A Wellness Program for Men With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Little is known about how participating in a wellness program influences the well-being of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this study is to explore how men with SCI describe their experiences and meaning of participating in a wellness center program, how they perceived these experiences as influencing their well-being, and how these experiences relate to co-occupations and occupational spin-off concepts. Investigators employed a descriptive qualitative design. Four adult males with an SCI participated in the study. Data collection methods included individual semi-structured interviews and observations. Participation in a wellness program positively influenced the physical, mental, and social well-being of participants. Findings expand our understanding of the value of social environment, social participation, co-occupations, and occupational spin-off. It is essential that occupational therapists promote occupational justice by advocating for clients so they can participate in wellness occupations in the community.

Exploring well-being services from the perspective of people with SCI: A scoping review of qualitative research

“…Background included literature about contribution of employment to QoL. Ekelman et al, ( 2017 ) USA Understand the experiences of participants of a fitness program for people with SCI and perceived influences on well-being, (particularly in relation to occupational science concepts) Semi-structured individual interviews, observation 4 men with SCI Aged 26–49 years C5-C3 tetraplegia 7.4 (1–22) years post-injury Accessible fitness program at a community wellness centre As defined by Wilcock, ( 2006 ): Physical well-being (health status and beliefs, and ability to perform valued activities); mental well-being (positive mood, self-esteem, coping, problem-solving, decision-making, meaning); and social well-being (relationships and making contributions). Well-being linked to occupations and physical activity.…”

“…Of the studies that defined well-being (or quality of life), four listed a broad range of well-being elements, relating to physical functioning, psychological/emotional resources and state, social functioning, independence and participation, and environmental accessibility (Ekelman et al, 2017 ; Hitzig et al, 2013 ; Maddick, 2011 ; Williams et al, 2014 ). One study defined quality of life as the gap between desired and actual achievements (Semerjian et al, 2005 ).…”

“…Some studies focused on a specific phenomenon they linked to well-being, including the following: occupations and meaningful activities (Ekelman et al, 2017 ; Folan et al, 2015 ; Luchauer & Shurtleff, 2015 ; Verdonck et al, 2018 ; Ward et al, 2007 ), physical activity (Ekelman et al, 2017 ; Taylor & McGruder, 1996 ), adaptive sports (Lape et al, 2018 ), leisure activities (Houlihan et al, 2003 ; Labbé et al, 2019 ; Taylor & McGruder, 1996 ), peer mentoring (Beauchamp et al, 2016 ; Chemtob et al, 2018 ), goal-setting ability and self-efficacy (Block et al, 2010 ; Folan et al, 2015 ; Wangdell et al, 2013 ), employment (Cotner et al, 2018 ; Ramakrishnan et al, 2016 ), computer/IT access (Folan et al, 2015 ; Mattar et al, 2015 ), coping (Brillhart & Johnson, 1997 ; Hutchinson et al, 2003 ; Zinman et al, 2014 ), choice and control (Labbé et al, 2019 ), autonomy (Nygren-Bonnier et al, 2018 ), social support (O’Dell et al, 2019 ; Veith et al, 2006 ), social participation (Tamplin et al, 2014 ), music (Tamplin et al, 2014 ), and use of environmental control systems (Verdonck et al, 2014 , 2011 ).…”

“… Geard et al, ( 2018 ) and Bergmark et al, ( 2008 ) Mobility training program Four 90-minute sessions/week continued until progress plateaued. Program began within 4 weeks of discharge from inpatient rehabilitation Step training on body weight supported treadmill, overground walking Exercise trainer Ekelman et al, ( 2017 ) Community fitness centre Community fitness centre designed for people with SCI 1:1 personal training Accessible and specialized equipment, e.g.,, body-weight supported treadmill, FES exercise machine, standing frame Lai et al, ( 2016 ) Teleexercise program Eight-week, 3x/week exercise program using upper body ergometer Real-time coaching and monitoring by an exercise trainer via tablet computer and biometric monitors Written instructions, visual targets for each session Initial setup conducted in-person Semerjian et al, ( 2005 ) Adapted exercise program Ten-week individualized exercise program Wheelchair-accessible weight machines, arm and leg ergometer (active and/or passive movement), standing frame with passive leg movement controlled by active arm movement, and body weight supported treadmill Various rehabilitation professionals Conti, Dimonte et al, ( 2020 ) Education Skill training and education Home visits, overnight leave, community outings Hall et al, ( 2021 ) Rehabilitation This study reported mostly limitations in specific rehabilitation activities Peer groups and support Most positive reports related to support of significant others, and own psychological resources ...…”

“… The authors hypothesized that positive outcomes may be related to intervention activities such as goal setting, community access, increased social networks, individual support and encouragement Not reported Contributing to society—giving back, sense of pride Financial independence Improved mood, confidence, self-esteem, purpose, hope New goals set once employment obtained, e.g.,, promotion, increased hours. Ekelman et al, ( 2017 ) Community fitness centre Supportive community of peers—socialization, support, acceptance, empathy, understanding, encouragement, motivation, positive examples Comfortable and non-judgemental environment for sharing personal and sensitive information, asking questions, advice Trainers: close relationship, positive attitude, provision of resources and advice, feeling like ‘more than just a client’. Compare this relationship favourably with rehabilitation experience.…”