Findings from the present study are the first to shed light on AT funding sources and reveal that individuals with workers' compensation are more likely use AT than individuals with either government or private insurance. Additional work focused on AT use and functional outcomes is needed to assess the effect of barriers to use. Collectively, this work may inform insurers of the importance of having AT available for this unique population to potentially improve quality of life and participation.

Experience of Robotic Exoskeleton Use at Four Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Centers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Refinement of robotic exoskeletons for overground walking is progressing rapidly. We describe clinicians' experiences, evaluations, and training strategies using robotic exoskeletons in spinal cord injury rehabilitation and wellness settings and describe clinicians' perceptions of exoskeleton benefits and risks and developments that would enhance utility. METHODS: We convened focus groups at 4 spinal cord injury model system centers. A court reporter took verbatim notes and provided a transcript. Research staff used a thematic coding approach to summarize discussions. RESULTS: Thirty clinicians participated in focus groups. They reported using exoskeletons primarily in outpatient and wellness settings; 1 center used exoskeletons during inpatient rehabilitation. A typical episode of outpatient exoskeleton therapy comprises 20 to 30 sessions and at least 2 staff members are involved in each session. Treatment focuses on standing, stepping, and gait training; therapists measure progress with standardized assessments. Beyond improved gait, participants attributed physiological, psychological, and social benefits to exoskeleton use. Potential risks included falls, skin irritation, and disappointed expectations. Participants identified enhancements that would be of value including greater durability and adjustability, lighter weight, 1-hand controls, ability to navigate stairs and uneven surfaces, and ability to balance without upper extremity support. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Each spinal cord injury model system center had shared and distinct practices in terms of how it integrates robotic exoskeletons into physical therapy services. There is currently little evidence to guide integration of exoskeletons into rehabilitation therapy services and a pressing need to generate evidence to guide practice and to inform patients' expectations as more devices enter the market.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A231).

Evaluation of the Capabilities of Upper Extremity Test (CUE-T) in Children With Tetraplegia.

Background: The Capabilities of Upper Extremity Test (CUE-T) is a spinal cord injury (SCI)-specific instrument based on the CUE Questionnaire (CUE-Q). Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of CUE-T in children with cervical SCI and determine the lowest age appropriate for test administration. Method: In this repeated measures multicenter study, 39 youths, mean age 12.3 years and mean time post injury 5.14 years, completed two administrations of the CUE-T. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and known groups validity were measured. Concurrent and discriminant validity were measured against previously validated measures: CUE-Q, Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility and Prehension (GRASSP), Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) III, SCIM III-Self Care (SCIM-SC), and SCIM-Mobility. Results: The CUE-T scores demonstrated strong test-retest reliability (ICC ≥ 0.95), strong internal consistency (α ≥ 0.90), and acceptable individual item agreement (κ ≥ 0.49). The hand subscale had better scores (p < .05) for the motor incomplete versus complete known groups, and the arm, hand, and side subscales had better scores (p < .05) for higher versus lower strength groups. The CUE-T had strong concurrent validity with the CUE-Q (r = 0.85-0.87), GRASSP (r = 0.78-0.90), and SCIM-SC (r = 0.70) and moderate-to-weak correlation with the total SCIM (r = 0.65) and SCIM-Mobility (r = 0.51). Children older than 6 years with mature grasp patterns were able to complete the CUE-T. Conclusion: The CUE-T scores are reliable and valid for use in children with cervical SCI older than 6 years of age.

Despite limitations in content range, the SCIM-III is reproducible and a valid indicator of physical function in youths with spinal cord injury and dysfunction.

