Factors associated with sports participation amongst people with spinal cord injury in a Malaysian tertiary hospital

This study aimed to identify factors that influence sports participation among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Malaysia. It compared sports participants to non-sports participants to find key differences. The research found that having a traumatic SCI and a pre-injury interest in sports were strong predictors of continued sports participation after the injury. Other factors like pre-injury sports involvement, employment, and driving ability were also positively associated. These findings suggest that encouraging sports among SCI patients, especially those with prior interest or traumatic injuries, and removing barriers to employment and transportation could significantly improve their community reintegration and overall well-being.

• 1
  Traumatic SCI was an independent predictor of sports participation post-SCI.
• 2
  Pre-injury interest in sports was an independent predictor of sports participation post-SCI.
• 3
  Pre-injury sports participation, being employed, and the ability to drive own vehicles were positively associated with sports participation.