Lifestyle Physical Activity for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

Purpose. 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...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of health promotion 2004-03, Vol.18 (4), p.288-291
Main Authors: Warms, Catherine A., Belza, Basia L., Whitney, JoAnne D., Mitchell, Pamela H., Stiens, Steven A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Disabled Persons
Exercise
Health technology assessment
Humans
Intervention
Life Style
Lifestyle
Male
Middle Aged
Physical activity
Pilot Projects
Pilot studies
Spinal cord injured people
Spinal Cord Injuries - physiopathology
Washington
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Purpose. 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. Discussion. Lifestyle physical activity is feasible and acceptable and could be effective in promoting greater physical activity among people with SCI.
ISSN:0890-1171
2168-6602
DOI:10.4278/0890-1171-18.4.288