Influence of Sport Participation on Community Integration and Quality of Life: A Comparison Between Sport Participants and Non-Sport Participants With Spinal Cord Injury

J Spinal Cord Med, 2009 · DOI: · Published: April 1, 2009

Spinal Cord Injury Orthopedics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) who participate in sports have better community integration and quality of life (QoL) compared to those who do not participate in sports. Ninety individuals with SCI were divided into two groups: those who participate in sports and those who do not. The study measured their community integration using the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) and their QoL using the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNL). The results showed that sport participants had higher CIQ and RNL scores than non-sport participants, indicating better community integration and QoL. People who participated in sports before their injury were also more likely to participate in sports after their injury.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

90 (45 sport participants, 45 non-sport participants) with SCI (ASIA Impairment Scale A–D), level C5 or below

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
CIQ and QoL scores were higher among sport participants compared to non-sport participants, indicating better community integration and quality of life for those involved in sports.
2
Sport participants were significantly more likely to have high CIQ and QoL scores compared to non-sport participants, with odds ratios of 4.75 and 7.00, respectively.
3
Individuals who participated in sports prior to their spinal cord injury were more likely to continue participating in sports post-injury, highlighting the importance of pre-existing sport involvement.

Research Summary

This cross-sectional study compared community integration and quality of life (QoL) between sport participants and non-sport participants with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that sport participants had significantly higher Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) and Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNL) scores compared to non-sport participants. Logistic regression analysis indicated that sport participants were more likely to have high CIQ and RNL scores. However, after adjusting for confounders such as age, transportation, region, and employment, the significance of sport participation diminished. The study also found that pre-SCI sport participation was a significant predictor of post-SCI sport participation, suggesting that individuals with a history of sport involvement are more likely to continue participating in sports after sustaining a spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Promote Sports Participation

Encourage sports participation as an adjunct to current SCI rehabilitation programs to improve rehabilitation outcomes and enhance community integration and QoL.

Address Barriers to Sports Access

Address barriers such as lack of sports programs in rural areas, transportation issues, and fears of further injury to increase sports participation among individuals with SCI.

Recognize Pre-SCI Sport History

Recognize and flag pre-SCI sport participation during the rehabilitation process to promote post-SCI sport participation and improve community integration.

Study Limitations

1
Potential recruitment bias due to the non-sport group being recruited entirely from outpatient clinics.
2
Sampling bias with a high percentage of the sport participant group involved in team sports.
3
The threshold values for the CIQ and RNL to define positive community integration and QoL were arbitrary and lacked validation.

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