# 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.

## Key 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.