A national survey of physical activity after spinal cord injury

This study uses data from a large Canadian health survey to compare physical activity levels between people with and without spinal cord injuries (SCI). It also looks at how lifestyle and socioeconomic factors relate to physical activity in the SCI population. The study found that people with SCI are significantly less physically active than the general population, even after considering factors like age, sex, and income. This suggests that there are specific barriers to physical activity for people with SCI. The research indicates that promoting physical activity in people with SCI is crucial for their health. It highlights the need for targeted interventions, especially for those with lower incomes and education levels, to address the unique challenges they face in being physically active.

• 1
  People with SCI have significantly reduced physical activity levels compared to the general population across three measures: leisure time activity frequency, leisure time activity intensity, and transportation time activity intensity.
• 2
  The association between physical activity and lifestyle factors differs in people with and without SCI. For instance, in the SCI population, there was no association between physical activity level and sex, body mass index, migraines, or smoking.
• 3
  In both groups, increased physical activity levels were associated with factors such as not being diagnosed with hypertension, eating more fruits and vegetables, greater household income, greater education levels, better mental health, lower stress levels, reduced likelihood of mood disorders, and reduced anxiety.