Are adults with spinal cord injury meeting the spinal cord injury-specific physical activity guidelines? A look at a sample from a Canadian province

Exploring the quality of participation and strategies to support meaningful engagement in an adapted paddleboard program among individuals with disabilities

AIM

Adapted paddleboard provides an outdoor leisure-time physical activities (LTPA) opportunity with many health benefits (e.g., physical activity, reduced stress, social engagement). However, nearly 50% of individuals with disabilities do not participate in any LTPA. Quality of LTPA participation influences sustainable adherence, while optimizing participant experiences. An adapted paddleboard program is offered in Quebec City, for adults with physical disabilities, but little is known about how participants perceive their quality of participation. This study aimed to describe individuals with disabilities' perceived quality of participation in the adapted paddleboard program, and to explore their suggestions of strategies to support meaningful engagement in the program.

METHODS

An ethnographic mixed-methods design was conducted, consisting of participant observations during the 13-week program and semi-structured interviews based on the Quality Parasport Participation Framework (QPPF). Measure of Experiential Aspects of Participation (MeEAP) questionnaire were collected. A mixed approach of data analysis was used for qualitative data and descriptive statistics were conducted for quantitative data.

RESULTS

Nine participants (8F) with various disabilities (42±15 years old) participated in the study. Emergent dimensions of quality of participation included belongingness and autonomy. Facilitators to participation were identified, such as autonomy support through volunteers and provision of adaptive equipment. Barriers to participation included water access and level of individual challenge. Suggested strategies to improve engagement included water access closer to parking and multiple groups for variable skill levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants expressed high-quality of participation in adapted paddleboarding. The study allows the development of knowledge about conditions that enhance the experience of participating in outdoor LTPA.

People with spinal cord injury or stroke are able to reach moderate-to-vigorous intensity while exercising on an end-effector robot assisted gait trainer: A pilot study

Background: Spinal cord injury and stroke are neurological disorders that lead to aerobic deconditioning and increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Sessions of at least 20 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise is recommended but decreased mobility limits engagement in such exercise. The aim of the study was to assess whether individuals can achieve exercise recommendations with the assistance of an end-effector robot assisted gait trainer (E-RAGT). Methods: We conducted an observational study during which participants were required to complete one exercise session on an E-RAGT. Heart rate, dyspnea, lower limb fatigue and enjoyment were monitored. Based on current guidelines, participants were considered to have reached exercise recommendations if they reached prespecified intensity thresholds for at least 20 minutes. Results: Five people with spinal cord injury and ten people with stroke agreed to participate. Every participant was able to reach moderate-to-vigorous exercise intensity and 3 out of 5 participants with spinal cord injury and 4 out of 10 participants with stroke were able to maintain this intensity for at least 20 minutes. Overall, participants rated their session as very enjoyable with a median score of 4 out of 5 on a Likert Scale (IQR 3 to 4). Discussion: Individuals with spinal cord injury or stroke who use an E-RAGT can reach moderate-to-vigorous exercise intensity, but not all are able to maintain this intensity of exercise according to disease-specific recommendations. Future research should explore the effectiveness of a training program using an E-RAGT.

Perceived Barriers to Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among Physically Active Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Objective

To investigate barriers to leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) for physically active people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design

Prospective cross-sectional.

Setting

General community.

Participants

One hundred and five physically active individuals with SCI.

Interventions

Semi-structured interviews and surveys.

Main Outcome Measure

Participants were surveyed and interviewed to determine barriers and determinants of LTPA participation. SCI-specific physical activity (PA) guideline adherence was documented. Barriers were categorized using the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior model, and regression statistics were used to determine relationships between LTPA volume and barriers.

Results

Health problems, costs of equipment and programs, pain, and a lack of energy were the most common capability barriers, and a lack of accessible facilities, confidence in the knowledge and skill of a health professional, and a lack of time were common opportunity barriers. Motivation barriers pertained to self-consciousness in a fitness center and a lack of interest. Believing LTPA to be too difficult, uninteresting, and unable to improve health emerged as significant barriers to SCI-specific PA guideline adherence.

Conclusion

SCI-specific PA guideline adherence was below 50% in physically active individuals. There are still numerous capability and opportunity barriers that physically active people with SCI must overcome when engaging in LTPA. Motivational barriers such as feeling self-conscious in a fitness center significantly influence PA guideline compliance in this population. Service providers should emphasize the benefit of LTPA to people with SCI while providing LTPA options that facilitate enjoyment, interest, and inclusivity, particularly for those who do not meet PA guideline recommendations.

Developing a mobile exercise program for individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: Stakeholder perceptions of app features and implementation determinants

BACKGROUND

Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) often experience physical deconditioning, leading to long-term health challenges. While regular exercise can offer substantial health benefits, adherence to exercise guidelines among individuals with SCI is hindered by barriers such as inaccessibility. Exercise programs using the mobile application (App) tailored to individual needs present a promising solution for promoting exercise adherence among individuals with SCI.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify factors contributing to the successful implementation of an app-based home exercise program for individuals with SCI and gather user feedback on app preferences, functionality, and features.

METHODS

Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), twenty-six clinicians completed an expert panel survey to rank factors influencing the implementation of an app-based intervention for increasing exercise adherence for individuals with SCI. CFIR-selected factors and app quality features obtained from the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) framework were discussed in seven focus groups with 23 individuals with SCI, 6 caregivers, and 6 clinicians.

RESULTS

The expert survey identified adaptability, complexity, evidence strength/quality, relative advantage, knowledge/beliefs about the initiative, and execution as the key CFIR factors that affected the intervention's success. Major themes emerging from focus groups with individuals with SCI and caregivers included usability, instruction and guidelines, user-friendly interface, and clinician interaction. In contrast, clinicians mentioned themes such as the representation of the SCI population, time commitment, accessibility, and equipment.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the significance of incorporating these determinants into future designs to develop app-based home exercise interventions for individuals with SCI.

Validity of a wrist-worn consumer-grade wearable for estimating energy expenditure, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury

PURPOSE

To evaluate the validity of a consumer-grade wearable for estimating energy expenditure, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen manual wheelchair users with SCI (C5-L1, four female) completed activities of daily living and wheelchair propulsion (2-8 km·h-1). Wrist-worn accelerometry data were collected using consumer-grade (z-Track) and research-grade (ActiGraph GT9X) devices. Energy expenditure was measured via indirect calorimetry. Linear regression was used to evaluate the prediction of criterion metabolic equivalent of task (MET) by each accelerometer's vector magnitude (VM). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) evaluated the accuracy of VM for discriminating between physical activity intensities and for identifying accelerometer cut-points.

RESULTS

Standardised β-coefficients for the association between z-Track and ActiGraph VM for criterion MET were 0.791 (p < 0.001) and 0.774 (p < 0.001), respectively. The z-Track had excellent accuracy for classifying time in sedentary behaviour (ROC-AUC = 0.95) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (ROC-AUC = 0.93); similar values to the ActiGraph (ROC-AUC = 0.96 and 0.88, respectively). Cut-points for the z-Track were ≤37 g·min-1 for sedentary behaviour and ≥222 g·min-1 for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the validity of a consumer-grade wearable to measure sedentary time and physical activity in manual wheelchair users with SCI.

