Do people with spinal cord injury meet the WHO recommendations on physical activity?

OBJECTIVES

To describe physical activity (PA) levels in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to investigate associated factors.

METHODS

PA behavior of people with SCI in Switzerland was assessed in a community survey with four items from the Physical Activity Scale for individuals with physical disabilities (PA of light, moderate, and strenuous intensity and muscle-strengthening exercises). In addition to descriptive analyses, the odds of performing PA according to the WHO recommendations (at least 2.5 h/week of at least moderate intensity) were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 485; aged 52.9 ± 14.8; 73.6 % male) carried out PA a total of 6.0 h/week (median). 18.6 % were physically inactive, 50.3 % carried out muscle-strengthening exercises, and 48.9 % fulfilled the WHO recommendations. Regression analyses showed that women, people aged 71+, and people with complete tetraplegia had significantly lower odds of fulfilling the WHO recommendations than participants in the respective reference category (men, ages 17-30, incomplete paraplegia).

CONCLUSIONS

PA levels of people with SCI in Switzerland are rather high. However, some subgroups need special consideration when planning interventions to increase PA levels.