Assessment of a holistic wellness program for persons with spinal cord injury.
OBJECTIVE
To test the effectiveness of a holistic (comprehensive and integrated) wellness program for adults with spinal cord injury.


METHODS
A total of 43 adults with spinal cord injury were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention group attended six half-day wellness workshops during 3 mos, covering physical activity, nutrition, lifestyle management, and prevention of secondary conditions. Outcome measures included several physical measures and standard psychosocial measures. Statistical analyses included paired t tests, used to determine within-group differences, and multiple regression conducted to assess between-group differences.


RESULTS
When comparing within-group baseline and final results, the intervention group reported fewer and less severe secondary conditions by the end of the study. Similarly, significant improvements were found in health-related self-efficacy and health behaviors. No significant changes in physiologic variables were observed. Although no significant between-group differences were observed, regression analyses suggested participation in the wellness program may be associated with improved health behaviors.


CONCLUSIONS
Within-group comparisons suggest improvements in several areas of the participants' overall health behaviors. These findings, although preliminary, emphasize the potential role of health behaviors in positively influencing long-term health outcomes and quality of life.
Zemper
Eric D
ED
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
Tate
Denise G
DG
Roller
Sunny
S
Forchheimer
Martin
M
Chiodo
Anthony
A
Nelson
Virginia S
VS
Scelza
William
W
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001699:Biometry; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*