A single-topic issue on translational research in spinal cord injury was also published with this issue of JRRD. The supplement reports the proceedings of a conference, entitled "Translational Research in Spinal Cord Injury: Avoiding Potential Pitfalls," sponsored by the VA Center of Excellence in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), the South Florida Model SCI System, and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Manuscripts published in the single-topic issue discuss steps needed to move promising research related to SCI from labs into clinical trials. Full-text manuscripts are available, free of charge, on-line at www.vard.org.
MANUSCRIPTS FEATURED IN VOLUME 40, ISSUE 4
Social integration of people with disabilities enhances life and family satisfaction, pg 119
Thirty-four matched pairs of individuals with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, severe burn, or intra-articular fracture were interviewed five years post-injury to assess the relationship of social integration (SI) to life satisfaction and family satisfaction. Study revealed that a support network of friends, family, and others significantly enhances quality of life for individuals impaired by catastrophic injury.
Novel wheelchair assessment tool measures independence at home and in community, pg 213
A panel of rehabilitation experts and users of manual wheelchair developed the first assessment tool that evaluates both home and community independence of persons who use manual wheelchairs. Five users of manual wheelchairs were tested twice
'"/>
Contact: Judith LaVoie
Judith@vard.org
410-962-1800 x 229
VA Research Communications Service
25-Jul-2003