A Web-Based Physical Activity Portal for Individuals Living With a Spinal Cord Injury: Qualitative Study

The population with a spinal cord injury (SCI) largely remains inactive following discharge from rehabilitation despite evidence on the benefits of physical activity. These individuals need to develop skills to self-manage their condition in order to prevent secondary comorbidities and rehospitalization. A Web-based physical activity portal can address this need. Few Web-based interventions incorporate theoretical frameworks, behavior change techniques, and modes of delivery into their design.

This study aimed to identify the preferred features of a Web-based self-management physical activity portal through stakeholder engagement with individuals with a spinal cord injury and health care professionals (HCPs).

An interpretative phenomenology methodology and participatory design, along with an integrated knowledge translation approach, were used to conduct this study. Convenience sampling was used to recruit individuals with an SCI living in the community, who were either interested or already engaging in physical activity, and HCPs working with individuals with an SCI, from three city-based rehabilitation sites. Individual 1-hour sessions involving navigation of an existing website and a semistructured interview were conducted with all participants. Individuals with an SCI completed a demographics questionnaire prior to the individual sessions, while demographic information of the HCPs was collected during their interviews. Additionally, all participants were asked a question on their intention to use or recommend a portal. An in-depth thematic analysis was used to derive themes from participants' responses.

Thirteen individuals with an SCI and nine HCPs participated in the study. Five core themes emerged: (1) knowledge: guidance and barrier management; (2) possibility of achievement: the risks and benefits of physical activity and modelling; (3) self-regulation strategies: action planning, goal setting, tracking, rewards, and reminders; (4) interactivity: peers and professionals; and (5) format: appearance, language, and ease of use. The mean (median) ratings of the likelihood of promoting and using a Web-based portal tailored to individuals' needs were 9.00 (8.78) and 7.75 (7.88) for HCPs and individuals with an SCI, respectively.

This study highlights features of an online self-management platform that can provide individuals with an SCI the motivation and volition to engage in physical activity. These findings will inform the design of a Web-based self-management physical activity portal to increase physical activity adherence and behavior change.