Physical Activity and Perceived Barriers In Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury In Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional...

Spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs physical function and quality of life (QoL), and physical activity is important for health maintenance; however, participation may be influenced by multiple barriers. This cross-sectional study (May-September 2024) recruited 50 individuals with SCI in Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling via outpatient clinics and online distribution. Data were collected through structured interviews or self-administered surveys using identical questionnaires, including demographics, lesion characteristics, physical activity levels using the Arabic Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD-AR), awareness of physical activity recommendations, and perceived barriers and facilitators. Descriptive analyses were performed. The PASIPD score was 12.94 (4.48-26.86) MET-hr/day (median [IQR]) and 17.25 ± 15.35 MET-hr/day (mean ± SD). Awareness of recommendations was reported by 32% of participants, while 10% and 4% correctly identified aerobic and strength recommendations, respectively. The most frequently reported barrier was lack of suitable facilities (42%), and the most commonly reported facilitator was maintaining a healthy body (74%). Individuals with SCI in Saudi Arabia reported lower PASIPD scores compared with previous studies and limited awareness of recommendations, alongside commonly reported environmental and informational barriers.