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Hicks AL, Martin KA, Ditor DS, Latimer AE, Craven C, Bugaresti J, et al. Long-term exercise training in persons with spinal cord injury: Effects on strength, arm ergometry performance and psychological well-being. Spinal Cord. 2003; 41(1): 34-43.

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Article

Group Tele-exercise for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

2Health Sciences Department, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

3Creative Arts Therapy Department, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA


Journal of Physical Activity Research. 2022, Vol. 7 No. 1, 10-17
DOI: 10.12691/jpar-7-1-3
Copyright © 2021 Science and Education Publishing

Cite this paper:
Margaret Finley, Laura Baehr, Michael Bruneau Jr., Girija Kaimal. Group Tele-exercise for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study. Journal of Physical Activity Research. 2022; 7(1):10-17. doi: 10.12691/jpar-7-1-3.

Correspondence to: Margaret  Finley, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA. Email: maf378@drexel.edu

Abstract

This pilot study used a mixed methods approach to determine outcomes of a group tele-exercise program to promote physical and psychosocial well-being (mood), quality of life (QOL) and enhanced physical activity for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Eleven volunteers with SCI participated in virtual group exercise consisting of mind-body movement practice to build strength, fitness, confidence, and QOL. An experienced community exercise instructor and a trained co-leader with lived experience of SCI co-taught each session. Qualitative group interviews and quantitative measures of QOL, mood, pain interference and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) were obtained at baseline and 8-weeks. Increased QOL and reduced pain interference were found following the program, with moderate-to-large effect sizes for increased LTPA. Strong associations among pain interference, mood, QOL and LTPA change were identified. Our novel tele-exercise program demonstrated promise for utility to increase LTPA engagement while enhancing QOL and well-being in individuals with SCI.

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