Videoconference-Delivered Group-Based Physical Activity Self-Regulatory Support for Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Promotion
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Barriers to physical activity in spinal cord injury (SCI) include time and transportation.
• Videoconferencing offers a potential solution for delivering interventions remotely.
• Self-regulatory skills training is crucial for sustained physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a group videoconference intervention for leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) self-regulatory skills training.
• To evaluate intervention management, group dynamics, and initial efficacy in adults with SCI.
• To explore the potential of videoconferencing for LTPA support in this population.

Main Methods:

• A group videoconference intervention was delivered weekly for four sessions.
• Feasibility was assessed using session implementation checklists and self-report surveys.
• Measures included attendance, session duration, participant ratings (cohesion, comprehension, platform ease), and knowledge exchange.

Main Results:

• High attendance (91.7%) and average session duration of 79.6 minutes.
• Participants reported high satisfaction with group cohesion, facilitator collaboration, content comprehension, and platform usability.
• Knowledge sharing indicated active learning and group cohesion (18-58 exchanges/session).
• LTPA frequency increased in 44% of participants; 22% met aerobic guidelines.

Conclusions:

• Group videoconferencing is a feasible and promising method for delivering LTPA self-regulatory skills training to adults with SCI.
• The intervention demonstrated positive initial effects on LTPA and engagement.
• Further long-term research is needed to confirm behavioral and self-regulatory effects.