Barriers to Leisure-Time Physical Activities in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the personal, environmental, and activity barriers to leisure-time physical activities (LTPAs) among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). A survey instrument was administered to 85 participants with SCI. Personal barriers to LTPAs included issues involving motivation, pain, scheduling, and financial resources. Environmental barriers marked the issues regarding availability and accessibility to specialized programs, activities, and professional services. Activity barriers included limitations in equipment, training, and personal skills required by the selected activities. Significant negative correlations were found between these barriers and the levels of physical activity and satisfaction with physical activity. While working with clients with SCI, occupational therapists should identify those LTPA barriers and possible solutions in order to establish individualized action plans for enhancing participation in LTPAs.

KEYWORDS:

• Exercise
• environmental barriers
• inactive lifestyle
• leisure-time physical activity
• spinal cord injury

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

About the Authors

Eric J. Hwang, PhD., OTR/L, Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, California State University, Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA, USA. Mary D. Groves, OTD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, California State University, Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA, USA. Jacqueline N. Sanchez, MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, Life Care Center, Columbia, TN, USA. Cassandra E. Hudson, MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, Re+active Physical Therapy and Wellness, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Rachel G. Jao, MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, DirectEd,Woodland Hills, CA, USA. Meghan E. Kroll, MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, Salinas, CA, USA.