Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute- University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
Disabil Rehabil. 2022 Jul;44(14):3632-3640. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1878293. Epub 2021 Feb 9.
Activity-Based Therapy (ABT) targets recovery of function below the injury level in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This qualitative study is the first to capture the perspectives of individuals with SCI on community ABT programs in Canada.
Ten participants (6 males, aged 23.0-65.0 years, 2.5-23.0 years post-SCI) were recruited using purposive sampling, and completed semi-structured interviews. Interview questions explored benefits and challenges, facilitators and barriers to access, and motivations for participating in ABT. Themes were identified using conventional content analysis and collaboratively analyzed using the DEPICT model.
An overarching theme of ABT as a key part of participants' evolving and lifelong recovery process emerged. Motivations for initiating ABT included dissatisfaction with early rehabilitation, and a desire to improve function and stay active. Participants perceived that ABT contributed to neurological recovery, physical and mental health benefits, independence, and hope. Factors contributing to recovery and factors limiting accessibility and participation in ABT were identified. Participants discussed advocating for ABT, and how ABT empowered self-management.
ABT was perceived to play a significant role in promoting ongoing recovery and well-being in individuals with SCI. Addressing limitations in awareness and availability of ABT may improve participation in ABT programs.Implications for rehabilitationActivity-Based Therapy (ABT) targets recovery of function and sensation below the level of injury in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).ABT plays a key role in the evolving and lifelong recovery process of individuals with SCI.Participants reported that ABT has a positive impact on physical, functional, and psychosocial domains, leading to improved independence and quality of life.Awareness and availability of ABT remain limited, highlighting a need to further explore and address factors limiting access to this therapy.
活动为基础的治疗（ABT）的目标是恢复脊髓损伤（SCI）个体损伤水平以下的功能。本定性研究首次捕获了加拿大社区 ABT 计划中 SCI 个体的观点。
采用目的抽样法招募了 10 名参与者（6 名男性，年龄 23.0-65.0 岁，SCI 后 2.5-23.0 年），并完成了半结构化访谈。访谈问题探讨了益处和挑战、获得途径的促进因素和障碍以及参与 ABT 的动机。使用常规内容分析识别主题，并使用 DEPICT 模型共同分析。
出现了一个总体主题，即 ABT 是参与者不断发展和终身康复过程的关键部分。开始 ABT 的动机包括对早期康复的不满，以及改善功能和保持活跃的愿望。参与者认为 ABT 有助于神经恢复、身心健康益处、独立性和希望。确定了促进康复的因素和限制 ABT 可及性和参与的因素。参与者讨论了倡导 ABT，以及 ABT 如何增强自我管理能力。
ABT 被认为在促进 SCI 个体的持续康复和福祉方面发挥了重要作用。解决 ABT 意识和可用性方面的限制可能会提高 ABT 计划的参与度。
活动为基础的治疗（ABT）的目标是恢复脊髓损伤（SCI）个体损伤水平以下的功能和感觉。ABT 在 SCI 个体的不断发展和终身康复过程中起着关键作用。参与者报告 ABT 对身体、功能和心理社会领域有积极影响，导致独立性和生活质量提高。ABT 的意识和可用性仍然有限，这突出表明需要进一步探索和解决限制获得这种治疗的因素。
