ABSTRACT

The management of individuals living with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) presents with distinct challenges that necessitate the practitioner to have an understanding of the interaction of the complex changes following SCI with the physiology of aging. Advances in emergent, acute medical and rehabilitation management have contributed to improved survival and life expectancy rates of persons with SCI. The most common etiology of SCI is due to motor vehicle crashes, followed by falls, acts of violence and sports injuries. The term “accelerated aging” has been used to describe the altered aging trajectory seen in individuals with physical disability, such as SCI. Aging begins at about the age of 20 years, when peak capacity of the different organ systems is reached. At the peak of development, organ systems have as much as 50% excess capacity. SCI initially results in a restrictive impairment secondary to muscle paralysis. Neurologic level and completeness of injury are important factors in the acute period.