Self-reported fine motor ability is associated with higher life satisfaction in cervical spinal cord injury

1. In adults with cervical spinal cord injury, better self-reported fine motor ability is associated with higher life satisfaction and fewer life problems.

2. The strongest associations were observed between fine motor ability and reduced social isolation and fewer health-related problems.

Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good)

This cross-sectional study evaluated associations between self-reported upper limb fine motor ability and quality of life in adults with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) living in the community. Using data from a long-standing longitudinal SCI cohort, 279 individuals with injury at T1 or above completed the Spinal Cord Injury Functional Index–Fine Motor Short Form and the Life Situation Questionnaire–Revised, which measures life satisfaction and life problems. Fine motor ability demonstrated modest but statistically significant associations with quality-of-life outcomes. Better fine motor ability correlated positively with total life satisfaction (r=0.16, p=0.02) and negatively with total life problems (r=−0.18, p=0.01), particularly health problems (r=−0.24, p<0.01) and social isolation (r=−0.27, p<0.01). In multivariable regression models controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and injury level, higher fine motor ability remained significantly associated with greater life satisfaction (β=0.25, p=0.02), fewer life problems (β=−0.40, p<0.01), less social isolation (β=−0.11, p<0.01), and fewer health problems (β=−0.10, p<0.01). Although effect sizes were modest, findings support a meaningful relationship between fine motor function and patient-reported well-being. The authors conclude that fine motor ability may contribute to life satisfaction and reduced secondary complications, warranting longitudinal and interventional research to explore potential causal relationships.

Click here to read the study in BMJ Open

Image: PD

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