A prospective study on physical activity levels after spinal cord injury during inpatient rehabilitation and the year after discharge

Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008 Nov;89(11):2094-101. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2008.04.024.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the change over time in the physical activity level after a spinal cord injury (SCI), to explore its determinants, and to compare the physical activity level 1 year after discharge from the rehabilitation center with the level in able-bodied persons.

Design: Prospective cohort study. Measurements were obtained at the start of active rehabilitation, 3 months later, at discharge, 2 months after discharge, and 1 year after discharge.

Setting: Rehabilitation center in The Netherlands and the participant's home.

Participants: Persons (n=40) with SCI.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measures: The physical activity level, as indicated by the duration of dynamic activities (ie, wheelchair driving, walking, cycling, noncyclic movement) per day, and the intensity of everyday activity; both were measured with an accelerometry-based activity monitor during 2 consecutive weekdays.

Results: Random coefficient analyses showed that the duration of dynamic activities and the intensity of everyday activity increased during inpatient rehabilitation at rates of 41% and 19%, respectively (P<.01). Shortly after discharge, there was a strong decline (33%; P<.001) in the duration of dynamic activities. One year after discharge, this decline was restored to the discharge level but was low in comparison with levels in able-bodied persons. The level of lesion and completeness of lesion were determinants of the change in the physical activity level after discharge.

Conclusions: The physical activity level increased during inpatient rehabilitation, but this increase did not continue after discharge, and the level 1 year after discharge was distinctly lower than the level in able-bodied persons. Subpopulations had a different change over time in the physical activity level after discharge.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Ergometry
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Netherlands
  • Paraplegia / rehabilitation
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quadriplegia / rehabilitation
  • Regression Analysis
  • Sex Factors
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / rehabilitation*