Fatigue is a common secondary health complication associated with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and greatly affects physical and psychological functioning. To develop effective fatigue management programs, clinicians first must be able to assess the underlying factors associated with fatigue. Dr. Susan Forwell and her colleagues are looking at a self-report questionnaire called the Comprehensive Fatigue Assessment Battery for persons with SCI (CFAB-SCI). This questionnaire is a self-report tool that assesses the many factors associated with fatigue, specifically in spinal cord injury. The questionnaire has been developed through previous research and is now being tested to ensure it is indeed an effective measure of fatigue and its contributing factors. The CFAB-SCI along with 7 other measures will be mailed to your preferred address for you to complete and return to us. If this study proves the measurement to be effective, our objective is to propose this assessment tool as one that can be readily used in practice to explore the multiple factors associated with fatigue in SCI.
Why should you participate in this study?
Participating in the study will offer you a thorough understanding of factors that may be contributing to your fatigue experience and in turn may aid you with the management of your symptom profile. You will also help researchers develop a measure that will direct the treatment decisions of clinicians and allow them to develop effective fatigue management strategies for their patients.
You can participate in this study if you
- sustained a complete or incomplete traumatic SCI at least one year ago,
- are 19 years of age or older
- have not been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, cancer, arthritis or another condition that may be worsening your fatigue.
Amount of time required for participation: approximately 1.5 hours.
Compensation for participation: yes
Location of study: Questionnaires will be mailed directly to your home to complete and return.
For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact the study coordinator Kyle Diab by email or call 604-364-2286
