The effects of task-oriented client-centered training on physical function and self-esteem of persons with spinal cord injury in Ubolratana District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

At present, the task-oriented client-centered training has emerged as an alternative rehabilitation approach for persons with spinal cord injury. No research about this training approach, however, has been reported inThailand. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week task-oriented client-centered training on physical function and self-esteem of 12 persons with spinal cord injury (1 woman and 11 men, mean age ± SD 39.0±13.0 years, mean length of time since injury ± SD 10.7±11.5 years) who were living in Ubolratana District,KhonKaenProvince. Outcome measures consisted of physical function and self-esteem which were assessed at pre- and post-training periods by using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale-Thai version, respectively. Data were analyzed by using paired t-tests. The results showed that the 8-week task-oriented client-centered training significantly improved physical function of the participants (P=0.001, 95% CI 3.22 to 7.12), especially in the areas of respiration and sphincter management (P=0.008, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.94) and mobility indoors and outdoors (P=0.003, 95% CI 1.06 to 4.10). The other positive effect of the training was also found in the self-esteem of the participants (P=0.043, 95% CI 0.05 to 2.78). In conclusion, an 8-week task-oriented client-centered training program could significantly improve physical function and self-esteem of persons with spinal cord injury in Ubolratana District,KhonKaenProvince, compared with the pre-training period. Future studies with a randomized controlled trial and longitudinal design are suggested to reveal further benefits of the task-oriented client-centered training on persons with spinal cord injury in the community.