Health consequences associated with poor diet and nutrition in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders

PURPOSE

To describe health consequences associated with poor diet in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Descriptive qualitative design using in-depth interviews with SCI/D health providers. Audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim transcripts were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 12) were from 11 nationwide VA hospitals. Participants were male (75%), white (67%), 26-49 years of age, and most were dietitians (75%) and physiatrists (17%). Seven key themes identified consequences associated with poor diet in persons with SCI/D, including (1) Weight gain and body composition changes, (2) cardiometabolic conditions, (3) bowel dysfunction, (4) pressure injuries/wounds, (5) other SCI/D secondary conditions/complications (renal/kidney; immune function/susceptibility to infections; autonomic dysreflexia; bone health/osteoporosis; pain), (6) physical fatigue, and (7) poor mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

Excess weight, cardiometabolic conditions, SCI/D secondary conditions/complications (e.g., bowel dysfunction, pressure injuries), and poor mental health were identified as health consequences of inadequate nutrition. Health providers should make individuals with SCI/D aware of the risks and health consequences to incentivize healthier dietary behaviors. Efforts to identify nutrition shortcomings and to develop interventions and tailored care plans are needed to improve a myriad of health consequences due to poor diet and nutrition in persons with SCI/D.

Leisure-time physical activity motives and perceived gains for individuals with spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Longitudinal cross-sectional.

OBJECTIVES

To examine motives to, and perceived gains from, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

SETTING

Community.

METHODS

One hundred and five physically active individuals with SCI undertook an online survey and a semi-structured interview. The Exercise Motives and Gains Inventory was used to examine the movies towards, and the gains from LTPA, and the Leisure-time Physical Activity Questionnaire was administered via interview to gather LTPA data. A cross-sectional analysis, which included descriptive, inferential, and regression statistics, was conducted on all participants, physical activity (PA) guideline adherers and PA guideline non-adherers.

RESULTS

The most common motives for LTPA were improvements in health and fitness, management of appearance and weight, and avoidance of illness. The most common gains from LTPA included improved health, fitness, strength and endurance, increased nimbleness, and enjoyment and revitalisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst health enhancement appears to be a significant motivator for LTPA, other psychosocial aspects, such as affiliation and revitalisation, appear to influence engagement and volume of LTPA. Regular LTPA should be encouraged for its health benefits, and emphasis should be placed on promoting its ability to reduce illness, facilitate affiliation, and manage stress.

Accessible exercise for wheelchair users: comparing the usability of two adapted exercise machines

INTRODUCTION

Exercise is an important occupation for wheelchair users. Limited access to adapted aerobic exercise equipment in the community and lack of knowledge on how to exercise are barriers to exercise participation among wheelchair users. To address these barriers, the adapted rower (aROW) and adapted skier (aSKI) exercise machines and educational materials were created.

PURPOSE

1) To compare wheelchair users' perspectives of the effectiveness and usability of the aROW and aSKI. 2) To explore perceptions of educational materials to support use of the machines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sequential, mixed-methods study design was used. Six wheelchair users trialled the machines, and completed an interview and two usability questionnaires. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic and conventional content analysis. Usability scores of both machines were compared using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test.

RESULTS

Data show high usability of the aROW and aSKI. More set up challenges were reported for the aROW than the aSKI. Participants perceived both machines provided effective cardiovascular workouts, and each met their exercise goals differently. Participants preferred the instructional videos over instructional sheets and provided suggestions for improving both. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test showed no statistically significant difference in usability between the aROW and aSKI.

CONCLUSION

Implementing the aROW and aSKI in the community may address some equity issues that wheelchair users face by providing more aerobic exercise options. Results will inform educational material revisions to support use of the machines.

Are Middle- or Older-Aged Adults With a Spinal Cord Injury Engaging in Leisure-Time Physical Activity? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives

To investigate the amount of Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA) that people over 45 years with a spinal cord injury (SCI) performed and to determine the frequency, duration, intensity, and modality of LTPA performed.

Data Sources

We searched 5 major electronic databases (CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed) from inception to March 2023.

Study Selection

Cross-sectional, longitudinal studies and control arm of controlled trials that assessed LTPA in participants over 45 years old, with a SCI. We included 19 studies in the review and 11 in the meta-analysis.

Data Extraction

We followed the PRISMA checklist for Systematic Reviews. Two review authors independently assessed the risk of bias and extracted data on participants' demographics, injury characteristics, and LTPA participation of the included studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanne Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies. Any conflicts were resolved by a third author.

Data Synthesis

We found considerable variability in LTPA participation in adults 45 years and older with SCI. An estimated 27%-64% of participants did not take part in any LTPA. A random effects meta-analysis model was completed for studies that reported total or moderate-to-heavy LTPA scores in minutes per week. Overall, participants (n=1675) engaged in 260 [205;329] (mean [95% CI]) mins/week of total LTPA. Those participating in moderate-heavy intensity LTPA (n=364) completed 173 [118; 255] (mean [95% CI]) mins/week. LTPA modalities included walking, wheeling, hand-cycling, basketball, and swimming, among others.

Conclusions

While many older adults with SCI seem to be meeting the recommended weekly physical activity volume, many still remain sedentary. There was significant variation in reporting of frequency, intensity, and duration of LTPA and reporting on modality was limited. Because of differences in reporting, it was challenging to compare results across studies. Data constraints prevented subgroup analysis of LTPA disparities between paraplegia and tetraplegia.

Current Status and Barriers of Exercise in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries in Korea: A Survey

This study investigated exercise participation, health status, and barriers to exercise in 109 individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) using a self-report questionnaire. The responses of the exercise and non-exercise groups were statistically analyzed using t-tests or Fisher's exact test. Significant differences were observed in the cause of injury and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale between the groups. The non-exercise group had a higher incidence of traumatic and complete injuries. Demographic factors such as gender, age, income level, and marital status did not significantly influence exercise participation. The exercise group reported lower pain scores, less inconvenience from complications, and higher activity and participation scores. However, less than half of the individuals with SCI met the recommended exercise intensity, and community facility usage was low. Barriers to exercise participation included severe disabilities, lack of time, insufficient exercise information, and lack of facility accessibility. To enhance exercise among individuals with SCI, it is essential to develop and extend exercise programs tailored to individual physical factors and a comprehensive understanding of barriers. Prioritizing community-based data management, alongside developing social systems and health policies, is crucial to overcome barriers to exercise participation for individuals with SCI.

