Exploring Physical Activity Maintenance Among Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A Multiple Case Study

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Kinesiology
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Maintaining physical activity is crucial for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
• Understanding the facilitators of long-term physical activity engagement in adults with SCI is essential for developing effective support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively explore the mechanisms and strategies adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) employ to maintain physical activity participation.
• To identify key themes that support sustained engagement in physical activity following rehabilitation for SCI.

Main Methods:

• A multiple case study design involving four adults with SCI (aged 20-44) who maintained physical activity for over a year post-rehabilitation.
• Conducted three semi-structured interviews per case (two with the participant, one with a facilitator), supplemented by activity diaries and photographs.
• Utilized inductive thematic analysis for individual case analysis, followed by a cross-case analysis to identify common themes.

Main Results:

• Four primary themes emerged supporting physical activity maintenance: (1) ease of engagement, (2) gratification derived from participation, (3) consistency in the behavior, and (4) self-awareness of health benefits.
• Individual case results detailed specific reasons and facilitators for sustained physical activity participation.
• Photographs and activity diaries provided contextual insights into the physical activity environments and experiences.

Conclusions:

• Ease of engagement, enjoyment, behavioral consistency, and perceived health benefits are critical factors for physical activity maintenance in adults with SCI.
• These findings offer novel insights into facilitators of physical activity maintenance and inform strategies for supporting long-term participation.
• Further research into physical activity maintenance among adults with SCI is warranted to enhance rehabilitation outcomes and promote lifelong health.