The Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) was developed in 1997 to measure functional independence in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), embracing activities relevant to their daily life. Five versions of the SCIM have been published, respecting the construct delimitated before the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) advent (2001). The ICF, by being capable of describing an individual's health, health estate and functioning through a biopsychosocial model, is highly relevant to the rehabilitation process.

Identify ICF components and categories covered by different versions of the SCIM.

Each SCIM version's items were linked to an ICF code accordingly to Cieza et al. (2019) linking rules. Dada was descriptively analysed.

The items of different SCIM versions' linkage to the ICF showed that all versions contemplate the Body structures, Body Functions and Activities and Participation ICF components. The instrument embraces Functions of the cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, and respiratory systems (b4), Functions of the digestive, metabolic, and endocrine systems (b5), Genitourinary and reproductive functions (b6), Mobility (d4) and Self-care (d5) chapters. A few codes were added from one version to another, maintaining the original construct throughout updates.

The SCIM linkage to ICF showed that the aim of the assessment is the Activities and Participation component, contemplating 64% of the codes considered relevant in the literature for people with chronic SCI. The instrument briefly approaches the Body Structures and Body Functions components, reflecting 22% of this component's codes considered the most relevant for this population, showing that the assessment of this component might have to be complemented by other instruments. The SCIM IV is the most recent and the one linked to the highest number of ICF codes.

The ICF linkage to each SCIM version's items in association with the use of ICF qualifiers will help health professionals to elaborate reports for SCI patients, allowing the use of an international classification to describe functional independence and enabling communication between health professionals. Furthermore, by identifying the ICF components contemplated by SCIM versions, this paper helps health professionals plan the assessment of SCI individuals.