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Predictors of leisure time physical activity among people with spinal cord injury
Kathleen A Martin Ginis1, Kelly P Arbour-Nicitopoulos, Amy E Latimer-Cheung
1Department of Kinesiology, Centre for Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1. martink@mcmaster.ca
Background:
Most studies of physical activity predictors in people with disability have lacked a guiding theoretical framework. Identifying theory-based predictors is important for developing activity-enhancing strategies.
Purpose:
To use the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework to identify predictors of leisure time physical activity among people with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Methods:
Six hundred ninety-five persons with SCI (M age=47; 76% male) completed measures of Body Functions and Structures, Activities and Participation, Personal Factors, and Environmental Factors at baseline and 6-months. Activity was measured at 6 and 18 months. Logistic and linear regression models were computed to prospectively examine predictors of activity status and activity minutes per day.
Results:
Models explained 19%-25% of variance in leisure time physical activity. Activities and Participation and Personal Factors were the strongest, most consistent predictors.
Conclusions:
The ICF framework shows promise for identifying and conceptualizing predictors of leisure time physical activity in persons with disability.
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