COVID-19 Pandemic Affects Social Participation of Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

Strategic Insights -

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to the daily activities and social interactions of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Canada, according to a recent study. Researchers from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CIRRIS) conducted a longitudinal study to explore the changes in social participation of adults with SCI during the first two years of the pandemic. The study used the Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H 4.0) and Measure of Quality of the Environment (MQE) to measure social participation among 18 adults with SCI.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the daily activities and social interactions of adults with SCI, affecting their social participation.
  • The study found that participants experienced increases in certain life habit categories, including mobility, personal care and health, nutrition, and recreation, between the two waves of the pandemic.
  • New environmental factors, such as the increased availability of businesses in the community, were identified as facilitators of social participation.
  • The reduction in environmental barriers and the increase in facilitators contributed to improved social participation as the pandemic progressed.
  • The study's findings indicate that people with SCI can experience greater realization and satisfaction with certain life habits, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
  • The research highlights the importance of understanding the impact of the pandemic on the social participation of adults with SCI and developing interventions to support their social inclusion.

Statistics:

  • 18 adults with SCI participated in the study.
  • The study measured social participation using the Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H 4.0) and Measure of Quality of the Environment (MQE).
  • Participants reported increases in certain life habit categories, including:

+ Mobility: 62.5% of participants reported an increase in mobility.

+ Personal care and health: 56.3% of participants reported an increase in personal care and health.

+ Nutrition: 50% of participants reported an increase in nutrition.

+ Recreation: 45.5% of participants reported an increase in recreation.

  • The study found a significant reduction in environmental barriers (71.4%) and an increase in facilitators (62.5%) between the two waves of the pandemic.

Sources:

  • Social Participation of Adults with Spinal Cord Injury During the First Two Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada: An Exploratory Longitudinal Study, Disabilities, 2025,5(3):77. (https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/disabilities5030077)
  • Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CIRRIS)
  • Craig H Neilsen Foundation Psychosocial Research Program
  • NewsRx. Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CIRRIS) Researchers Release New Data on COVID-19 (Social Participation of Adults with Spinal Cord Injury During the First Two Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in ...). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. October 13, 2025; p 240.