Home Physical Activity Programs for the Promotion of Health and Wellness in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to increase physical activity in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) through regular participation in a home exercise program. The participants (N = 21) consisted of previously sedentary adult volunteers with a documented SCI, functional use of both upper extremities, and inability to engage in walking for physical activity. Data were collected by four separate assessments for each participant occurring at 3-month intervals. The individuals documented their participation in the program via self-report. Results indicated that the participants improved upper extremity strength and increased their weekly minutes of physical activity. Implications of the study suggest that home programs, complete with knowledgeable health care professional encouragement, along with written and audiovisual guidance appear to be an effective strategy to reduce the impact of environmental barriers that hinder participation in physical activity by persons with an SCI.