Leisure time physical activity in persons with spinal cord injury across the seasons

ABSTRACT

Objectives

The main goal of this study was to assess the level of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and its differentiation across the seasons among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The additional aim was to determine whether socio-demographical, injury, and seasonal factors are determinants of LTPA.

Methods

This study included 51 adults with SCI, who completed the LTPA questionnaire for persons with SCI during a calendar year in the middle of four seasons, and demographic questionnaire. A multiple regression analysis was used to examine the role of socio-demographical, injury, and seasonal variables, as determinants of LTPA.

Results

The levels of LTPA were differentiated throughout the seasons. Three models containing variables related to LTPA were created. All models were significant, for mild LTPA (F = 10.01, r² = 0.21), moderate LTPA (F = 5.24, r² = 0.9), and heavy LTPA (F = 7.09, r² = 0.6). Age at the time of study, lack of employment, tetraplegia, and shorter time since injury were significantly, negatively associated with LTPA.

Conclusion

LTPA in persons with SCI differs significantly in relation to the seasons throughout a year. The season of the year should be considered in future studies and interventions on LTPA in adults with SCI.

KEYWORDS:

• Spinal cord injury
• physical activity
• leisure-time physical activity
• seasonal variation
• longitudinal

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Piotr K. Urbański

Piotr K. Urbański is a graduate of the Adam Mickiewicz University and the Poznań University of Physical Education in Poland, Ph.D. in Physical Culture Sciences (2018), President of the Active Without Boundaries Foundation, associate of the Polish Paralympic Committee.

Ryan T. Conners

Ryan T. Conners ATC, Ph.D. (Ph.D. Degree 2016, M.S. Degree 2010, B.S. Degree 2008) works as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Alabama in Huntsville in The United States of America.

Tomasz Tasiemski

Tomasz Tasiemski Ph.D. (Ph.D. degree 1997, post-doctoral degree 2008, full professor 2018) works as a Dean of Faculty of Sport Sciences and Head of Department of Adapted Physical Activity at the Poznań University of Physical Education in Poland.