Participant-reported priorities and preferences for developing a home-based physical activity telemonitoring program for persons with tetraplegia: a qualitative analysis

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-019-0188-6 · Published: April 22, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

This study explores the views of individuals with tetraplegia on physical activity and their suggestions for creating a physical activity program using telemonitoring. The participants discussed their daily challenges, what improvements were most important to them, and their social support systems. They also provided recommendations for the design of a telemonitoring-based physical activity program, including schedule variations, diverse activities, and optional video interaction with classmates.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

7 adults with tetraplegia

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants favored the idea of a physical activity program delivered through telemonitoring and offered ideas for its design.
2
Common challenges to physical activity were identified, aligning with previous larger studies involving individuals with tetraplegia.
3
Participants prioritized arm/hand function, sensation, and mobility improvements.

Research Summary

This qualitative study explored the perceptions and priorities of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) for physical activity and to incorporate their feedback to inform future development of a physical activity program delivered via a telemonitoring platform. Participants favorably viewed the concept of a physical activity program delivered via a telemonitoring platform and contributed program design ideas. Participants perceived multiple potential beneﬁts of a physical activity for persons with SCI delivered via telemonitoring. Participants had several practical suggestions to optimize design and delivery of such a program.

Practical Implications

Program Design

Incorporate varied schedules, diverse activities, and optional social interaction features in telemonitoring programs.

Individualized Goals

Recognize that goals and priorities differ among individuals, tailoring programs to specific needs.

Pilot Studies

Conduct pilot studies to test the feasibility and effectiveness of telemonitoring interventions in this population.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size (N=7)
2
Focus on persons with tetraplegia limits generalizability to other SCI populations.
3
Study activities were deemed not human subject research by the local institutional IRB research and therefore did not require IRB review.

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