OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES AND OUTDOOR-BASED ACTIVITIES AND INTERVENTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY: A SYSTEMATIC SCOPING REVIEW

This systematic scoping review examined outdoor activities and interventions among people with spinal cord injury. By analysing 89 peer-reviewed stu- dies, the research catalogued findings into 9 catego- ries under 3 themes. The first theme highlighted the varied experiences and outcomes of engaging in out- door recreational activities and nature exposure. The second theme focused on the facilitators and barriers encountered. The findings suggest the need for future research to further investigate outdoor-based rehabilitation and improve methodological quality. Promoting varied outdoor activities could support recovery by providing physical, psychological, and social health benefits.

• 1
  People with SCI mainly report posi- tive experiences from engaging with the natural environment and pursuing outdoor activities, but also experienced a range of barriers that need to be considered in both research and clinical prac- tice.
• 2
  Participants reported generally positive experiences with outdoor activities and nature, though they faced several obsta- cles.
• 3
  For individuals with SCI, barriers to outdoor activities and nature exposure included inaccessible environments, adverse weather, high costs, and lack of adaptive equipment.