Experiences of Participants with Spinal Cord Injury at an Active Rehabilitation Camp

This study explores the benefits of active rehabilitation (AR) camps for people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). The researchers were interested in physical, social, and psychological improvements experienced during the camp, and fitness and mastery of physical activity six months later. The study combined surveys and interviews to gather information from participants before, during, and after the camp. The data was analyzed to understand how different factors, such as age, injury type, and motivation, influenced the benefits experienced by participants. The findings suggest that AR camps are particularly helpful for improving social connections and psychological well-being. Physical benefits were more noticeable for younger individuals with more recent injuries. Six months after the camp, participants who were already motivated and somewhat active felt more confident in their ability to exercise.

• 1
  Benefits were mainly experienced in the social and psychological domains.
• 2
  Younger and more recently injured persons with tetraplegia reported more physical benefits.
• 3
  Being in the preparation stage of change and being somewhat physically active were necessary and sufficient conditions for experiencing mastery of physical activity six months after the camp.