Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109809

Melinda T. Neri, BA, Thilo Kroll, PhD, Suzanne Groah, MD, and Brenda Gilmore, BA. Center for Health & Disability Research, National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010, (202) 877-1038, melinda.t.neri@medstar.net

Objective: To incorporate a peer component into the design of home and community-based exercise programs for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Twenty adults with SCI participated in four focus groups in the greater Washington, DC area in the fall of 2004. Discussion topics included barriers and facilitators to exercise, exercise habits and physical activities, and preferred exercise formats with and without peer support. Focus groups lasted 90 minutes and were audiotaped and transcribed. Transcripts were then analyzed using comparative content coding. Results: Barriers to exercise included inaccessible and unsafe exercise facilities and equipment, as well as a lack of SCI-related knowledge among facility staff. Facilitators included accessible facilities and equipment, the opportunity to exercise independently, and availability of knowledgeable trainers. Common exercise activities included swimming, lifting free weights, and range of motion exercises. Suggestions for peer support to promote exercise focused on goal setting and problem-solving, as well as knowledge transfer about how to exercise safely and effectively, alone or with others. Peers who were experienced and skilled in particular sports or activities (e.g., tennis or horseback riding) could also teach and engage others with SCI. Conclusions: Adults with SCI recommended a variety of ways for peers to be involved in exercise programs. Their suggestions will be incorporated in the development and implementation of home and community-based exercise programs for people with SCI.

Learning Objectives:

• To describe common barriers and facilitators to exercise and physical activity from the perspective of individuals with spinal cord injury
• To identify the preferences of individuals with spinal cord injury in regards to exercise programs incorporating peer involvement

Keywords: Exercise, Disability

Related Web page: www.sci-health.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation