Leisure time physical activity of people with chronic spinal cord injuries.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nature of LTPA performed by patients with incomplete spinal cord injury a minimum of 12 months after injury. Therefore, the study investigates the impact of injury location on the form and frequency of LTPA, time between injury and commencement of LTPA, motivations to undertake such physical activity, as well as factors which reduce participation.

PATIENT AND METHODS: The study included 75 patients aged 18-60. The number of patients according to injury location was as follows: 25 cervical (C = 25), 25 thoracial (Th = 25) and 25 lumbar (L = 25) spine injuries. Data concerning injury type and location was obtained from the patients' medical records and included results of clinical examinations and neuroimaging. To evaluate LTPA, a custom questionnaire was designed, and functional mobility assessments were obtained with the Barthel Index (BI).

RESULTS: The study demonstrated that LTPA participation among examined SCI patients declined. At the time of the study, more than half of the patients (65%) declared participation in physical activity, mainly in the form of individually performed exercises. However, the frequency of LTPA was significantly lower compared with the period prior to injury (59% of persons). Engagement in LTPA was determined based on functional mobility, and the latter was measured with BI (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). More than half of the subjects (60%) were physically active within the first three years post injury. Exercising sessions occurred usually 3 to 5 times per week (40%). The motivating factors for committing to LTPA primarily included subjects' independent decisions (35%), followed by encouragement from another disabled person (20%). Barriers preventing from LTPA were related to architecture and transportation, and they accounted for 58% of cases where no LTPA was performed.

CONCLUSIONS: Spinal cord injury negatively impacts LTPA by reducing its frequency. Functional mobility of patients with spinal cord injury determines their participation levels in LTPA. The first three years after injury is the period during which engagement and commitment to LTPA is developed.