What Are Personal Meanings of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity in Individuals Living With Spinal Cord Injury? A Qualitative Exploration

This study explores what healthy eating and physical activity mean to people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Understanding these personal meanings can help healthcare providers create better programs and advice for weight management. The study found that people with SCI define healthy eating based on the types and amounts of food, mindful eating, and eating to improve health. They want diets tailored to their specific injury level and easy-to-prepare healthy foods. Physical activity means different things, including specific exercises, staying generally active, any kind of movement, and how it differs from activity for people without SCI. Participants want information on wheelchair-friendly cardio and ways to burn calories.

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  Healthy eating for individuals with SCI revolves around types of food, amounts/portions, mindful eating, and eating to enhance health, with specific requests for tailored dietary information.
• 2
  Physical activity/exercise for individuals with SCI encompasses types of activity, staying active, movement, and differences from non-SCI, with a desire for information on wheelchair-accessible cardiovascular workouts.
• 3
  Participants expressed interest in information about accessible parks and safe routes for wheelchair use to promote physical activity and overcome environmental barriers.