Shoulder problems are common among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) paraplegia, often leading to chronic pain. This persistent pain can significantly impact daily activities, social engagement, and overall quality of life (QOL). In 2011, randomized control trial conducted by Bryan J Kemp, et. al., the effects of an exercise treatment program on shoulder pain, social interaction, and QOL were investigated in individuals living long-term with SCI paraplegia.

The study involved fifty-eight participants with SCI paraplegia who were experiencing shoulder pain. They were randomly assigned to either an exercise treatment group or a control group. The treatment group underwent a 12-week at-home program specifically designed to strengthen shoulder muscles and modify upper extremity weight-bearing movements. The control group did not receive any specific intervention. Various self-report measures were collected from the participants at baseline, at the end of the 12-week treatment period, and at a 4-week follow-up.

The analysis of the collected data in this study revealed compelling results. The repeated-measures analysis of variance demonstrated a significant interaction between scores on the Wheelchair User’s Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI) and the Social Interaction Inventory (SII) (P < 0.001). Moreover, a significant interaction was observed between WUSPI scores and Subjective Quality of Life Scale scores (P < 0.001).

In simpler terms, the study’s data clearly showed that reducing shoulder pain had a profound impact on the participants’ lives. As shoulder pain decreased, there were notable improvements in social interaction and overall quality of life. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the exercise treatment program in not only alleviating shoulder pain but also enhancing social participation and subjective well-being.

The findings of this study highlight the positive impact of reducing shoulder pain on the lives of individuals with SCI paraplegia. Participants who experienced a decrease in shoulder pain also reported notable improvements in social interaction and overall quality of life. The exercise treatment program employed in this study proved effective in alleviating shoulder pain, thereby enhancing social participation and improving subjective well-being.

Shoulder pain is a significant concern for people with SCI paraplegia, as it can limit their engagement in community activities and hinder social interactions. By addressing this issue through targeted exercises and movement optimization, the study demonstrated the potential to alleviate pain and its associated limitations. These findings offer hope for individuals living with SCI paraplegia, indicating that active interventions can positively impact their daily lives.

Although the study showed a clear link between reductions in shoulder pain and increased social participation, it is important to note that the improvements in social interaction did not directly translate into significant changes in overall quality of life. This suggests that additional factors beyond social engagement may contribute to the subjective well-being of individuals with SCI paraplegia. Future research should explore these factors and identify strategies to enhance the overall QOL of this population.

Reference: Kemp, B. J., Bateham, A. L., Mulroy, S. J., Thompson, L., Adkins, R. H., & Kahan, J. S. (2011). Effects of reduction in shoulder pain on quality of life and community activities among people living long-term with SCI paraplegia: a randomized control trial. The journal of spinal cord medicine, 34(3), 278-284.