Based on the linked source; automatically prepared and checked against the original report.
Study design
Researchers reviewed records for 150 inpatients with spinal cord injury treated at one rehabilitation hospital between 2016 and 2023. Admission and discharge assessments covered four advanced wheelchair skills: ramps, railings, curbs and wheelies. Patients were grouped by whether they remained dependent, improved without reaching independence, or achieved or maintained independence.
Age and outcomes
Adjusted analyses linked older age with higher odds of remaining dependent or improving without becoming independent, compared with achieving or maintaining independence. The association was especially clear for wheelies: each additional year corresponded to odds ratios of 1.08 for no improvement or decline and 1.09 for improvement while remaining dependent, with both results statistically significant.
Strength and interpretation
Greater upper-extremity strength was associated with lower odds of the poorest outcome for wheelies and ramps, but not railings or curbs. Longer time since injury was also associated with lower odds of a dependent curb outcome. The authors say age and task-relevant upper-limb capacity may inform goal setting, while noting that prospective research should measure training exposure and priorities.
