Are Comorbid Pain and Depressive Symptoms Associated with Rehabilitation of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury?

Objective: To examine the difference in functional outcomes and therapy intensity among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) with comorbid depression and pain symptoms compared to those without these symptoms. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 100 patients admitted to a specialized SCI inpatient rehabilitation unit. Standard demographic factors were collected. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with comorbid depression and pain symptoms and those without. Outcomes were compared between the 2 groups using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Age, gender, level of injury, severity of injury, and FIM？ admission were included in the model as covariates. Main outcomes included FIM？ discharge, length of stay (LOS), intensity of therapy (total physical therapy time [PTt] and total occupational therapy time [OTt]), living arrangement, and vocational status. Results: No significant difference was seen between the 2 groups in FIM？ discharge or OTt; however, those in the comorbidity group required significantly greater PTt than those without (p = .002). Those in the comorbid group also spent longer in inpatient rehabilitation (p = .005). The groups did not differ in postdischarge living arrangements or vocational status. Conclusion: Inpatient rehabilitation physical therapy and LOS differ substantially among individuals with comorbid depression and pain symptoms. This comorbidity may have a negative impact on functional recovery such that individuals may require more physical therapy time and longer LOS. This may also point to the increased resources required to manage individuals with SCI and comorbid depression and pain symptoms