"It Doesn't Die Within You": Outdoor Recreation Participation Following Spinal Cord Injury

Although some people with spinal cord injury (SCI) return to outdoor recreation, many have low activity levels and encounter significant environmental barriers. The purpose of the study was to describe how people with SCI engage in outdoor recreation activities, what meaning they attribute to these, and to inform occupational therapists in promoting outdoor recreation post-SCI. The study used qualitative, descriptive phenomenology. Thirteen participants completed semi-structured interviews, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Outdoor recreation contributes to personal well-being. It is a way to share life with loved ones and other disabled people. Having the right equipment and using a trial-and-error approach facilitated participation, which was sometimes supported and frequently constrained by physical, built, and information environments. Findings suggest implications for occupational therapists in the areas of direct intervention, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. These are consistent with the American Occupational Therapy Association Vision 2025 to collaborate for inclusion and accessibility in occupational performance.

Experiences of Participants with Spinal Cord Injury at an Active Rehabilitation Camp

This study explored the physical, social, and psychological benefits of an active rehabilitation (AR) camp as experienced by participants with spinal cord injury (SCI), and perceived fitness and mastery of being physically active six months after the camp. The study used a mixed-method design with pre- (n = 23), post- (n = 23), and follow-up questionnaires (n = 18) and individual interviews (n = 8). Fuzzy qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was used to analyze the quantitative data and qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Results showed that benefits were mainly experienced in the social and psychological domains. As for the physical domain, younger and more recently injured persons with tetraplegia reported more benefits. Six months after the camp, being in the preparation stage of change and being somewhat physically active were necessary and sufficient conditions for experiencing mastery of physical activity regardless of injury type, but only persons with paraplegia experienced fitness benefits. Qualitative data shed further light on the perceived benefits of the camp. The knowledge gained from this study might help practitioners to tailor interventions to individual needs and researchers to ask questions that take into consideration the complexity of active rehabilitation and changes in physical activity behavior for people with SCI.

Healthcare providers' promotion of physical activity among child and adolescent cancer survivors: strategies and challenges

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate how healthcare providers (HCPs) promote physical activity (PA) to child and adolescent cancer survivors.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with HCPs (n = 16; women n = 12; men n = 4) who provide care for cancer survivor youth (age 3 to 18). Participants represented 7 professions, including child life specialists, oncologists, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and social workers. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to explore the techniques that HCPs use to promote PA for this patient population and ways PA promotion can improve.

RESULTS

HCPs use five strategies to promote PA to cancer survivor youth: (1) broadening the definition of PA, (2) tailoring PA recommendations, (3) including families, (4) connecting patients to programming, and (5) promoting patient motivation.

CONCLUSIONS

This research highlights techniques that HCPs use to promote PA to young cancer survivors and reveals the need for additional ways to support HCPs to improve PA promotion for child and adolescent cancer survivors. While HCPs emphasized the importance of PA for this patient population, they navigate barriers that limit the quality of PA discussions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Further research should explore interventions to improve PA promotion and PA participation among child and adolescent cancer survivors. By understanding the perspectives of HCPs, patients, and their families, PA promotion strategies can be improved, and more programs that support both patients and practitioners may be developed.

Exercise prescription for persons with spinal cord injury: a review of physiological considerations and evidence-based guidelines

Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience gains in fitness, physical and mental health from regular participation in exercise and physical activity. Due to changes in physiological function of the cardiovascular, nervous, and muscular systems, general population physical activity guidelines and traditional exercise prescription methods are not appropriate for the SCI population. Exercise guidelines specific to persons with SCI recommend progressive training beginning at 20 min of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise twice per week transitioning to 30 min three times per week, with strength training of the major muscle groups two times per week. These population-specific guidelines were designed considering the substantial barriers to physical activity for persons with SCI and can be used to frame an individual exercise prescription. Rating of perceived exertion (i.e., perceptually regulated exercise) is a practical way to indicate moderate to vigorous intensity exercise in community settings. Adapted exercise modes include arm cycle ergometry, hybrid arm-leg cycling, and recumbent elliptical equipment. Body weight-supported treadmill training and other rehabilitation modalities may improve some aspects of health and fitness for people with SCI if completed at sufficient intensity. Disability-specific community programs offer beneficial opportunities for persons with SCI to experience quality exercise opportunities but are not universally available.

Adherence and perceptions of a home sports video gaming program in persons with spinal cord injuries: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Sports video-gaming can facilitate increased activity levels in persons with limited exercise options. Understanding how persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI) participate in home-based video-gaming and its potential impact on maintaining or enhancing physical function remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to evaluate adherence, perceptions, and potential physical effects of a home sports video-game program for persons with chronic SCI.

PARTICIPANTS

Fourteen individuals with chronic SCI (9 tetraplegia, 5 paraplegia).

DESIGN

This was a prospective study. Wii video-gaming systems that included four sports games were provided to participants for home use. Participants were instructed to play for 8 weeks 3-4 days/week. The video consoles recorded the time and number of sessions played.

OUTCOME MEASURES

At baseline and at the conclusion of the program, measurements were made of upper extremity strength, perceived exertion, active heart rate, pain, balance, and a functional upper extremity (UE) test. The total time and number of sessions were compared to the prescribed game play as a measure of adherence. Scores from a self-reported survey were used to gauge participants' satisfaction and perceptions of their gaming experience.

RESULTS

Overall mean gaming adherence was 85% during the first 4 weeks and 69% for the second 4 weeks. There were no significant changes in upper extremity strength, active heart rate, balance, pain, or functional UE test for either group. All of the participants rated video gaming as enjoyable and 85.7% perceived that it could be used as a form of exercise.

CONCLUSION

The Wii sports home video-gaming intervention elicited overall high adherence rates and was well received by study participants indicating that it may have value as an adjunctive tool for increasing physical activity for individuals with SCI.

Examining long-term motivational and behavioral outcomes of two physical activity interventions

OBJECTIVE

To examine possible impacts of two theory-based interventions - "Enhancing quality of life through exercise: A tele-rehabilitation approach (TEQ) and Active Living Lifestyles for individuals with SCI who use Wheelchair (ALLWheel)" - 12-18 months post-intervention on the satisfaction of psychological needs and motivation for leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), LTPA participation, and participation experience.

DESIGN

A mixed-methods follow-up study.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixteen TEQ and six ALLWheel participants completed questionnaires and a semi-structured interview, 12-18 months after completing the interventions.

INTERVENTION

TEQ intervention participants received a weekly LTPA counseling session with a trained kinesiologist through videoconferencing for 8 weeks. ALLWheel participants interacted with a peer mentor who provided LTPA counseling using smartphones for 10 weeks.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise, and the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire were used as primary outcome measures. The LTPA barrier self-efficacy scale, the Measure of Experiential Aspects of Participation, and the 7-day LTPA Questionnaire for Adults with SCI were used as secondary outcome measures. A coding framework was created and deductive thematic analyses were used to analyze the qualitative data.

RESULTS

Medium to large effects were found for autonomous motivation (TEQ), competence (TEQ and ALLWheel), and barrier self-efficacy (TEQ and ALLWheel). LTPA remained higher for the TEQ intervention group compared to the control group at follow-up, while an increase in moderate-to-vigorous LTPA was found in ALLWheel participants.

CONCLUSION

Community-based tele-rehabilitation and virtual rehabilitation approaches, informed by theory, may assist adults with SCI in implementing LTPA over the long term.

