Outdoor experiences and outdoor-based activities and interventions for individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic scoping review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic scoping review.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to identify and synthesize empirical studies exploring outdoor experiences, activities, and interventions in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

Systematic searches were performed in 7 bibliometric databases. Unique records were independently screened by 2 authors. Peer-reviewed studies on outdoor experiences, activities, or interventions in adults with SCI were included. This was supplemented by Google Scholar searches and citation tracking. Data from included studies were extracted and analysed in a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

A total of 89 studies were included. Study findings were catalogued into 9 categories and grouped into 3 themes. Theme 1 covered findings related to the experiences and outcomes of outdoor recreational activities and nature exposure. Theme 2 covered findings on facilitators and barriers related to outdoor recreational activities and nature exposure. Theme 3 covered findings related to outdoor testing of equipment and tools.

CONCLUSION

People with SCI mainly report positive experiences from engaging with the natural environment and pursuing outdoor activities, but also experienced a range of barriers that need to be considered in both research and clinical practice. Future studies need to explore the effects of outdoor-based rehabilitation, also employing high-quality methods.

Perception of community reintegration among individuals with spinal cord injury in northwest Nigeria: a qualitative description

PURPOSE

To explore the meaning of community reintegration and strategies for promoting community reintegration based on the lived experiences of individuals with spinal cord injury in northwest Nigeria.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using a qualitative description, we purposively recruited people with spinal cord injury residing in Kano, Nigeria. Eight focus groups were conducted to gather relevant information about the meaning and strategies for community reintegration, based on the lived experiences of the participants.

RESULTS

A total of 64 people aged 18-60 years completed the study. Most of the participants had lived with spinal cord injury for more than five years. The individuals perceived community reintegration as a multi-dimensional concept reflected by five major themes namely: living life as usual, gainful engagement, a basket of opportunities, courage and support, and acceptance of destiny. Furthermore, the participants considered education and awareness about spinal cord injury, supportive and enabling environment, equal opportunities, care and moral support, and accessible health and rehabilitation services as critical for promoting community reintegration.

CONCLUSION

Community reintegration is a multidimensional process, and its promotion in northwest Nigeria requires a multisectoral approach.

The Mediating Effect of Disability Acceptance in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Participating in Sport for All

The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of disability acceptance among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) participating in the Sport for All program through self-help group activities with other individuals with SCI. This study investigated whether disability acceptance mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and life satisfaction and between sense of belonging and life satisfaction. Subjects were 142 individuals with SCI participating in the self-help group with other sports activities including para table tennis, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and weight training. A simple mediation effect analysis showed that disability acceptance significantly mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and life satisfaction (indirect effect, b = 0.219) and between the sense of belonging and life satisfaction (indirect effect, b = 0.289). The results suggest the importance of disability acceptance for individuals with SCI participating in "Sports for All" programs.