The Relationship between Cognitive Performance and Quality of Life in Elite Athletes after Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Background: The present investigation was designed to determine cognitive performance and quality of life (QoL) in a group of elite athletes who sustained spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: nine participants suffering a SCI participated in the study. Different cognitive functions were evaluated through the following tests: COWAT, Digit Span, Stroop color–word and QoL through the WHOQoL-BREF scale. Results: Generally, participants positively assessed their overall quality of life and health status. Although the tests conducted indicate reduced cognitive function among the athletes, it did not affect the reduction in QoL. Single correlations between the results of cognitive tests and QoL could be treated as coincidental. Conclusions: Despite the observed decline in selected cognitive functions, the participants positively assessed their quality of life and physical health.Reduced cognitive functioning could be influenced by the impact of sleep-disordered breathing, pain, depressive disorders and medication. This indicates the need for an individualized approach to define the patient’s deficits, needs and best care. Further studies with a larger group of participants are needed.

Digital Literacy 5.0 to Enhance Multicultural Education

“…Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring that the benefits of Digital Literacy 5.0 are accessible to all athletes and practitioners, regardless of their socio-economic or geographical backgrounds (5). Initiatives to democratize access to sports science technologies can level the playing field, allowing talent and dedication to be the primary determinants of athletic success (391).…”