Evaluation of a Physical-Psychological Integrative (PPI) intervention for community-dwelling spinal cord injury survivors: Study protocol of a preliminary randomized controlled trial

PLOS ONE, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282846 · Published: March 20, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study evaluates a Physical-Psychological Integrative (PPI) online group intervention for spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors to improve physical activity, depression, and chronic pain. The PPI intervention combines physical activity training with online group psychological interventions using motivational interviewing and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques. The study will compare the PPI intervention group with a control group receiving an eight-week online didactic education program.

Study Duration

8 weeks intervention, 3-month follow-up

Participants

72 community-dwelling SCI survivors

Evidence Level

Pilot randomized controlled trial

Key Findings

1
The study aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the PPI intervention on physical inactivity, depression, and chronic pain in community-dwelling SCI survivors.
2
The intervention integrates physical activity promotion and psychological approaches to address both physical and psychological needs of SCI survivors.
3
The findings are expected to provide evidence supporting the use of the PPI intervention as a novel online group support for SCI survivors.

Research Summary

This study protocol outlines a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of a Physical-Psychological Integrative (PPI) online group intervention on community-dwelling spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors. The PPI intervention includes physical activity training and online group psychological interventions using motivational interviewing and mindfulness-based stress reduction. The study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention in reducing physical inactivity, depression, and chronic pain among SCI survivors in Hong Kong.

Practical Implications

Community Healthcare Services Improvement

The findings can potentially improve community healthcare services for the SCI population by addressing their health needs.

Future Research

The results will inform the development and implementation of a larger clinical trial to produce robust research evidence on the effects of PPI programs for the SCI population.

Innovative Intervention

The study could support the use of PPI intervention as a novel online group support, addressing both physical and psychological needs of community-dwelling SCI survivors.

Study Limitations

1
Participants cannot be blinded to interventions due to the nature of the intervention.
2
Assessor-blinding is not adopted as measurements are self-reported.
3
The relatively small sample size limits the internal and external validity of the study findings.

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