What promotes physical activity after spinal cord injury? An interview study from a patient perspective.
OBJECTIVE
Physical activity in people with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is of importance not only for maintaining health but also for increasing the possibilities of living an independent life. Physical inactivity leads to poorer muscular and cardiovascular conditioning and sub-optimal levels of functioning. To help people with SCI to achieve optimum physical activity, it is important to understand what promotes the incorporation of regular physical activity into daily life. The aim of this study was thus to identify factors that may promote participation in physical activity among people with spinal cord injuries.


METHODS
Qualitative multiple case studies. Sixteen participants with SCI were interviewed.


RESULTS
Four main themes of promoting factors could be identified. They were: using cognitive and behavioural strategies; finding supporting environmental solutions; exploring motivation post injury; and capturing new frames of reference.


CONCLUSIONS
By utilising the motivational power of role models, together with the other motivational factors identified in this study, such as identifying relevant individual motives post injury and capturing new frames of reference, the process towards physical active life may be facilitated.
Kerstin
Wahman
W
Rehab Station Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden. kerstin.wahman@rehabstation.se
Gabriele
Biguet
B
Richard
Levi
L
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000191:economics; D012944:Social Support; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*