PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPINAL CORD INJURY: BEHAVIOUR, BARRIERS, MOTIVATIONS AND GAINS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION & AIMS To attain a comprehensive understanding of physical activity (PA) behaviour in individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) in Australia. Investigation and analysis included volumes, guideline-adherence, barriers, motivators, and perceived benefits of PA. METHODS Methodology included quantitative and qualitative approaches. Statistical tests were used on national survey data (n=1,579) to scrutinise PA volumes and guideline-adherence. Semi-structured interviews (n=105) were used to explore barriers to PA, whilst focus groups (six groups of six people) were used to uncover motivations for, and gains of, PA. RESULTS The average PA per week was 333 (+/-318) minutes, 42% of people were sedentary, and less than half (47%) of individuals met PA-specific guidelines. Sociodemographic and injury characteristics displayed very weak capacity (2-5% variance) in predicting PA volume. Barriers pertained to cost, accessibility, pain, self-consciousness, and a perceived lack of return of investment in PA. Whilst appearance/weight management and improved health appeared initially as motivators to PA, participants reported they gained more affiliation and revitalisation through PA, and less appearance/weight management and health change than they had anticipated. Focus group analysis highlighted that the primary (and more significant) motivators and benefits of PA include independence, reclamation of identity, restitution, reduced familial burden, and mitigation of perceived hastened aging. CONCLUSION People with SCI in Australia are amongst the most sedentary in the nation, and less than half of individuals meet PA guidelines. Specific attention is needed toward females, older individuals and people injured non-traumatically. Barriers are significant and affordable and accessible services, skilful and knowledgeable clinicians, and an inclusive environment are needed to improve consumer confidence. Motivation and perceived benefits extend beyond obvious physical advantages of PA. Clinicians and scientists need to understand the psychosocial influence of PA in this sedentary population and harness this knowledge to improve participation and quality of life.