A tele-health intervention to increase physical fitness in people with spinal cord injury and cardiometabolic disease or risk factors: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Can Lifestyle and Behavioral Interventions Improve Weight Management in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of lifestyle and behavioral interventions on anthropometric indices and body composition in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to January 22, 2024.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and pre-post studies on the effectiveness of lifestyle and/or behavioral interventions in improving body composition (including body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass, and lean mass) were eligible.

DATA EXTRACTION

Study design characteristics, number of participants, intervention/control characteristics, and outcomes were extracted.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Sixty-one interventional studies were included in the systematic review, among which 5 RCTs contributed to meta-analysis. Exercise, alone or combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES), supplements, or educational sessions, was the most studied intervention across the identified studies, accounting for 75% of studies. Exercise regimen compared with the usual activities yielded a decrease in BMI (mean difference [MD], -0.38 kg/m2; 95% CI, -0.57 to -0.19; I2: 0%; Pq:.45]) and waist circumference (MD, -2.93 cm; 95% CI, -3.98 to -1.88; I2: 0%; Pq: 0.59). No significant differences were observed when comparing changes in total body fat percentage nor lean body mass between the 2 groups. Exercise with FES and testosterone, exercise and personalized diet, high-protein diet, and α-lipoic acid supplementation were mapped as other potentially beneficial interventions, whereas studies targeting behavioral changes were inconclusive.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise-based interventions alone or combined with FES or standardized/personalized dietary regimens show promise as effective strategies for improving anthropometric indices and body composition among individuals with SCI, emphasizing the potential benefit of the weight management program. The present findings may not be applicable to individuals with high SCI lesions. Further research to evaluate the effectiveness of a more complex lifestyle and/or behavioral interventions in individuals with SCI is warranted.

Effect of Exercise on Mental Health and Health-related Quality of Life in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of exercise interventions on mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with SCI.

DATA SOURCES

We searched Embase, CINAHL, Medline, PsychINFO, and SPORTDiscus from inception to September 2023.

STUDY SELECTION

We included randomized controlled trials that (1) involved participants ≥18 years old with a SCI; (2) administered an exercise intervention; and (3) measured subjective well-being, psychological well-being, social well-being, and/or HRQoL as outcomes. We reported standardized means differences (d) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), assessed the risk of bias by using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-bias Tool for Randomized Trials (RoB 2), and the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Nineteen studies (797 participants, mean age <65 years in every study) were included. Exercise improved overall well-being (d=0.494; 95% CI 0.268, 0.720; low certainty evidence), subjective well-being (d=0.543; 95% CI 0.270, 0.816; low certainty evidence), psychological well-being (d=0.499; 95% CI 0.193, 0.805; low certainty evidence), social well-being (d=0.452; 95% CI 0.151, 0.752; low certainty evidence), and HRQoL (d=0.323; 95% CI 0.072, 0.574; low certainty evidence). Four serious adverse events probably attributable to the interventions were reported in 3 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise interventions can improve well-being and HRQoL in adults with SCI <65 years of age. Additional research is needed to determine effectiveness in adults ≥65 years of age.

Current Trends in Virtual Exercise Interventions Among People With Disabilities: A Scoping Review

Objective

To analyze existing literature on virtual exercise interventions delivered to people with disabilities to assess effectiveness, efficiency, usability, satisfaction, and feasibility, and describe current trends that aimed to improve health outcomes among people with disabilities.

Data Sources

CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO were searched.

Study Selection

Articles were included if they were (1) incorporated a virtual exercise intervention including people with physical disabilities and mobility limitations aged 18 years and older and (2) published between the years of 2009-August 14, 2024 with free access to full-text, peer-reviewed papers; and (3) published in English. Exclusion criteria: (1) unrelated to disability; (2) non-peer-reviewed articles; (3) protocol or review papers; (4) study focused on virtual exercise through perspective other than that of the participant; (5) study's primary objectives were not related to physical functioning and/or rehabilitation; and (6) study used only qualitative methods.

Data Extraction

A single search was conducted from January 2023 and ceased on August 14, 2023. Duplicate records were pulled from the article search within each database; article abstracts were assessed; and finally, full-text articles were retained upon meeting inclusion criteria. The primary researcher conducted the initial search, while 2 independent reviewers, J.R. and J.W., assisted with and confirmed article extraction.

