Knowledge mobilization regarding activity and exercise after spinal cord injury: a Canadian undergraduate curriculum scan

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct a curriculum scan of Canadian undergraduate university programs to determine the relative emphasis placed on the activity and exercise after spinal cord injury (SCI), in the context of physical disability studies. Method: Eighty-three Canadian Universities were evaluated for courses discussing: (i) general information about SCI, (ii) physical activity and exercise after SCI, (iii) general information about other physical disabilities and (iv) physical activity and exercise for such disabilities. Online course calendars (2009) were scanned, and their accuracy was verified by instructors or administrative assistants. Results: The curriculum scan revealed 113 courses that discuss physical disability. Seventy-four of these courses cover information regarding SCI, 47 of which include content relating to activity and exercise. In comparison, 104 courses discuss other physical disabilities, 76 of which cover material related to activity and exercise. Further, the 47 courses that cover activity and exercise after SCI are only offered in 22 Canadian Universities, and only 31 are mandatory for a degree. Conclusions: A substantial number of future healthcare professionals lack exposure to material regarding activity and exercise after SCI during their undergraduate education. This curricular oversight likely contributes to ineffective exercise strategies and the relative inactivity of the SCI population.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Individuals with spinal cord injury are relatively inactive due to the many physical, psychological and social barriers they face regarding activity and exercise participation.

• Effective knowledge mobilization regarding activity and exercise after SCI to future healthcare providers is an essential step in promoting participation.

• This undergraduate curriculum scan showed that students lack exposure to issues regarding the activity and exercise after SCI in Canadian Universities.

• The lack of effective knowledge mobilization in this area likely contributes to the low levels of activity and exercise participation in the SCI population.

Keywords::

• Education
• knowledge translation
• physical disability

Declaration of Interest: This study was funded by a Community-University Research Alliance Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The authors report no conflicts of interest.