Abstract
<h3>Research Objectives</h3> Background: The current pandemic has reduced access to safe, monitored physical activity (PA) programs for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The use of telerehabilitation has the potential for continuing activity engagement without the risk of virus exposure. In 2020, the Kite Research Institute (Toronto, ON) released the TR-Telerehab Toolkit, which is intended to support implementation of virtual rehabilitation services through the provision of information, tools, and resources. <h3>Objective</h3> To assess the alignment of a virtual PA (VPA) program and the TR-Telerehab toolkit <h3>Design</h3> Comparison of virtual PA program design and TR-Telerehab Toolkit <h3>Setting</h3> Virtual. <h3>Participants</h3> Persons with SCI. <h3>Interventions</h3> The virtual PA program consisted of 60-minute sessions twice weekly for six weeks. Alignment of the VPA program structure and TR-Telerehab Toolkit was assessed. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Alignment of the toolkit and the VPA. <h3>Results</h3> The VPA program aligned with the Guidance Framework of the Toolkit. Challenges of implementation included engaging caregivers especially among those living alone. Some additional concerns regarding safety and technical support were resolved through a pre-program introductory session reviewing safety considerations, inclusion of ‘spotters' throughout the program and an IT professional, respectively. The pre-program session was used to address many of the considerations suggested within the "Preparing patients and caregivers", as well as "Implementing Telerehabilitation", which included "Patient and caregiver technology support" and "Preparing for a safe and successful telerehabilitation session" sections of the Toolkit. To evaluate and monitor progress, participants were asked weekly about their rate of perceived exertion and any adverse events, as well as post-sessions satisfaction surveys. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Overall, the VPA program has good alignment with the TR-Telerehab Toolkit. The Toolkit was found to be a useful resource for developing virtual rehabilitation programming that is acceptable and effective. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors do not have any conflict of interests to disclose.
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