Community-based exercise goals of persons with spinal cord injury: Interpreted using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1970896 · Published: February 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study explores what exercise goals are important to people with spinal cord injuries (PwSCI) living in the community. It aims to understand if PwSCI focus on health and fitness or on improving everyday activities through exercise. Researchers used the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to categorize the exercise goals of 55 participants in a community-based exercise facility. The study found that PwSCI want to improve their health and fitness, as well as their ability to perform daily activities like transferring and moving around. This information can help create better exercise programs for PwSCI in the community.

Study Duration

June 2017 through March 2020

Participants

Fifty-five PwSCI

Evidence Level

Qualitative descriptive study

Key Findings

1
Participants most frequently reported goals related to endurance, muscle strengthening, weight loss, activities of daily living, transferring, and home and community mobility.
2
The most commonly reported goals fell into five ICF domains: Functions of Cardiovascular, Hematological, Immunological, and Respiratory Systems; Neuromusculoskeletal and Movement-Related Functions; Structures Related to Movement; Mobility; and Self-Care.
3
PwSCI have multifaceted goals and linked their fitness and strength goals with improving their everyday life activities.

Research Summary

This study aimed to identify the most prominent themes among exercise goals stated by PwSCI within the community, finding a high rate of goals related to improving strength and endurance, which aligns with previous research. The research uniquely highlights that PwSCI often integrate their fitness and strength goals with the desire to improve everyday life activities. The study identifies existing gaps in community support and barriers to participation, emphasizing the need for better resources to enable PwSCI to achieve their goals.

Practical Implications

Informed Rehabilitation Practice

Rehabilitation professionals can use these findings to address specific topics with patients before discharge, ensuring a smoother transition to community-based exercise.

Community-Based Exercise Programs

Community centers should consider having trained professionals knowledgeable in transfer training, activities of daily living, and mobility to support PwSCI's participation in exercise.

Health Professional Awareness

Health professionals should recognize the importance of exercise for PwSCI's participation in everyday life, promoting and supporting accessible exercise opportunities.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size from one geographic location (the Midwest) in the United States.
2
The goals often lacked specific details.
3
The complexity of many of the goals resulted in some aspects of the participants’ goals not fitting neatly into any specific ICF code.

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