Effects of behaviour change interventions on physical activity in people with spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This review investigated the effectiveness of behaviour-change interventions to improve physical activity (PA) participation in individuals with a spinal cord injury. Additionally, the review sought to analyse the change in PA behaviour that might be expected by utilising behaviour change in PA interventions and what specific intervention characteristics, application of behaviour change theories, and behaviour change techniques are most efficacious.

METHODS

The protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO: CRD42021252744, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed in this review. Eight databases were comprehensively searched using a well-defined strategy developed in collaboration with an academic liaison librarian. Randomised, non-randomised controlled, and non-controlled studies were included in this review; however, controlled and non-controlled studies were analysed separately. Studies were included if participants were older than 16 years and had an SCI of any cause, level or severity, regardless of the time since injury. The behaviour change technique taxonomy version 1 was used to code the intervention characteristics for behaviour modification. The combined effects across studies were pooled in a meta-analysis, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool.

RESULTS

The search retrieved 10,155 titles and abstracts. After duplicate removal and screening against the eligibility criteria, 23 studies were included. The overall effect estimate of the change in PA participation in the controlled trials post-intervention was medium (d = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.31-0.70) in favour of behaviour-targeted interventions. The mean difference in PA volume between pre- and post-intervention was an increase of 22 minutes per week (95% CI = 5.96-38.90). Interventions that provided practical support (d = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.46-1.16), which were individualised (d = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.34-0.90) and that utilised monitoring (d = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.34-0.83) had a greater effect on change to PA than those that were group-based and did not utilise those specific techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions that target behaviour change to increase PA in people with SCI appear effective. Utilising behaviour change frameworks and specific behaviour change techniques augments PA uptake and levels, and interventions aimed at improving PA in people with SCI should incorporate a behaviour modification component. More research is needed on the isolated effect of intervention structure parameters and specific behaviour change techniques.

Associations between meeting exercise guidelines, physical fitness, and health in people with spinal cord injury

PURPOSE

(1) To estimate the proportion of Dutch wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI) who meet different SCI exercise guidelines; (2) to evaluate which demographic and lesion characteristics are associated with meeting these guidelines; (3) whether meeting these guidelines is associated with physical fitness and health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on the PASIPD questionnaire items, participants were allocated to meeting two SCI aerobic exercise guidelines, which differ in exercise load. Differences in personal, lesion, fitness, and health characteristics between groups were tested with a one-way ANOVA. Multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate if meeting guidelines was associated with better fitness and health. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 358 included participants, 63.1% met at least one aerobic exercise guideline. Being female, older age, having tetraplegia, and lower educational level were associated with a lower likelihood to meet the aerobic exercise guidelines. Meeting aerobic exercise guidelines showed a positive association with all respiratory and exercise capacity parameters. Limited associations were found between meeting exercise guidelines and health.

CONCLUSIONS

Meeting exercise guidelines was associated with better respiratory functions and exercise capacity with additional fitness and some body composition benefits in higher exercise activity levels.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMeeting SCI exercise guidelines are associated with better respiratory functions and exercise capacity with additional fitness and body composition benefits when higher exercising at higher activity levels, emphasizing the value and importance of regular exercise in individuals with SCI.

Home-based exergaming training effects for two individuals with spinal cord injury: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Exergaming is a type of serious game that requires active bodily movements for video gameplay. This game-based exercise is gaining interest as a form of leisure activity of moderate-vigorous dose intensity.

OBJECTIVE

This case report sought to assess the effects of exergaming training (i.e. Move Boxing, Move Tennis, and Move Gladiator Duel) on aerobic capacity, feasibility, enjoyment and motivation in two individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

CASE DESCRIPTIONS

Two males with SCI at the level of L4 and T10, aged 32 and 39, respectively, underwent home-based exergaming training sessions over a period of 12-18 weeks, conducted within moderate-vigorous intensity training zones for health improvements as recommended by health guidelines. Their peak oxygen consumption (VO₂), physical activity levels and perceived enjoyment were evaluated before, during and after the completion of the training.

OUTCOMES

Participant peak VO₂ improved (effect size g = 2.7) from their baseline values (Participant A: 16.0 ± 0.7 mL/kg/min to 41.7 ± 8.1 mL/kg/min; Participant B: 13.5 ± 0.8 mL/kg/min to 32.7 ± 5.2 mL/kg/min), with an increase in overall weekly physical activity levels. Both participants maintained a relatively high level of enjoyment scores throughout their training period (mean: 31.9 ± 3.2, p = .56, 95% CI 0.22-1.0).

CONCLUSION

A home-based exergaming training program improved aerobic capacity and level of physical activity, while maintaining adherence to the exercise within a relatively high perception of enjoyment for these two participants. The relatively high enjoyment scores maintained throughout the duration of the exergaming training period suggested its feasibility as a home-based exercise program and perceived as enjoyable by these individuals.

Expert consensus for a digital peer-led approach to improving physical activity among individuals with spinal cord injury who use manual wheelchairs

CONTEXT

Active Living Lifestyles for manual wheelchair users (ALLWheel) uses a digital peer-led approach to incorporate two behavior change theories to address a critical need for leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) programs for individuals with spinal cord injury (iSCI).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to obtain expert opinion and consensus for the ALLWheel program.

DESIGN

Mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative) were used to gather expert opinion and consensus for the ALLWheel program using an action research approach.

SETTING

Rehabilitation center.

PARTICIPANTS

Experts in SCI and LTPA included iSCI who used manual wheelchairs, healthcare professionals, and community collaborators.

PROCEDURES

Two, 90-minute focus groups were conducted and transcribed verbatim, analyzed thematically, and the results were used to create a Delphi survey. Delphi surveys were completed online using consecutive rounds until ≥70% consensus per item was attained. Cumulative percent concordances were calculated to determine consensus.

RESULTS

Twelve experts in SCI and LTPA participated in focus groups. Four themes were generated: Need for LTPA programs; Important considerations; Perceptions about peer-coaches; and Feelings about smartphones, which were used to generate the Delphi survey. Consensus on the ALLWheel program was attained in two rounds.

CONCLUSIONS

Experts established a need for fun and personalized community-based LTPA programs. Ensuring that healthcare professionals would be involved in the ALLWheel program alleviated safety concerns, and experts agreed there were benefits of peers delivering the program. Experts agreed that the ALLWheel program targeted important psychological factors (i.e. autonomy, relatedness, self-efficacy, and motivation) and affirmed the potential for a potentially large geographic reach.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity in People With Spinal Cord Injury-Predictors of Exercise Guideline Adherence

Objectives: This study described leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) for people in Australia with spinal cord injury (SCI) and whether certain sociodemographic and psychosocial variables might be associated with LTPA uptake and guidelines adherence. Methods: The Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with a Physical Disability was used to measure the intensity and volume of LTPA of 1,579 individuals with SCI. Summary statistics were calculated for LTPA guidelines adherence. Analyses included regression modelling. Results: Of the 1,579 participants, 58% performed LTPA and 13% adhered to recommended guidelines for weekly LTPA. There was an association with being an "exerciser" based on the time since injury (OR = 1.02 [95% 1.01-1.03]), a traumatic injury (OR = 1.53 [95% CI 1.13-2.08]) and a higher self-rating of health (OR = 1.10 [95% CI 0.95-1.27]). Where LTPA guidelines were met, adherence was most related to a traumatic injury (OR = 1.75 [95% CI 1.02-3.02]) and being unemployed (OR = 1.53 [95% CI 1.03-2.25]). Conclusion: Of those who performed LTPA with SCI, one in four met population-specific LTPA guidelines. Sociodemographic variables were moderately associated with being an "exerciser" or LTPA "guideline-adherent."