STUDY DESIGN: Multi-center, repeated measures OBJECTIVES: Evaluate psychometric properties of the SCIM-III in children. SETTING: Seven facilities in North America METHODS: One-hundred and twenty-seven youths, mean age of 10.8 years and chronic spinal cord injury/dysfunction completed two administrations of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III). Mean, standard deviation, range values were calculated for SCIM-III total and subscales for the entire sample, four age groups and injury characteristics. Test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and floor and ceiling effects were examined. RESULTS: Total SCIM-III and self-care (SC) subscale scores for the youngest age group were lower than those for the three older age groups. There were statistically significant differences in SC subscale scores between neurological level (NL) C5-T1 and T2 -T12; C5-T1 and L1-S4/5; and T2-T12 and L1-S4/5 and in in-room, and indoor/outdoor mobility subscale scores between C1-C4 and T2-T12; C1-C4 and L1-S4/5; C5-T1 and T2-T12; C5-T1 and L1-S4/5; and T2-T12 and L1-S4/5. All scores between motor complete and motor incomplete differed. Test-retest reliability was good (ICC values = > 0.84) and there was moderate to strong correlation between SCIM-III and the FIM® Instrument (r = 0.77-0.92). Ceiling effects were present in the SC subscale for the oldest age group (24%) and for NL L1-S4/5 (35.5%) and in in-room mobility subscale for 6-12 (45.7%), 13-15 (30.43%) and 16-17 (60%) ages, paraplegia (42.4%), tetraplegia (37.1%), incomplete injuries (50%), and T2-T12 (38%) and L1-S4/5 (100%) NL. CONCLUSION: Despite limitations in content range, the SCIM-III is reproducible, and a valid indicator of physical functioning in youth with SCI/D 6 years of age and older. SPONSORSHIP: The study was funded by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, Spinal Cord Injury Research on the Translation Spectrum, Senior Research Award Grant #282592 (Mulcahey, PI).

Parenting Predictors of Delay Inhibition in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Preschoolers.

This study examined longitudinal associations between specific parenting factors and delay inhibition in socioeconomically disadvantaged preschoolers. At Time 1, parents and 2- to 4-year-old children (mean age = 3.21 years; N = 247) participated in a videotaped parent-child free play session, and children completed delay inhibition tasks (gift delay-wrap, gift delay-bow, and snack delay tasks). Three months later, at Time 2, children completed the same set of tasks. Parental responsiveness was coded from the parent-child free play sessions, and parental directive language was coded from transcripts of a subset of 127 of these sessions. Structural equation modeling was used, and covariates included age, gender, language skills, parental education, and Time 1 delay inhibition. Results indicated that in separate models, Time 1 parental directive language was significantly negatively associated with Time 2 delay inhibition, and Time 1 parental responsiveness was significantly positively associated with Time 2 delay inhibition. When these parenting factors were entered simultaneously, Time 1 parental directive language significantly predicted Time 2 delay inhibition whereas Time 1 parental responsiveness was no longer significant. Findings suggest that parental language that modulates the amount of autonomy allotted the child may be an important predictor of early delay inhibition skills.

Loneliness Among People With Spinal Cord Injury: Exploring the Psychometric Properties of the 3-Item Loneliness Scale.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) examine a measure of loneliness and its correlates in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) to enhance our understanding of loneliness, which has received limited scientific study in the context of SCI; and (2) conduct preliminary analyses of the reliability and validity of the measure, including an evaluation of the unique impact of loneliness on psychological health. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems. PARTICIPANTS: People with SCI (N=175) participating in Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems follow-up interviews at 1 study site between April 2014 and June 2015. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The 3-item Loneliness Scale. RESULTS: Examination of individual items showed that approximately 40% of the sample reported that they felt they lacked companionship, felt left out, and felt isolated from others either some of the time or often. Mean scores in our sample were elevated compared with published data on middle-aged and older adults. Results provided evidence of internal consistency, comparable to that reported in the literature, and preliminary evidence of convergent and divergent validity. Loneliness was related to psychological health even after controlling for measures of demographics, disability, and social integration, suggesting that loneliness captures more than just social isolation or social integration in people with SCI. CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness, which may be more common among people with SCI, is related to poorer psychological health. Given the serious physical and psychological health consequences of loneliness documented in the general literature, it is imperative that the experience of loneliness among people with SCI be given serious and systematic attention in the literature as well as in clinical practice.

Impacts of a Comprehensive School Readiness Curriculum for Preschool Children at Risk for Educational Difficulties.

