A systematic framework to classify physical activity research for individuals with spina bifida

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Understanding physical activity (PA) research in the spina bifida (SB) population is crucial for advancing PA behaviors and health outcomes.
• The Behavioral Epidemiological Framework provides a systematic method to classify PA and SB literature across five developmental phases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically classify existing PA research for individuals with SB using the Behavioral Epidemiological Framework.
• To identify the primary focus areas of current PA research within the SB community.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature audit was performed using relevant search engines and keywords.
• Articles were coded by a research team with established inter-rater reliability based on inclusion criteria.
• Literature was categorized according to the five phases of the Behavioral Epidemiological Framework.

Main Results:

• Seventy-seven articles met the inclusion criteria and were classified.
• The majority of research (43%) falls into Phase 1 (linking behavior to health).
• Significant portions are in Phase 2 (21%) and Phase 3 (32%), with minimal research in Phase 4 (4%) and none in Phase 5 (0%).

Conclusions:

• Current PA research for SB predominantly resides in Phase 1, indicating early developmental stages.
• There is a need to advance research beyond Phase 1 to investigate factors influencing PA and develop effective interventions.
• Future research should focus on translating findings into practice to enhance PA behaviors in the SB population.