Knowledge mobilization regarding activity and exercise after spinal cord injury: a Canadian undergraduate curriculum scan.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to conduct a curriculum scan of Canadian undergraduate university programs to determine the relative emphasis placed on the activity and exercise after spinal cord injury (SCI), in the context of physical disability studies.


METHODS
Eighty-three Canadian Universities were evaluated for courses discussing: (i) general information about SCI, (ii) physical activity and exercise after SCI, (iii) general information about other physical disabilities and (iv) physical activity and exercise for such disabilities. Online course calendars (2009) were scanned, and their accuracy was verified by instructors or administrative assistants.


RESULTS
The curriculum scan revealed 113 courses that discuss physical disability. Seventy-four of these courses cover information regarding SCI, 47 of which include content relating to activity and exercise. In comparison, 104 courses discuss other physical disabilities, 76 of which cover material related to activity and exercise. Further, the 47 courses that cover activity and exercise after SCI are only offered in 22 Canadian Universities, and only 31 are mandatory for a degree.


CONCLUSIONS
A substantial number of future healthcare professionals lack exposure to material regarding activity and exercise after SCI during their undergraduate education. This curricular oversight likely contributes to ineffective exercise strategies and the relative inactivity of the SCI population. [


CONCLUSIONS
• Individuals with spinal cord injury are relatively inactive due to the many physical, psychological and social barriers they face regarding activity and exercise participation.• Effective knowledge mobilization regarding activity and exercise after SCI to future healthcare providers is an essential step in promoting participation.• This undergraduate curriculum scan showed that students lack exposure to issues regarding the activity and exercise after SCI in Canadian Universities.• The lack of effective knowledge mobilization in this area likely contributes to the low levels of activity and exercise participation in the SCI population.]
Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
Melissa
M
Richard-Greenblatt
Kathleen A
KA
Martin Ginis
Ben
B
Leber
David
D
Ditor
D002170:Canada; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000193:education*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities