The co-development and evaluation of an e-learning course on spinal cord injury physical activity counselling: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Health, fitness and lifestyle professionals can play important roles in promoting physical activity in groups at risk of developing an inactive lifestyle, such as people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Tailored counselling is a promising tool to promote and improve physical activity levels. To support professionals to effectively have a conversation about physical activity with clients with SCI, evidence-based training and resources are needed.

Theory- and evidence-based best practices for physical activity counseling for adults with spinal cord injury.

Objectives: This project used a systematic and integrated knowledge translation (IKT) approach to co-create theory- and evidence-based best practices for physical activity counseling for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods: Guided by the IKT Guiding Principles, we meaningfully engaged research users throughout this project. A systematic approach was used.

Effect of self-guided training for the HandbikeBattle on body composition in people with spinal cord injury.

Study Design: Single-group pre-test post-test study.

Objectives: Examine the change in (1) fitness and body composition due to self-guided training in preparation for the HandbikeBattle in people with spinal cord injury (SCI); and (2) whether these possible body composition changes are associated with changes in fitness.

Setting: Handcycling teams of Dutch rehabilitation centers training for the HandbikeBattle, a handcycling race on an Austrian mountain.

Exercise self-efficacy and the relation with physical behavior and physical capacity in wheelchair-dependent persons with subacute spinal cord injury.

Background: Since physical activity and exercise levels are known to be generally low in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), there seems to be a need for intervention. Exercise self-efficacy (ESE), the confidence persons have in their ability to be physically active and exercise, is an important and modifiable predictor of physical behavior. The goal of this study was to 1) describe ESE in persons with subacute SCI, 2) to assess ESE in subgroups based on demographic and lesion characteristics, and 3) to explore the relation between ESE and physical behavior and physical capacity.

[Physical activity in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury: prerequisites for and effects of an active lifestyle].

Wheelchair users with spinal cord injury generally have a relatively inactive lifestyle. Several studies have shown that an inactive lifestyle is associated with a lower fitness level, poorer health, reduced social participation and a lower quality of life for wheelchair users. There are a number of ways in which wheelchair users can remain active in daily life, for instance, by using a wheelchair or handbike for mobility instead of taking the car, and by participating in sports or wheelchair sports.