Miss Vicki Siapantas1, Prof. Saravana Kumar2, Mr Robert Barnard3
1South Australian Spinal Cord Injury Service, CALHN, SA Health, Adelaide, Australia, 2University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia, 3Centre of Physical Activity and Ageing, CALHN, SA Health, Adelaide, Australia
Biography:
Miss Vicki Siapantas is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with the South Australian Spinal Cord Injury Service (SASCIS) at the Repat Hospital. She holds an Honours Degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the University of South Australia. Her current work focuses on enhancing the Exercise Physiology service delivery within SASCIS to ensure optimal long-term health outcomes. Miss Siapantas is particularly passionate about the impact of Exercise Physiology services in both acute and sub-acute neurological rehabilitation settings, an evolving field within the public health system.
Abstract:
Objectives:
Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) engage in less physical activity (PA) than the general population. Increased sedentary time reduces muscular strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness, increasing dependence and secondary complications. While PA is high during in-patient rehabilitation, long-term maintenance is challenging. This study measured PA and explored barriers and enablers affecting participation in the SCI population.
Method:
A survey was conducted with males and females aged 18-90 years, who were discharged from SASCIS between November 2023 and November 2024, and had accessed exercise physiology services during their in-patient rehabilitation. A customised survey instrument, inclusive of the Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Spinal Cord Injury (LTPAQ-SCI), was used to assess current physical activity levels, along with the exploration of barriers and enablers to PA participation.
Results:
Of 30 respondents, 1 in 3 did not meet the Australian PA guidelines of minimum 150 minutes of activity per week. While over half (57%) reported no barriers to participation, other barriers included lack of motivation (17%), no nearby gym facilities (17%), lack of time (6%), and unreliable/expensive access taxis (3%). Participants who were ‘somewhat motivated’ or ‘very motivated’ accounted for the 43% of those engaging in home exercise programs, regardless of funding availability or level of assistance required.
Conclusion:
This South Australian-first study of the SCI population highlights challenges confronting this community when engaging in PA. Addressing multifaceted barriers through enabling strategies is critical to long term PA adherence and to improve overall health outcomes post SCI.