Leisure Time Physical Activity of People with Spinal Cord Injury: Mainly with Clubs of Spinal Cord Injury Patients in Busan-Kyeongnam, Korea

Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2011 · DOI: 10.5535/arm.2011.35.5.613 · Published: October 1, 2011

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) spend their free time doing physical activities. It aims to find out how much time they spend on these activities and what factors influence their choices. The study also explores the satisfaction levels associated with these leisure activities and the limitations faced by SCI patients in pursuing them.

Study Duration

June to December, 2010

Participants

79 persons with SCI living in Busan and Gyongsangnam-do

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants reported a daily mean of 3.13 hours of leisure time physical activity, but 3.8% reported no LTPA.
2
Years post-injury, income sources, and type of medical payment emerged as predictors of LTPA.
3
Wheeling, sports, and stretching exercise were the most frequently reported types of LTPA, but there was overall dissatisfaction with LTPA.

Research Summary

The study investigated the leisure activities of chronic SCI patients, focusing on physical activity, its extent, intensity, and associated satisfaction levels. The results indicated that while daily LTPA hours were longer than previously reported, wheeling constituted a significant portion of this activity, and the intensity was generally moderate. The study highlights the importance of regular LTPA for health purposes for people with chronic SCI, while also noting the low employment rate and the need for job opportunities.

Practical Implications

Promote regular LTPA

Encouraging regular leisure time physical activity is important for the health and well-being of people with chronic SCI.

Address employment issues

Improving employment opportunities and vocational training can enhance the economic circumstances and overall satisfaction of SCI patients.

Expand social facilities

Expanding general social facilities can improve satisfaction levels and increase physical activity hours during leisure time.

Study Limitations

1
The findings apply only to SCI patients in the Busan Kyeongnam area and cannot be generalized to all the country.
2
The subjects for this research were recruited from the chronic SCI patients attending spinal cord injury clubs.
3
The extent of wheeling as one of the physical leisure activities may have been inflated.

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