A qualitative interview study on how people with incomplete spinal cord injury experience high-intensity walking exercise

This study explores how individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries (SCI) feel about doing high-intensity walking exercises after they leave the hospital. It looks at their experiences, what motivates them, and the challenges they face. The study found that while people are motivated to participate and hope to improve, physical challenges like muscle weakness and balance issues make it hard to do the exercises, especially on a treadmill. They need to focus more on just walking, which takes away from the exercise's intensity. The research suggests that exercise programs should be tailored to each person's specific needs and challenges after a spinal cord injury. It is important to consider their experiences and adjust the exercises accordingly to help them get the most out of rehabilitation.

• 1
  Participants were motivated by hope for improvement and a sense of security from supervision but faced challenges due to bodily impairments.
• 2
  Bodily impairments, such as muscle weakness and reduced balance, increased fear of falling and concentration requirements during exercise.
• 3
  Participants used adaptation strategies, such as altering exercise mode or relying on visual input, to compensate for impairments and achieve the target intensity.