Data Synthesis

Thirty-seven articles were included. Trends were explained by recapitulating statistically significant results per study among each disability group and virtual exercise delivery mode, exercise type, and intervention synchronicity.

Conclusions

More facilitators, satisfaction, usability, and perceived benefits were reported when compared to reported barriers among people with physical disabilities and mobility limitations who participated in virtual exercise interventions.

Effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity in adults with SCI: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To determine the effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity (PA) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHOD

Online databases PubMed, Medline, AMED and CINAHL were searched from the earliest date available to July 2022. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) exploring the effect of interventions on physical activity in people with SCI were eligible. The search identified 1191 studies, after screening 16 reports of 15 RCT's were included. Data were extracted on participant characteristics, intervention characteristics and physical activity outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro Scale and certainty of evidence assessed using GRADE. Post intervention means and standard deviations were pooled in meta-analyses to calculate standardised mean differences or mean differences and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Fifteen trials with 693 participants (mean age 41-52) were included. There was moderate certainty evidence that exercise interventions had no effect on subjectively or objectively measured PA. There was moderate to high certainty evidence that behavioural interventions and combined behavioural and exercise interventions increased subjectively, but not objectively measured physical activity.

CONCLUSION

Behaviour change techniques are an important intervention component for increasing PA in people with SCI.

Developing a mobile exercise program for individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: Stakeholder perceptions of app features and implementation determinants

BACKGROUND

Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) often experience physical deconditioning, leading to long-term health challenges. While regular exercise can offer substantial health benefits, adherence to exercise guidelines among individuals with SCI is hindered by barriers such as inaccessibility. Exercise programs using the mobile application (App) tailored to individual needs present a promising solution for promoting exercise adherence among individuals with SCI.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify factors contributing to the successful implementation of an app-based home exercise program for individuals with SCI and gather user feedback on app preferences, functionality, and features.

METHODS

Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), twenty-six clinicians completed an expert panel survey to rank factors influencing the implementation of an app-based intervention for increasing exercise adherence for individuals with SCI. CFIR-selected factors and app quality features obtained from the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) framework were discussed in seven focus groups with 23 individuals with SCI, 6 caregivers, and 6 clinicians.

RESULTS

The expert survey identified adaptability, complexity, evidence strength/quality, relative advantage, knowledge/beliefs about the initiative, and execution as the key CFIR factors that affected the intervention's success. Major themes emerging from focus groups with individuals with SCI and caregivers included usability, instruction and guidelines, user-friendly interface, and clinician interaction. In contrast, clinicians mentioned themes such as the representation of the SCI population, time commitment, accessibility, and equipment.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the significance of incorporating these determinants into future designs to develop app-based home exercise interventions for individuals with SCI.

Effect of a Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing-Oriented Physical-Psychological Integrative Intervention for Community-Dwelling Spinal Cord Injury Survivors: A Mixed-Methods Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a mindfulness and motivational interviewing-oriented physical-psychological integrated intervention in community-dwelling spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors.

DESIGN

A mixed-methods randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Local organizations for handicapped in Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling adults with SCI (N=72).

INTERVENTIONS

Participants in the intervention group (n=36) received video-guided exercise for daily practice and online group psychological (mindfulness and motivational interviewing-oriented) weekly sessions for 8 weeks. Participants in the control group (n=36) received an 8-week online group didactic education on lifestyle discussions and general health suggestions.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Primary outcomes included quality of life, physical activity, depression, and chronic pain. Secondary outcomes included exercise self-efficacy and mindfulness. Outcomes were measured at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up. Focus-group interviews were conducted postintervention.

