Reviewed published articles from 1980 to December 2009 N=74 (16 with longitudinal design) Level of Evidence: Downs & Black Modified Sackett scale Type of study: Longitudinal AMSTAR: 5 | Methods: Literature search for English articles with non-intervention studies exploring aging of the body systems after spinal cord injury (compared to at least age-matched able bodied controls). No intervention. Outcome measures include effects of aging with SCI on cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, immune, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, nervous, skin subcutaneous tissues, and musculoskeletal systems. Databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO. | 1. Premature aging in SCI was supported by level 2 evidence for the musculoskeletal system, level 5 evidence for the cardiovascular and endocrine systems and limited level 5evidence for the immune system. 2. Premature aging in SCI was supported by levels 4 and 5 evidence for the respiratory system. 3. Evidence on the genitourinary system, gastrointestinal system, and for skin and subcutaneous tissues provide levels 4 and 5 evidence that premature aging may not be occurring in these systems. |