title: Lifestyle physical activity for individuals with spinal cord injury: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a lifestyle physical activity program for people with spinal cord injury (SCI).
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen nonexercising adult volunteers with SCI participated in a single group pre-post-test of the "Be Active in Life Program" comprising stage-matched educational materials, home visit by a nurse, construction of a personal plan to increase activity, and four follow-up phone calls. Program acceptability, stage of change, barriers to health-promoting activities, abilities for health practices, health, depression, and muscle strength were rated. Physical activity was monitored using actigraphy and a self-report record.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants rated the program positively, although some preferred a structured exercise approach. Eighty-one percent of participants progressed in stage of change and 60% increased physical activity. There were significant changes in motivational barriers, exercise self-efficacy, self-rated health, and muscle strength.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lifestyle physical activity is feasible and acceptable and could be effective in promoting greater physical activity among people with SCI.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle 98195-7266, USA. cwarms@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Catherine A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Warms
authors.forename: Basia L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Belza
authors.forename: JoAnne D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Whitney
authors.forename: Pamela H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Stiens
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014861:Washington