Physical activity and life satisfaction among individuals with spinal cord injury: Exploring loneliness as a possible mediator

This study explores the link between physical activity, loneliness, and life satisfaction in individuals with spinal cord injury or dysfunction (SCI/D). It recognizes the benefits of physical activity and the negative impacts of loneliness, particularly on life satisfaction for those with SCI/D. The research aims to understand if physical activity can reduce loneliness and if loneliness influences the relationship between physical activity and life satisfaction in people with SCI/D. The findings suggest that physical activity is associated with lower levels of loneliness, which in turn contributes to higher life satisfaction among individuals with SCI/D. This highlights the importance of considering physical activity as a way to improve both physical and psychosocial wellbeing in this population.

• 1
  There is a significant negative correlation between leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and loneliness among individuals with SCI/D.
• 2
  Loneliness significantly mediates the relationship between LTPA and life satisfaction, suggesting that LTPA may improve life satisfaction by reducing feelings of loneliness.
• 3
  Living situation was a significant covariate, with individuals living alone reporting lower life satisfaction compared to those living with others.