The effects of occupation-based intervention combined with cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with cervical spinal cord injury.

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the effect of combined treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and occupation-based intervention on the mental health, upper extremity function, activities of daily living (ADLs), and occupation participation of patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

We included 40 patients with cervical SCI and randomized them between the experimental (n = 20) and the control (n = 20) group. Combined CBT and occupation-based intervention treatment was administered to the experimental group; combined progressive muscle relaxation and occupation-based intervention treatment was administered to the control group.

RESULTS

The experimental group showed significant changes in the outcomes of negative and automatic thoughts, depression, anxiety, upper extremity function, ADLs, and occupation participation after the intervention compared to the preintervention values (p < .001). The control group showed no significant postintervention changes in mental health outcomes. (p > .05), but significant changes were confirmed in upper extremity function, ADLs, and occupation participation (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that combined CBT and occupation-based intervention administered based on the goals set by the patients themselves may serve as an effective intervention strategy for achieving improvement in mental health, upper extremity function, ADLs, and occupation participation for patients with cervical SCI.