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Predictors of Leisure Time Physical Activity Among People with Spinal Cord Injury

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Background

Most studies of physical activity predictors in people with disability have lacked a guiding theoretical framework. Identifying theory-based predictors is important for developing activity-enhancing strategies.

Purpose

To use the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework to identify predictors of leisure time physical activity among people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Six hundred ninety-five persons with SCI (M age = 47; 76% male) completed measures of Body Functions and Structures, Activities and Participation, Personal Factors, and Environmental Factors at baseline and 6-months. Activity was measured at 6 and 18 months. Logistic and linear regression models were computed to prospectively examine predictors of activity status and activity minutes per day.

Results

Models explained 19%–25% of variance in leisure time physical activity. Activities and Participation and Personal Factors were the strongest, most consistent predictors.

Conclusions

The ICF framework shows promise for identifying and conceptualizing predictors of leisure time physical activity in persons with disability.

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Acknowledgment

Research is supported by an Operating Grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (MOP 57778) and a New Investigator Award (to KAMG) from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Manuscript preparation is supported by an Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation Mentor–Trainee Award (to KAMG and AEL).

We gratefully acknowledge Ms. Adrienne Sinden, M.Sc., for her assistance with manuscript preparation.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology, Centre for Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4K1

    Kathleen A. Martin Ginis Ph.D., Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos Ph.D. & Steven R. Bray Ph.D.

  2. School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada

    Amy E. Latimer-Cheung Ph.D.

  3. Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada

    Andrea C. Buchholz Ph.D.

  4. Department of Medicine, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    B. Catharine Craven M.D.

  5. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada

    Keith C. Hayes Ph.D., Patrick J. Potter M.D. & Dalton L. Wolfe Ph.D.

  6. Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada

    Mary Ann McColl Ph.D.

  7. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Providence Care, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada

    Karen Smith M.D.

  8. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada

    Richard Goy M.A. & Julie Horrocks Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Kathleen A. Martin Ginis Ph.D.
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  2. Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos Ph.D.
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  5. Steven R. Bray Ph.D.
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  6. B. Catharine Craven M.D.
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  7. Keith C. Hayes Ph.D.
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  8. Mary Ann McColl Ph.D.
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  9. Patrick J. Potter M.D.
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  10. Karen Smith M.D.
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  11. Dalton L. Wolfe Ph.D.
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  13. Julie Horrocks Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kathleen A. Martin Ginis Ph.D..

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Ginis, K.A.M., Arbour-Nicitopoulos, K.P., Latimer-Cheung, A.E. et al. Predictors of Leisure Time Physical Activity Among People with Spinal Cord Injury. ann. behav. med. 44, 104–118 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-012-9370-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-012-9370-9

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