RESULTS

The recruitment, retention, and adherence rates were 84.7%, 100%, and 98.6%, respectively. The intervention showed significant positive effects on preventing declines in quality of life at 3-month follow-up (Cohen d=0.70, 95% CI=0.22-1.18). Positive trends manifested in physical activity, depression, chronic pain, and exercise self-efficacy. Three qualitative categories were identified: subjective improvements in exercise, physical, and social well-being; perceived changes in mindfulness and mental well-being; and intervention facilitators and barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

The mindfulness and motivational interviewing-oriented physical-psychological integrated intervention is feasible and acceptable. The significant prolonged effect in maintaining quality of life and positive effects on physical and psychosocial well-being indicate its value to address major health challenges of community-dwelling SCI survivors.

mHealth-Based Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention to Improve the Physical Activity Levels of Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The lack of regular physical activity (PA) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States is an ongoing health crisis. Regular PA and exercise-based interventions have been linked with improved outcomes and healthier lifestyles among those with SCI. Providing people with an accurate estimate of their everyday PA level can promote PA. Furthermore, PA tracking can be combined with mobile health technology such as smartphones and smartwatches to provide a just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) for individuals with SCI as they go about everyday life. A JITAI can prompt an individual to set a PA goal or provide feedback about their PA levels.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study is to investigate whether minutes of moderate-intensity PA among individuals with SCI can be increased by integrating a JITAI with a web-based PA intervention (WI) program. The WI program is a 14-week web-based PA program widely recommended for individuals with disabilities. A secondary aim is to investigate the benefit of a JITAI on proximal PA, defined as minutes of moderate-intensity PA within 120 minutes of a PA feedback prompt.

METHODS

Individuals with SCI (N=196) will be randomized to a WI arm or a WI+JITAI arm. Within the WI+JITAI arm, a microrandomized trial will be used to randomize participants several times a day to different tailored feedback and PA recommendations. Participants will take part in the 24-week study from their home environment in the community. The study has three phases: (1) baseline, (2) WI program with or without JITAI, and (3) PA sustainability. Participants will provide survey-based information at the initial meeting and at the end of weeks 2, 8, 16, and 24. Participants will be asked to wear a smartwatch every day for ≥12 hours for the duration of the study.

RESULTS

Recruitment and enrollment began in May 2023. Data analysis is expected to be completed within 6 months of finishing participant data collection.

CONCLUSIONS

The JITAI has the potential to achieve long-term PA performance by delivering tailored, just-in-time feedback based on the person's actual PA behavior rather than a generic PA recommendation. New insights from this study may guide intervention designers to develop engaging PA interventions for individuals with disability.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05317832; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05317832.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/57699.

Exercise and aerobic capacity in individuals with spinal cord injury: A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression

BACKGROUND

A low level of cardiorespiratory fitness [CRF; defined as peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O2peak) or peak power output (PPO)] is a widely reported consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI) and a major risk factor associated with chronic disease. However, CRF can be modified by exercise. This systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression aimed to assess whether certain SCI characteristics and/or specific exercise considerations are moderators of changes in CRF.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science) were searched from inception to March 2023. A primary meta-analysis was conducted including randomised controlled trials (RCTs; exercise interventions lasting >2 weeks relative to control groups). A secondary meta-analysis pooled independent exercise interventions >2 weeks from longitudinal pre-post and RCT studies to explore whether subgroup differences in injury characteristics and/or exercise intervention parameters explained CRF changes. Further analyses included cohort, cross-sectional, and observational study designs. Outcome measures of interest were absolute (A[Formula: see text]O2peak) or relative [Formula: see text]O2peak (R[Formula: see text]O2peak), and/or PPO. Bias/quality was assessed via The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 and the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tools. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Random effects models were used in all meta-analyses and meta-regressions. Of 21,020 identified records, 120 studies comprising 29 RCTs, 67 pre-post studies, 11 cohort, 7 cross-sectional, and 6 observational studies were included. The primary meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in A[Formula: see text]O2peak [0.16 (0.07, 0.25) L/min], R[Formula: see text]O2peak [2.9 (1.8, 3.9) mL/kg/min], and PPO [9 (5, 14) W] with exercise, relative to controls (p < 0.001). Ninety-six studies (117 independent exercise interventions comprising 1,331 adults with SCI) were included in the secondary, pooled meta-analysis which demonstrated significant increases in A[Formula: see text]O2peak [0.22 (0.17, 0.26) L/min], R[Formula: see text]O2peak [2.8 (2.2, 3.3) mL/kg/min], and PPO [11 (9, 13) W] (p < 0.001) following exercise interventions. There were subgroup differences for R[Formula: see text]O2peak based on exercise modality (p = 0.002) and intervention length (p = 0.01), but there were no differences for A[Formula: see text]O2peak. There were subgroup differences (p ≤ 0.018) for PPO based on time since injury, neurological level of injury, exercise modality, and frequency. The meta-regression found that studies with a higher mean age of participants were associated with smaller changes in A[Formula: see text]O2peak and R[Formula: see text]O2peak (p < 0.10). GRADE indicated a moderate level of certainty in the estimated effect for R[Formula: see text]O2peak, but low levels for A[Formula: see text]O2peak and PPO. This review may be limited by the small number of RCTs, which prevented a subgroup analysis within this specific study design.

