Re-conceptualising active living for individuals with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Adults with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) seeking an active lifestyle face exponentially increased challenges compared to the general population. Three dimensions commonly affected are physical activity, social participation and psychological activity. Physical inactivity among persons with SCI presents limits to life expectancy, increases secondary health conditions and susceptibility to illness and diminishes capacity for participation in all life activities. Restrictions to social participation and disruptions of daily habits may compromise feelings of connectedness or social support and prevent active involvement in social activity, thus increasing the risk of social isolation. Decreased or limited psychological activity contributes to the decline of psychological and emotional functioning, leading to depression, anxiety or substance abuse. An increase in active living across all three dimensions could insulate individuals with SCI from disease, thus increasing protective factors for health and wellbeing. This manuscript begins to conceptualise active living as involving physical, social and psychological activities.

Keywords:

• active living
• spinal cord injury
• physical activity
• social activity
• psychological living