This article reports findings from a cluster-randomized study of an integrated literacy- and math-focused preschool curriculum, comparing versions with and without an explicit socioemotional lesson component to a business-as-usual condition. Participants included 110 classroom teachers from randomized classrooms and approximately eight students from each classroom (N = 760) who averaged 4.48 (SD = 0.44) years of age at the start of the school year. There were positive impacts of the two versions of the curriculum on language, phonological awareness, math, and socioemotional outcomes, but there were no added benefits to academic or socioemotional outcomes for the children receiving explicit socioemotional instruction. Results are discussed with relevance to early childhood theory, policy, and goals of closing the school readiness gap.

Parenting predictors of cognitive skills and emotion knowledge in socioeconomically disadvantaged preschoolers.

This study examined the concurrent and longitudinal associations of parental responsiveness and inferential language input with cognitive skills and emotion knowledge among socioeconomically disadvantaged preschoolers. Parents and 2- to 4-year-old children (mean age=3.21 years, N=284) participated in a parent-child free play session, and children completed cognitive (language, early literacy, early mathematics) and emotion knowledge assessments. Approximately 1 year later, children completed the same assessment battery. Parental responsiveness was coded from the videotaped parent-child free play sessions, and parental inferential language input was coded from transcripts of a subset of 127 of these sessions. All analyses controlled for child age, gender, and parental education, and longitudinal analyses controlled for initial skill level. Parental responsiveness significantly predicted all concurrent cognitive skills as well as literacy, math, and emotion knowledge 1 year later. Parental inferential language input was significantly positively associated with children's concurrent emotion knowledge. In longitudinal analyses, an interaction was found such that for children with stronger initial language skills, higher levels of parental inferential language input facilitated greater vocabulary development, whereas for children with weaker initial language skills, there was no association between parental inferential language input and change in children's vocabulary skills. These findings further our understanding of the roles of parental responsiveness and inferential language input in promoting children's school readiness skills.

Associations Among Parental Education, Home Environment Quality, Effortful Control, and Preacademic Knowledge.

This study used a longitudinal design to examine whether effortful control mediated the associations of parental education and home environment quality with preacademic knowledge in toddlers and young preschoolers. The sample consisted of 226 children (2 to 4 years of age at T1) from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Parents provided data on parent education and home environment quality. Children completed effortful control, early literacy, and early math assessments. T2 effortful control partially mediated the associations of T1 parental education and T1 home environment quality with T3 emergent literacy after accounting for child age, gender, race/ethnicity, T1 effortful control, and T2 early literacy. T2 effortful control partially mediated the association between T1 parental education and T3 emergent math after accounting for child age, gender, race/ethnicity, T1 effortful control, and T2 early math. Prior to entry into preschool, parental education and home environment quality may shape effortful control which in turn influences preacademic knowledge.

Depression and depression treatment in women with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Research has documented high rates of depression in people with spinal cord injury (SCI); however, most SCI research is conducted with predominantly male study participants. Additional research is needed on depression and depression treatment among women with SCI. OBJECTIVE: Study objectives were to examine depression, correlates of depression, and depression treatment in a sample of women with SCI. METHODS: The sample included 51 ethnically and racially diverse women with SCI who participated in a larger study on secondary conditions of women with diverse physical disabilities. Recruited through health clinics and community organizations in a large metropolitan area, participants completed structured interviews that included demographic and disability characteristics and measures of health and health care utilization. RESULTS: Scores on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) indicated that 41% of the women had depressive symptomatology in the mild to severe range. BDI-II scores were significantly related to more severe secondary conditions, greater pain, and poorer health perceptions but not to demographic or disability variables. Nearly a third (n = 16) of the women had scores exceeding the standard cutoff for significant clinical depressive symptomatology, yet only 5 of those had received any treatment for depression in the past 3 months and only 1 had received counseling or psychotherapy. Lifelong depression treatment showed a similar pattern of predominantly pharmacologic treatment. CONCLUSION: Depression is a common problem for women with SCI, and many do not receive treatment, particularly psychological treatment. Disability-sensitive and affordable depression treatment must be made available to women with SCI.