Assessing physical activity and health-related quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury: a national survey in Thailand

PURPOSE

This study sought to; (i) investigate the proportion of Thai individuals with spinal cord injury (Thai-SCI) who met SCI-specific physical activity (PA) guidelines, (ii) describe PA and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Thai-SCI across different sociodemographic strata, and, (iii) measure the variance in HRQOL associated with the intensity and volume of leisure-time physical activities (LTPA).

METHODS

Two surveys, measuring PA and HRQOL, were used in this study. Descriptive analysis, parametric and non-parametric tests for comparing two or more groups were used to analyse the data. The relationship between PA levels and HRQOL scores was investigated using Spearman's correlation coefficients. All statistical significance level in this study were set to alpha < 0.05.

RESULTS

From the 200 participants, 14.5% met aerobic, 20.5% met strength training and 13.5% met both aerobic and strength training SCI-specific PA guidelines. Sedentary Thai-SCI accounted for 49% of the study sample. Thai-SCI spent 132.0 ± 254.3 (mean ± SD) minutes per week on moderate-to-heavy intensity LTPA. Average Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS and MCS scores) of Thai-SCI were 42.3 ± 7.6 and 49.3 ± 8.4 (mean ± SD), respectively. Increases in average LTPA of moderate-to-heavy intensities were weakly correlated with increases in PCS scores and its sub-domains (r = 0.1-0.3, n = 200, all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The average time spent on moderate-to-heavy intensity ADLs and LTPA were below SCI-specific PA guidelines and the WHO global recommendations for PA. The proportion of Thai-SCI who were sedentary was high, suggesting immediate action and implementation of strategies to promote PA for Thai-SCI.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe proportion of Thai people with spinal cord injury with a sedentary lifestyle was high.Healthcare providers in Thailand must engage to a greater degree in health-related physical activity promotion to effectively deliver physical activity and exercise knowledge to their clients with spinal cord injury.Likely, structured programs of physical activity and exercise deployed by healthcare professionals with the appropriate knowledge and skills might reverse the current trend to sedentary lifestyle in this population.Interventions to improve participation in physical activity and health-related quality of life should be tailored to the individual needs of Thai individuals with a spinal cord injury and might be better delivered seperately.

Prevalence of lateral epicondylosis in veteran manual wheelchair users participating in adaptive sports

Objective: Determine the prevalence of lateral epicondylosis (LE) of the dominant elbow in manual wheelchair users based on ultrasound assessment and physical exam.Design: Prospective, cross-sectional.Setting: National Veteran Wheelchair Games 2018 and 2019 (event medical services).Participants: Manual wheelchair users who attended the National Veteran Wheelchair Games (n = 87).Interventions: Participants completed a questionnaire then underwent an ultrasound assessment and a physical exam of their dominant arm evaluating for common extensor tendinopathy (CET) or clinically LE.Main Outcome Measure: Prevalence of CET diagnosed by ultrasound criteria was compared with other diagnostic criteria with MaNemar test for paired binary data.Results: Forty-six percent (N = 40) of participants met diagnostic criteria for CET by ultrasound assessment and 17% (N = 15) of participants met criteria for LE based on physical exam. These values are dramatically higher than what has been reported in the able-bodied population where the prevalence is estimated to be <2%. Age and number of years of wheelchair use were significant predictors of ultrasound diagnosis of LE (P = 0.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.11) and (P = 0.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.09), respectively. Association analysis based on odds ratio and CI found no association between ultrasound findings suggestive of LE with regular adaptive sport participation greater than 1.5 h per week.Conclusion: Compared to able-bodied population, there is an increased prevalence of both CET and LE in manual wheelchair users based on either ultrasound assessment or physical exam. CET is associated with increased age and increased years using a manual wheelchair. There is no association between the diagnosis of LE and participation in adaptive sport.

Indicators of Quality of Care in Individuals With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Scoping Review

STUDY DESIGN

Scoping review.

OBJECTIVES

To identify a practical and reproducible approach to organize Quality of Care Indicators (QoCI) in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was conducted in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (Date: May 2018), MEDLINE (1946 to May 2018), and EMBASE (1974 to May 2018). Two independent reviewers screened 6092 records and included 262 full texts, among which 60 studies were included for qualitative analysis. We included studies, with no language restriction, containing at least 1 quality of care indicator for individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury. Each potential indicator was evaluated in an online, focused group discussion to define its categorization (healthcare system structure, medical process, and individuals with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury related outcomes), definition, survey options, and scale.

RESULTS

A total of 87 indicators were identified from 60 studies screened using our eligibility criteria. We defined each indicator. Out of 87 indicators, 37 appraised the healthcare system structure, 30 evaluated medical processes, and 20 included individuals with TSCI related outcomes. The healthcare system structure included the impact of the cost of hospitalization and rehabilitation, as well as staff and patient perception of treatment. The medical processes included targeting physical activities for improvement of health-related outcomes and complications. Changes in motor score, functional independence, and readmission rates were reported as individuals with TSCI-related outcomes indicators.

CONCLUSION

Indicators of quality of care in the management of individuals with TSCI are important for health policy strategists to standardize healthcare assessment, for clinicians to improve care, and for data collection efforts including registries.

Validity of Two Wheelchair-Mounted Devices for Estimating Wheelchair Speed and Distance Traveled

This study evaluated the validity of two wheelchair-mounted devices-the Cateye® and Wheeler-for monitoring wheelchair speed and distance traveled. Speed estimates were validated against a calibrated treadmill at speeds from 1.5 to 10 km/hr. Twenty-five wheelchair users completed a course of known distance comprising a sequence of everyday wheelchair activities. Speed estimate validity was very good (mean absolute percentage error ≤ 5%) for the Wheeleri at all speeds and for the Cateye at speeds >3 km/hr but not speeds <3 km/hr (mean absolute percentage error > 20%). Wheeleri distance estimates were good (mean absolute percentage error < 10%) for linear pushing activities and general maneuvering but poor for confined-space maneuvering. Cateye estimates were good for continuous linear propulsion but poor for discontinuous pushing and maneuvering (both general and confined space). Both devices provided valid estimates of speed and distance for typical wheelchair-based exercise activities. However, the Wheeleri provided more accurate estimates of speed and distance during typical everyday wheelchair activities.

