Feasibility of a virtual service delivery model to support physical activity engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic for those with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Background The current pandemic has reduced access to safe, monitored physical activity (PA) programs for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The use of telerehabilitation has the potential for continuing activity engagement without risking virus exposure. The present study evaluates the feasibility and efficacy of an online group-based PA program for persons with SCI. Methods This preliminary pre–post study delivered an online group-based PA program to persons with SCI. The program consisted of 1-hour sessions twice weekly for six weeks. Online PA satisfaction questionnaires were assessed at post-treatment. Psychosocial subscales from the NeuroQOL-SF were assessed. Results Participants were adult females between 3 and 32 years post-injury, 1 tetraplegic and 3 paraplegics ( n = 4). All participants were highly satisfied with the online instruction, overall content, and videoconferencing platform. Participants stated that the online program was beneficial for their overall physical and psychosocial wellbeing. The program resulted in improvement in anxiety and satisfaction with social roles and activities. Conclusion The current pilot study demonstrates the acceptability and limited efficacy of an online PA program for those with SCI. The program resulted in improved overall perceived wellbeing and satisfaction with social roles and activities. These results have important implications for the clinical implementation of online PA programs in a hospital and community setting.

Effects of telerehabilitation-based respiratory and corrective exercises among the elderly with thoracic hyper-kyphosis: a clinical trial

“…In recent years, it has been demonstrated that using telerehabilitation can result in considerable clinical gains; as a result, it appears to be on par with traditional clinical rehabilitation treatments [ 18 ]. For example, it is shown that with the contribution of online exercises, older adults with spinal cord injury can develop their well-being and experience greater life satisfaction during times like pandemics and when faced with challenges regarding in-person exercise programs [ 19 ]. As an example, an online Pilates exercise program was previously shown to improve trunk proprioception and muscle endurance significantly [ 20 ].…”

Applying the behaviour change wheel to assess the theoretical underpinning of a novel smartphone application to increase physical activity in adults with spinal cord injuries

“…Reduced physical activity levels can lead to an increased risk of secondary health complications, including worsening physiological and psychosocial health among those with SCI (10). This can negatively impact quality of life and participation in activities of daily living in this population (11,12).…”

“The best of a bad situation?” A mixed methods survey exploring patients’ perspectives on physiotherapy-led online group exercise programmes

“…Various studies have examined patient satisfaction with online group exercise programmes for specific clinical conditions including spinal cord injury [ 17 ], multiple sclerosis [ 18 ], Parkinson’s disease [ 19 ], pregnancy [ 20 ] and most notably in cardiac rehabilitation programmes [ 21 , 22 ] and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes [ 23 – 26 ]. One of these studies compared satisfaction with OGEPs compared to in-person programmes and found no difference [ 23 ].…”

“…One of these studies compared satisfaction with OGEPs compared to in-person programmes and found no difference [ 23 ]. Convenience and flexibility were regularly cited as advantages to OGEPs and improved accessibility was regularly cited as an important advantage particularly in the neurological populations [ 17 , 18 ].…”