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"It Helps Me With Everything": A Qualitative Study of the Importance of Exercise for Individuals With Spinal Cord
Roxanna N Pebdani1, Jesus Leon2, Deborah S Won3
1The University of Sydney, Centre for Disability Research and Policy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia.
Background:
The influence of exercise after spinal cord injury (SCI) is a topic important to both clinicians and researchers. The impact of exercise for individuals with SCI is often studied quantitively, with a large focus on the physiological adaptations to exercise intervention.
Objectives:
This study explores individualized experiences of exercise for people with SCI.
Methods:
A phenomenological approach was utilized to qualitatively study the experiences of exercise for 16 individuals with SCI.
Results:
Participants described multiple benefits of exercise, including increased independence, improved mental health, and increased engagement in social activity.
Conclusion:
This study provides novel information about attitudes toward exercise held by individuals with SCI and a more thorough understanding of concepts that are well researched.