A 50 kdyne contusion spinal cord injury with or without the drug SS-31 was not associated with major changes in muscle mass or gene expression 14 d after injury in young male mice

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to rapid muscle atrophy due to paralysis/paresis and subsequent disuse. SS-31 is a mitochondrial-targeting peptide that has shown efficacy in protecting skeletal muscle mass and function in non-SCI models of muscle wasting. We aimed to determine if SS-31 could prevent muscle loss after SCI. Male C57BL/6 mice aged 9 weeks underwent sham surgery or 50 kdyne contusion SCI and were administered daily injections of vehicle or 5 mg/kg SS-31 for 14 d. Both SCI groups had sustained losses in body mass compared to Sham animals and ~10% reductions in gastrocnemius, plantaris and tibialis anterior muscle mass after SCI with no clear effect of SS-31. Measurements of protein synthesis in the soleus and plantaris were similar among all groups. mRNA expression of atrophy-associated proinflammatory cytokines was also similar among all groups. There was elevation in MYH7 mRNA and a statistical reduction in MYH2 mRNA expression in the SCI+SS-31 animals compared to Sham animals. There was an SCI-induced reduction in mRNA expression of the E3 ligase FBXO32 (MAFbx), but no effect of SS-31. In summary, a 50 kdyne contusion SCI was able to reduce body mass but was not associated with substantial muscle atrophy or alterations in gene expression profiles associated with muscle health and function 14 d post-injury. SS-31 was not associated with protection against SCI-related changes in body or muscle mass, protein synthesis or gene expression in hindlimb muscles.

Critical factors influencing the decision to enroll in a physical activity intervention among a predominant group of adults with spinal cord injury: a grounded theory study

Study design

Grounded theory qualitative approach.

Objectives

To examine critical factors associated with interest in enrolling in a physical activity (PA) research intervention among a predominant group of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) and develop a theory that can enhance future recruitment success.

Setting

Participants were recruited through the network of a community exercise facility for people with physical disabilities.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 22 wheelchair users (mean age 46 ± 13 years; SCI [n = 19], cerebral palsy [n = 1]; multiple sclerosis [n = 1]; and bilateral limb loss [n = 1]) in either a one-on-one format or focus group. Interview data were coded, and these codes were organized into conceptual categories using a constructivist grounded theory framework.

Results

Adults with SCI conceive three core concerns with enrolling into a PA trial: (1) capability to participate in the program due to scheduling, transportation, and secondary health conditions; (2) mental balancing of anticipated benefits versus the difficulty of starting the program; and (3) desirability of the program characteristics based on their preferences and needs. Concerns were organized into a theory that may enhance future recruitment success.

Conclusions

Recruitment is often overlooked in PA research for people with SCI despite it being a primary rate-limiting factor that severely limits the external validity of published studies. Study findings identified core recruitment concerns that are likely similar with general barriers to PA participation. This paper proposed a 3-step decision-making process that can serve as a starting point for overcoming recruitment issues in PA research with people with SCI.

Videoconference-Delivered Group-Based Physical Activity Self-Regulatory Support for Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A Feasibility Study

Videoconferencing is a novel method for overcoming time and transportation barriers to leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) interventions. This study examined the feasibility of a group videoconference intervention on LTPA self-regulatory skills training in a sample of nine adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Session implementation checklists and self-report surveys were administered during four weekly sessions to assess intervention management, group processes, intervention resources, and initial efficacy. Attendance rate was high (91.7%), and the average weekly session duration was 79.6 min. Participants reported high ratings of group cohesion, facilitator collaboration, session content comprehension, and ease in operating the videoconference platform. Knowledge sharing among the group ranged from 18 to 58 exchanges per session, demonstrating learning and group cohesion. LTPA frequency increased among 44% of participants, and 22% of participants achieved the SCI-specific aerobic guidelines. Overall, group videoconferencing holds promise for LTPA support among adults with SCI. Long-term research is warranted to test LTPA self-regulatory and behavioral effects.

Physical activity among individuals with spinal cord injury who ambulate: a systematic scoping review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic scoping review.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this project was to conduct a scoping review to understand the amounts, types, correlates, and outcomes of physical activity (PA) participation for ambulators with SCI.

METHODS

A systematic search was employed among five large databases and two theses/dissertation databases, yielding 3257 articles. Following a two-phase screening process by independent coders, 17 articles were included in the review. Data were charted and summarized, and correlates were coded using the COM-B model.

RESULTS

11 studies were cross-sectional, 5 studies involved an exercise intervention, and 1 study used mixed methods. Overall, ambulators with SCI participated in low levels of PA. The type of PA investigated across all studies was leisure-time PA (e.g., sports, exercise). Psychological and physical capability (e.g., perceived behavioral control, fatigue), social and environmental opportunity (e.g., perceptions of disability, cost), and automatic and reflective motivation (e.g., boredom, intentions) were correlates of PA measured within studies. Exercise intervention studies measured physical (e.g., strength, fitness) and one psychological outcome (i.e., depression). No studies examined the quality of PA experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

Only leisure-time PA has been investigated among ambulators with SCI, and low levels of leisure-time PA have been reported. Correlates of leisure-time PA can be mapped onto all COM-B model constructs and are potential targets for PA-enhancing interventions. Further investigation is warranted into the physical and psychosocial outcomes across all types of LTPA in addition to understanding the quality of LTPA experiences.

Longitudinal associations between physical activity, anxiety, and depression in adults with long-term physical disabilities

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the longitudinal associations between self-reported physical activity and anxiety and depression symptom severity in adults with long-term physical disabilities.

METHOD

A secondary analysis of data from a United States-based longitudinal survey study of community-dwelling adults with 1 of 4 potential long-term physical disabilities (multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, postpoliomyelitis syndrome). The first time point (T1) for the current study was completed by 1,594 participants. The second survey (T2) was sent 1 year later, and the third (T3) was sent 3 years later; each were completed by 1,380 and 1,218 participants, respectively. At each time point, participants completed a measure of physical activity (Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System short forms evaluating depression and anxiety severity.

RESULTS

Mixed growth curve models showed greater quantities of physical activity were associated with decreases in both depression (χ2(2) = 84.01, p < .001) and anxiety (χ2(2) = 21.66, p < .001) symptom severity over the 4-year period. However, while greater quantities of moderate (anxiety z = -2.24, p < .05; depression z = -5.48, p < .001) and strenuous (anxiety z = -2.59, p < .05; depression z = -3.90, p < .001) physical activity were significantly associated with decreases in negative affect, mild physical activity was not.

