![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
Abstract
Context/Objective: After an individual with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) participates in the initial rehabilitation process, they often experience limited access to physical therapy services and other fitness activities. The purpose of this study was to examine previously collected data for changes in quality of life (QoL) and functional reach in individuals with SCI following an 8-week community exercise program.
Design: Secondary analysis of previously collected data.
Setting: Community-based exercise program.
Participants: Twenty-two participants with an average of 9 years post-SCI, both complete and incomplete injuries, and injury levels ranging from C2 to L5.
Interventions: Participants completed an 8-week program, once per week for 4 hours that included a four-station circuit of resistance training, aerobic exercise, trunk stability, and education.
Outcome Measures: Physical function was measured using the modified Functional Reach Test (mFRT). QoL was measured with the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-9 (LiSAT-9).
Results: The mFRT improved by 2 inches (±7.04) P < 0.001 and QoL improved as well, P < 0.001.
Conclusion: The findings of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that a supervised post-rehabilitation community exercise program, like Spinal Mobility, may positively impact the QoL and functional reach in individuals with SCI.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the Spinal Mobility Program for their cooperation with this project.
Disclaimer statements
Contributors All authors reviewed and participated in the writing of the manuscript.
Funding None.
Conflict of interest Authors have no conflict of interests.
Ethics approval This work was approved by the institutional review board.
Notes
* All research was conducted at Columbia University.