This study will investigate the progression of musculoskeletal (shoulder muscle flexibility, muscle strength, movement coordination, and rotator cuff health) and psychosocial (fear of movement, pain catastrophizing) impairments for the first year following SCI, starting with inpatient rehabilitation, at 6 months, and at 1 year following SCI.

We will use the information obtained from this study information to develop a biopsychosocial prospective surveillance model, a method for early detection, intervention, and moderation of shoulder pain. Specifically, we will identify sources of biopsychosocial shoulder pain to establish effective physical and cognitive-behavioral treatment to prevent loss of function and independence in individuals with SCI who depend on their arms for activities of daily living, transfers, and wheelchair propulsion.

Shoulder pain is a common secondary condition in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) that often results in loss of function and of independence and imposes limitations on self-care, work, and leisure activities, and leads to decreased quality of life. More than 40% of individuals with SCI report shoulder pain at the beginning of inpatient rehabilitation; this number increases to 50% at hospital discharge. The onset of shoulder pain within the first year after injury may lead to lifelong chronic shoulder pain. Although information is known about shoulder pain in patients with long-term SCI, little is known about the beginning of shoulder problems and how they progress early after the injury. In addition to physical problems, psychosocial factors are also associated with chronic pain.

This study will investigate the progression of musculoskeletal (shoulder muscle flexibility, muscle strength, movement coordination, and rotator cuff health) and psychosocial (fear of movement, pain catastrophizing) impairments for the first year following SCI, starting with inpatient rehabilitation, at 6 months, and at 1 year following SCI. Age- and gender-matched controls will be compared at baseline and at 1 year.

Instead of routinely screening patients to identify and treat related factors before shoulder pain and dysfunction become problems, the current practice is to start treatment after shoulder pain occurs. We will use the information obtained from this study information to develop a biopsychosocial prospective surveillance model, a method for early detection, intervention, and moderation of shoulder pain. Specifically, we will identify sources of biopsychosocial shoulder pain to establish effective physical and cognitive-behavioral treatment to prevent loss of function and independence in individuals with SCI who depend on their arms for activities of daily living, transfers, and wheelchair propulsion. Early identification of problem areas may provide a method to refer a patient for treatment or to change ongoing intervention. Development of a biopsychosocial prospective surveillance model will provide a proactive approach to reduce the debilitating consequences of activity limitations and participation restrictions in individuals with SCI, reducing the burden currently experienced by military service members, veterans, and their families and caregivers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals will be eligible for participation if they are >18 years of age and included in the SCI group if they demonstrate a complete or incomplete SCI of American Spinal Injury Association grade A, B, C or D45; attend inpatient rehabilitation following SCI; use a manual wheelchair for at least 50% mobility; and are medically stable.
• The control group will able-bodied (non-SCI) and be age and sex matched to the SCI group

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals will be excluded from participating in either group if they present with upper extremity radicular symptoms; preexisting neurological conditions; and complications from other health conditions that could influence upper extremity function.
• Control group: Individuals will be excluded from participating in any group if they present with preexisting neurological conditions; and complications from other health conditions that could influence upper extremity function.

A total of 68 individuals across both sites will be enrolled [34 at each the Drexel site and the University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute (UM Rehab)].

Participants with SCI will be recruited through the Magee Rehabilitation Hospital network (see letter of support). Individuals without SCI will be recruited from the local community. A member of the research team will serve will identify, screen, and obtain consent from interested, eligible individuals in the group with acute SCI. Individuals for the control group will be recruited with flyers and through personal contact with Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, UMRehab, and the community at large.

Results will be presented at annual meetings, as described below as well as anticipated numerous manuscripts, regardless of the results. The outcomes will be of interest to the public, researchers, policy makes, and funding sources. Final Research Data (de-identified and unidentifiable) defined as recorded factual material commonly accepted in the scientific community as necessary to document and support research findings will be available upon request of such agencies as the DOD, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Medicare/Medicaid, or others who hold interest or cause to review the raw data. No protected health information (PHI) will be collected for this study.