CONCLUSION

The current study provides evidence that physical activity is longitudinally associated with anxious and depressive symptoms in adults with long-term physical disabilities. Future research should examine the quantities and intensities of physical activity necessary to impart psychological benefits. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

From guidelines to practice: development and implementation of disability-specific physical activity guidelines

Purpose: Among people with physical disabilities, one of the most frequently-cited barriers to physical activity participation is a lack of basic information on what to do. Likewise, rehabilitation professionals often cite a lack of knowledge about what to recommend or prescribe, as their primary reason for not promoting physical activity to clients with disabilities. The development and implementation of disability-specific physical activity guidelines are important steps toward addressing informational barriers. This paper describes the reasoning behind disability-specific physical activity guidelines, the gold-standard process used to develop disability-specific guidelines for people with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis, and the "who, what, and how" of behavioural interventions and messaging to support people with disabilities in achieving physical activity guidelines.Materials and Methods: Not Applicable.Results: Not Applicable.Conclusions: The needs, values and preferences of people with disabilities must be taken into consideration when undertaking a disability-specific guideline development process. Guidelines can play an important role in physical activity promotion, but behavioural and other interventions are required to address the myriad physical activity barriers faced by people with disabilities.Implications for RehabilitationPeople with and without disabilities can achieve significant fitness and health benefits from activity well below the WHO's 150 minutes/week guideline.Disability-specific physical activity guidelines can alleviate informational barriers for people who want to get active and rehabilitation professionals who want to promote physical activity.Behavioural and other interventions are needed to support people's efforts to achieve physical activity guidelines.A physiotherapist-delivered intervention has shown promise for increasing physical activity in adults with a physical disability.

Associations Between Doing Planned Exercise and Probable Major Depressive Disorder in Individuals Following Spinal Cord Injury

Background: In neurologically healthy individuals, exercise positively impacts depressive symptoms, but there is limited knowledge regarding the association between exercise behaviors and depression after spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective: To examine associations between doing planned exercise and probable major depressive disorder (PMDD) after SCI. Methods: Community-dwelling adults, who were one or more years post traumatic SCI, completed self-report assessments at baseline (Time 1) and an average of 3.29 years later (Time 2). Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess depressive symptoms. Participants self-reported frequency of doing planned exercise. There were 1,790 participants who responded at both Time 1 and 2. Associations were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: Prevalence of PMDD was 10% at Time 1 and 12% at Time 2. Only 34% of participants at Time 1 and 29% at Time 2 reported doing planned exercise three or more times per week. The majority of participants (47%) reported no change in frequency of doing planned exercise between Times 1 and 2. Significant risk factors for PMDD at Time 2 included low household income (p = .0085), poor to fair self-perceived health (p < .0001), and doing less planned exercise at Time 2 (p = .0005). Meanwhile, number of years post injury (p = .04), doing planned exercise three or more times per week at Time 1 (p = .0042), and doing more planned exercise at Time 2 (p = .0005) were associated with decreased odds of PMDD at Time 2. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that a negative association exists between doing planned exercise and PMDD post SCI. Future longitudinal studies are needed to further explain these findings.

Intensity of physical activity as a percentage of peak oxygen uptake, heart rate and Borg RPE in motor-complete para- and tetraplegia

Objective

The aims were to describe VO_2peak, explore the potential influence of anthropometrics, demographics and level of physical activity within each cohort; b) to define common, standardized activities as percentages of VO_2peak and categorize these as light, moderate and vigorous intensity levels according to present classification systems, and c) to explore how clinically accessible methods such as heart-rate monitoring and Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) correlate or can describe light, moderate and vigorous intensity levels.

Design

Cross sectional.

Setting

Rehabilitation facility and laboratory environment.

Subjects

Sixty-three individuals, thirty-seven (10 women) with motor-complete paraplegia (MCP), T7-T12, and twenty-six (7 women) with motor-complete tetraplegia (MCT), C5-C8.

Interventions

VO_2peak was obtained during a graded peak test until exhaustion, and oxygen uptake during eleven different activities was assessed and categorized using indirect calorimetry.

Main outcome measures

VO_2peak, Absolute and relative oxygen consumption, Borg RPE.

Results

Absolute VO_2peak was significantly higher in men than in women for both groups, with fairly small differences in relative VO_2peak. For MCP sex, weight and time spent in vigorous-intensity activity explained 63% of VO_2peak variance. For MCT sex and time in vigorous-intensity activity explained 55% of the variance. Moderate intensity corresponds to 61–72% HR_peak and RPE 10–13 for MCP vs. 71–79% HR_peak, RPE 13–14 for MCT.

Conclusion

Using current classification systems, eleven commonly performed activities were categorized in relative intensity terms, (light, moderate and vigorous) based on percent of VO_2peak, HR_peak and Borg RPE. This categorization enables clinicians to better guide persons with SCI to meet required physical activity levels.

Smartphone-Delivered Peer Physical Activity Counseling Program for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for Development and Pilot Evaluation

Background

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, most individuals are not sufficiently active to accrue health benefits. The Active Living Lifestyles program for individuals with SCI who use manual wheelchairs (ALLWheel) targets important psychological factors that are associated with LTPA uptake and adherence while overcoming some barriers associated with participation restrictions.

Objective

The goal of the paper is to describe the protocol for the development and evaluation of the ALLWheel program for individuals with SCI who use manual wheelchairs.

Methods

The first three stages of the Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions (ie, preclinical, modeling, exploratory) are described. The preclinical phase will consist of scoping and systematic reviews and review of theory. The intervention will be modeled by expert opinions and consensus through focus groups and Delphi surveys with individuals with SCI, clinicians, and community partners. Finally, the feasibility and potential influence of the ALLWheel program on LTPA and psychological outcomes will be evaluated.

Results

This project is funded by the Craig H Neilsen Foundation, the Fonds de Recherche du Québec–Santé, and the Canadian Disability Participation Project and is currently underway.

Conclusions

Using peer trainers and mobile phone technology may help to cultivate autonomy-supportive environments that also enhance self-efficacy. Following a framework for developing and evaluating a novel intervention that includes input from stakeholders at all stages will ensure the final product (ie, a replicable intervention) is desirable to knowledge users and ready for evaluation in a randomized controlled trial. If effective, the ALLWheel program has the potential to reach a large number of individuals with SCI to promote LTPA uptake and adherence.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/10798

Motivation and participation in daily and social activities among adults with spinal cord injury: Applying self-determination theory

BACKGROUND

Individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) report decreased participation in daily and social activities. Self-determination theory (SDT) posits that individuals' need satisfaction and frustration predicts participation in health-related behaviours and this relationship is mediated by their motivation.

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the role of psychological needs and motivation in relation to participation in daily and social activities among adults with SCI. It was hypothesized that: a) need satisfaction and need frustration were positively associated with autonomous and controlled motivation, respectively, which, positively and negatively predicted participation in daily and social activities; b) autonomous and controlled motivation mediated the need satisfaction/frustration and participation relationship, respectively; and c) need frustration was positively related to amotivation, with no relationship between amotivation and activity participation.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, adults with SCI (N = 131) completed a questionnaire regarding their need satisfaction/frustration, autonomous and controlled motivation, amotivation, and participation in daily and social activities.

RESULTS

Need satisfaction was positively related to autonomous motivation (β = 0.29, 95%bias-corrected confidence interval (bCI): [0.04, 0.67]) and need frustration to controlled motivation (β = 0.28, 95%bCI: [0.09, 0.55]). Autonomous motivation was positively associated with six participation categories: autonomous indoor, autonomous outdoor, family role, health, social life, and work/education. Autonomous motivation also mediated the relationship between need satisfaction and all six participation categories; whereas, neither controlled motivation nor amotivation mediated the relationship between need frustration and participation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that SDT provides a meaningful framework for understanding participation among adults with SCI.

