Leisure-Time Physical Activity Participation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults With a Spinal Cord Injury in Australia

TL;DR

This study examines physical activity levels in middle-aged and older adults with spinal cord injuries in Australia and finds that many are not active enough.

Contribution

The study quantifies leisure-time physical activity in older adults with spinal cord injuries and identifies demographic factors associated with lower activity levels.

Findings

44% of participants reported no leisure-time physical activity.

Females and those with non-traumatic injuries engaged in less physical activity.

Time since injury was not significantly associated with physical activity levels.

Abstract

Adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) are often sedentary, increasing their risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Leisure-time Physical Activity (LTPA) is physical activity completed during recreation time for enjoyment. We aimed to quantify LTPA in people ≥45 years with SCI and to explore its relationship with participants’ characteristics.

This is a secondary analysis on a subset of the Australian International SCI Survey in participants ≥45 years, at least 12 months post-injury. We described levels of LTPA and used multivariable regressions to estimate the associations between participant characteristics and LTPA.

Of 1,281 participants (mean age: 62.7 years, mean time since injury: 18.7 years; 74% males) 44% reported no participation in LTPA. The average LTPA participation was 197 (SD 352) minutes per week (median: 50). Females (β = −62.3, 95% CI [−112.9, −11.7]), and participants with non-traumatic injuries (β = −105.2, 95% CI [−165.9, −44.6]) performed less LTPA. Time since injury was not associated with moderate-to-heavy LTPA (LR: Probability > F = 0.785).

LTPA promotion in the SCI population ≥45 years focusing on females and non-traumatic injuries is warranted.

Figures