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  4. Participation in Organized Sports Is Positively Associated with Employment in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

Participation in Organized Sports Is Positively Associated with Employment in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 2013 · DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e3182876a5f · Published: May 1, 2013

Spinal Cord InjuryParticipationOccupational Health

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the relationship between participating in organized sports and being employed for adults with spinal cord injuries. It aims to identify if engaging in sports programs can positively influence employment rates within this population. The research involved 149 adults with chronic spinal cord injuries, assessing their participation in organized sports and employment status. Factors like age, education, and BMI were considered to determine their impact on employment. The study found that adults with spinal cord injuries who participate in organized sports are more likely to be employed. This suggests sports participation could be a beneficial factor in helping individuals with spinal cord injuries find employment.

Study Duration
August 2009 and January 2011
Participants
149 adults with chronic spinal cord injury
Evidence Level
Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

  • 1
    Participation in organized sports was significantly associated with employment (odds ratio, 2.4; P = 0.04) after adjusting for age, education, and body mass index.
  • 2
    Employment was associated with younger age (P = 0.001) and a higher level of education (P = 0.01), while obesity decreased the likelihood of employment (P = 0.04).
  • 3
    Sex, duration of injury, wheelchair use, and participation in individually planned exercise were not significantly associated with employment (P = 0.16–0.94).

Research Summary

This study aimed to determine the association between participation in organized sports programs and employment in adults with chronic spinal cord injury. The results showed that participation in organized sports was positively associated with employment, independent of age, level of education, and BMI. The authors suggest that factors related to increased socialization and self-confidence from team sport participation may contribute to the likelihood of returning to work.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Organized sports can be used as a rehabilitation strategy to improve employment outcomes for adults with SCI.

Social and Psychological Benefits

Participation in organized sports provides social interaction, peer mentoring, and boosts self-confidence, which can positively influence employment prospects.

Further Research

Further studies are needed to determine the causative nature of the association between sports participation and employment, and to understand the specific factors related to sports participation that contribute to this association.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Unmeasured environmental and social factors may have confounded the data.
  • 2
    Heterogeneity in the types of organized sports participated in.
  • 3
    Self-reported data on participation in organized sports (yes/no) lacked information on quantity and degree of participation.

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