Development and Feasibility ofHealth Mechanics: A Self-Management Program for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Objective: We conducted a pilot study to examine the feasibility of administering an individual, in-person version of Health Mechanics, an innovative self-management program designed to teach individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) to maintain physical health and prevent secondary conditions. Methods: After baseline assessments, 27 participants were randomized using a 2:1 block design to either the experimental intervention or a usual care group. Thirteen of the 19 participants in the intervention group completed the program. Follow-up assessments were completed at 3 and 6 months after baseline. Results: Results suggest that the Health Mechanics intervention delivered in an in-person format was perceived as useful and relevant in addressing a diverse range of health issues with participants with a wide range of personal and impairment characteristics. However, attrition rates and barriers to recruitment suggested limitations in the acceptability of the format for this population. Conclusion: Additional research is needed to identify the populations that would most benefit from the program and the most efficacious context for administration.

Self-management of pain and depression in adults with spinal cord injury: A scoping review

“…Given the benefits of self-management strategies for the management of SCI, 36,37 as well as the prevalence and complexity of pain and depression, there is a need to improve our knowledge on existing self-management strategies and interventions to help people with SCI better cope with these significant complications. An individual's ability to self-manage their pain may be hindered by comorbid depression.…”