Testing the feasibility of training peers with a spinal cord injury to learn and implement brief action planning to promote physical activity to people with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objective: The present study tested the feasibility of training peers with spinal cord injury (SCI) to learn brief action planning (BAP), an application of motivational interviewing principles, to promote physical activity to mentees with SCI. Method: Thirteen peers with SCI attended a half-day BAP workshop. Using a one-arm, pre-, post-test design, feasibility to learn BAP was assessed in terms of peers' (1) BAP and motivational interviewing spirit competence; (2) training satisfaction; and (3) motivations to use BAP as assessed by measures of the theory of planned behavior constructs. Measures were taken at baseline, immediately post-training, and 1 month follow up. Results: Following the training, participants' BAP and motivational interviewing competence significantly increased (P's < 0.05, d's > 2.27). Training satisfaction was very positive with all means falling above the scale midpoint. Participants' perceived behavioral control to use BAP increased from baseline to post (P < 0.05, d = 0.91) but was not maintained at follow up (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Training peers with a SCI to learn to use BAP is feasible. Practical implications: BAP is a tool that can be feasibly learned by peers to promote physical activity to their mentees.Keywords: Spinal cord injury, Peers, Motivational interviewing, Brief action planning, Physical activity IntroductionDespite the physical, psychological and social benefits of physical activity for people with spinal cord injury (SCI), physical activity promotion initiatives are sparse and physical activity participation rates are low among the SCI population. [1][2][3] In recent years, physical activity guidelines for people with SCI were released and intervention studies have successfully identified behaviour change techniques (e.g. goal setting and action planning) to promote physical activity to people with SCI. [4][5][6][7] Initial attempts to disseminate these guidelines and interventions have focused on event-based initiatives and passive mass media-based communication; however, evaluations of these initiatives indicate further efforts are needed to disseminate evidence-based physical activity promotion information and interventions to people with SCI. 8 Peers promoting physical activityPeers with a SCI have been identified as ideal individuals to promote physical activity within the SCI population. In general, peers are described as mentors with a SCI who provide encouragement and information to help individuals with SCI throughout their rehabilitation. 9These individuals may be volunteers or paid employees. Individuals with SCI perceive peers as credible messengers of physical activity information because peers can tailor information to an individual's specific needs. 10,11Correspondence to: Amy Latimer-Cheung 12 To gain further understanding of the role of peers for impacting physical activity behavior, research is needed to determine effective and feasible methods for peers to promote physical activity information to the SCI population. Motivational interviewingMotivatio...

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