Translating the international scientiﬁc spinal cord injury exercise guidelines into community and clinical practice guidelines: a Canadian evidence-informed resource

Spinal Cord, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-019-0410-1 · Published: January 16, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to translate international SCI exercise guidelines into practical guidelines for community and clinical settings in Canada. The process involved an expert panel of researchers and stakeholders who adapted the guidelines and developed supporting resources, using a systematic approach. The resulting guidelines and resources were pilot tested with adults with SCI and other end-users, and were found to be clear, useful, and appropriate.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Approximately 100 adults with SCI and other end-users

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The panel recommended combining two scientific exercise guidelines into a single message called “The Canadian SCI physical activity guidelines”.
2
They also suggested developing an online resource with layered educational and motivational information tailored to diverse end-users.
3
Pilot tests showed that the guidelines and supporting resource were perceived as clear, useful, and appropriate by adults with SCI and other end-users.

Research Summary

This study describes the translation of international scientific SCI exercise guidelines into Canadian community and clinical practice guidelines using community-engaged methods. The process involved an expert panel, systematic adaptation guided by AGREE II, and pilot testing with end-users, resulting in a single physical activity guideline message and an online supporting resource. The resulting Canadian SCI PAG and supporting resource were found to be clear, useful, and appropriate, offering a template for similar KT processes in other countries.

Practical Implications

Increased Knowledge and Awareness

The SCI PAG resource may lead to increased knowledge and awareness of the SCI PAG among Canadians with SCI, healthcare and ﬁtness professionals, and policymakers.

Promotion of Physical Activity

The resource may help Canadians with SCI to become more active and encourage healthcare professionals to discuss and prescribe PA in clinical settings.

Policy Development

The SCI PAG resource may assist policymakers in formulating policies to improve PA opportunities for Canadians with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Insufficient evidence to support fitness or health benefits of PA for people with acute SCI.
2
Insufficient evidence to draft specific recommendations for different types of activities (e.g., sports).
3
A lack of SCI-specific systematic reviews on effective PAG messaging.

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