Canadian-French adaptation and test-retest reliability of the leisure time physical activity questionnaire for people with disabilities

OBJECTIVES

The Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (LTPAQ) measures the duration of physical activities performed during the past 7 days, and results are expressed in minutes. This study aimed to translate this questionnaire into Canadian-French and to evaluate the content validity and its test-retest reliability in people with physical disabilities.

METHODS

The LTPAQ was translated from English to French by forward and backward translation. To assess content validity, 9 adults with physical disabilities read and provided comments regarding the relevance, wording and understanding of the items of the preliminary Canadian-French version of the questionnaire. For test-retest reliability, 37 adults with physical disabilities completed the questionnaire 2 or 3 times at T1 (baseline), T2 (2 days from baseline) and T3 (7 days from baseline). The test-retest reliability was investigated by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), paired t test and Bland and Altman tests.

RESULTS

The translation and the content validation process resulted in a Canadian-French version of the LTPAQ (LTPAQ-CF). Total LTPAQ-CF scores between T1-T2 and T1-T3 featured strong ICCs, 0.90 and 0.75 (P≤0.01). Paired t tests and Bland and Altman analyses confirmed the good reproducibility of results.

CONCLUSION

The LTPAQ-CF has good test-retest reliability when self-administered or administered by interview to people with physical disabilities.

Characteristics of Adults With Neurologic Disability Recruited for Exercise Trials: A Secondary Analysis

This review examined demographic and clinical characteristics of participants from exercise trials in 3 neurologic disability conditions (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury) and compared these data with population-based statistics. The authors included 75 published studies from 2006 to 2016: 53 studies for multiple sclerosis (n = 2,034), 14 for spinal cord injury (n = 302), and 8 for traumatic brain injury (n = 272). Pooled data resembled some heterogeneous aspects of population data sets. However, many characteristics were not reported; samples were small and predominantly White, and 48.1% of the people screened were excluded. Thus, findings from these studies may not be translatable across the range of people with these three conditions, which warrant efforts to target the inclusion of underrepresented subgroups in future exercise trials.

Community-based physical activity and wheelchair mobility programs for individuals with spinal cord injury in Canada: Current reflections and future directions

RATIONALE

A clear need has been identified to find strategies and opportunities, beyond services provided during rehabilitation, to enhance community-based mobility and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) participation among members of the spinal cord injury (SCI) population.

METHOD

This review of existing mobility and LTPA programs that are available for individuals with SCI in Canada reflects the authors' current knowledge of existing evidence-based and community-based programs. The authors aim to highlight the gaps between existing programs and future needs.

RESULTS

The major gaps identified in this brief clinical report include the need for: community-based mobility training programs, patient reported outcomes, assessment of long-term impact of programs, identifying the best approaches for program delivery, and developing researcher-stakeholder partnerships.

CONCLUSION

Evidence-based mobility programs and community-based LTPA do exist, and the available research shows their promise. Despite the growing research for LTPA and mobility programs among adults with SCI, many gaps remain. Additional partnerships, community engagement practices, service program funding and health policy changes are needed to address the highlighted gaps to optimize community-based programs and enhance the lives of adults with SCI.

Evidence-based scientific exercise guidelines for adults with spinal cord injury: an update and a new guideline

OBJECTIVES

To describe the process and outcomes of using a new evidence base to develop scientific guidelines that specify the type and minimum dose of exercise necessary to improve fitness and cardiometabolic health in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI).

SETTING

International.

METHODS

Using Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II reporting criteria, steps included (a) determining the guidelines' scope; (b) conducting a systematic review of relevant literature; (c) holding three consensus panel meetings (European, Canadian and International) to formulate the guidelines; (d) obtaining stakeholder feedback; and (e) process evaluation by an AGREE II consultant. Stakeholders were actively involved in steps (c) and (d).

RESULTS

For cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength benefits, adults with a SCI should engage in at least 20 min of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise 2 times per week AND 3 sets of strength exercises for each major functioning muscle group, at a moderate to vigorous intensity, 2 times per week (strong recommendation). For cardiometabolic health benefits, adults with a SCI are suggested to engage in at least 30 min of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise 3 times per week (conditional recommendation).

CONCLUSIONS

Through a systematic, rigorous, and participatory process involving international scientists and stakeholders, a new exercise guideline was formulated for cardiometabolic health benefits. A previously published SCI guideline was endorsed for achieving fitness benefits. These guidelines represent an important step toward international harmonization of exercise guidelines for adults with SCI, and a foundation for developing exercise policies and programs for people with SCI around the world.

A Telerehabilitation Approach to Enhance Quality of Life Through Exercise Among Adults With Paraplegia: Study Protocol

Background

Despite compelling evidence linking physical activity and quality of life among adults with spinal cord injury (SCI), exercise participation rates are extremely low in this population. Unfortunately, a lack of behavioral exercise interventions, in particular theory-based randomized controlled trials (RCT), exists within the SCI literature. A pilot RCT is needed to first examine the feasibility to conduct such interventions and determine the appropriate effect size to inform future full-scale interventions.

Objective

The overall goal of this pilot RCT is to test an 8-week innovative, video-based telerehabilitation intervention based on self-determination theory and aimed at enhancing the basic psychological needs, motivation, exercise participation, and quality of life‒related outcomes of adults with paraplegia. The objectives are to (1) determine if individuals in the intervention group have greater increases in their basic psychological needs and autonomous motivation and a decrease in controlled motivation compared to the control group, (2) determine whether the intervention group reports greater increases in exercise participation and quality of life‒related variables (eg, life satisfaction, participation in daily/social activities, depressive symptoms) compared to the control group, and (3) examine if adults with paraplegia who received the intervention report improved scores on psychosocial predictors of exercise (eg, action planning) and well-being (eg, positive affect) compared to the control group. We also aimed to examine the implementation characteristics of the intervention (eg, satisfaction with the technology, counselor’s ability to foster the psychological needs).

Methods

Adults with paraplegia (N=24) living in the community will be recruited. All participants will be invited to complete assessments of their psychological needs, motivation, exercise, and quality of life‒related variables at three time points (baseline, 6, and 10 weeks). Following the baseline assessment, participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group will participate in 8 weekly, 1-hour video-based telerehabilitation sessions with a trained physical activity counselor, while participants in the control group will be asked to continue with their regular routine.

Results

We expect higher ratings of the basic psychological needs and autonomous motivation and lower scores for controlled motivation for the intervention group compared to the control group (Objective 1). We also expect that our video-based intervention will have moderate effects on exercise participation, as well as small-to-moderate positive effects on the quality of life‒related variables (Objective 2). Finally, we expect the intervention to have a small positive effect on psychosocial predictors of physical activity and well-being (Objective 3).

Conclusions

We anticipate that the results will show that the intervention is appropriate for adults with paraplegia and feasible to test in a full-scale RCT.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02833935; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02833935 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6u8U9x2yt)