CONCLUSIONS

Our primary meta-analysis confirms that performing exercise >2 weeks results in significant improvements to A[Formula: see text]O2peak, R[Formula: see text]O2peak, and PPO in individuals with SCI. The pooled meta-analysis subgroup comparisons identified that exercise interventions lasting up to 12 weeks yield the greatest change in R[Formula: see text]O2peak. Upper-body aerobic exercise and resistance training also appear the most effective at improving R[Formula: see text]O2peak and PPO. Furthermore, acutely injured, individuals with paraplegia, exercising for ≥3 sessions/week will likely experience the greatest change in PPO. Ageing seemingly diminishes the adaptive CRF responses to exercise training in individuals with SCI.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42018104342.

Addressing Opportunities and Barriers in Telehealth Neurologic Physical Therapy: Strategies to Advance Practice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the use and implementation of telehealth has expanded, with implementation moving ahead of best practice recommendations due to necessity. Telehealth has improved access and care coordination for patients with various neurologic conditions; however, information regarding therapeutic intensity, safety, and appropriateness is lacking. In 2021, the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy formed a Telehealth Taskforce to provide clinical and educational resources for its members and the neurologic physical therapy (PT) community. The purpose of this special interest article is to provide consensus-driven best practice resources developed by the Taskforce and describe the process of creating these resources to assist with telehealth implementation in neurologic PT practice, advocate for continued utilization, and shine light on opportunities for future research.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS

In this special interest article, we describe the process, challenges, and opportunities of developing and disseminating resources to educate, train, and support telehealth implementation in neurologic clinical practice. Four key strategies to facilitate telehealth implementation emerged: (1) increase knowledge of resources related to telehealth and mobile applications; (2) develop and disseminate evidence-based and consensus-based best practice recommendations for telehealth in neurologic PT; (3) provide future recommendations for integrating telehealth in PT, education, research, and clinical practice; and (4) encourage advocacy for inclusion of telehealth within the PT community. We explain the need to continue research and provide recommendations to expand telehealth research in neurologic clinical practice.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

This article highlights the potential and future of telehealth in neurologic PT practice. Our recommendations provide current clinical tools and resources for telehealth implementation following a knowledge-to-action framework and suggest areas for future research.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, the Supplemental Digital Content, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A447).

Development and Feasibility of a Group Tele-Exercise Program for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

More than 50% of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) report no regular exercise due to numerous barriers to participation. Tele-exercise services offer viable solutions to reduce barriers. However, limited evidence for SCI-specific tele-exercise programs is available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a synchronous group tele-exercise program designed for individuals with SCI.

METHODS

Explanatory sequential mixed-methods design assessed feasibility of a synchronous 2-month biweekly group tele-exercise program for individuals with SCI. Numeric measures of feasibility were first collected (recruitment rate, sample features, retention, attendance), followed by postprogram interviews with participants. Thematic analysis of experiential feedback elaborated on numeric findings.

RESULTS

Eleven volunteers (ages = 49.5 ± 16.7 years) with SCI (range: 2.7-33.0 years) enrolled within 2 weeks of recruitment initiation. Retention was 100% retention at program completion. Median number of live classes attended per participant was 10 (62.5%). Participants described that attendance and satisfaction were facilitated by program-specific features including coinstruction by instructors with SCI-specific knowledge and lived experience, as well as group structure. Participants reported increased exercise knowledge, confidence, and motivation.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated feasibility of a synchronous group tele-exercise class for individuals with SCI. Key features facilitating participation include class length, frequency, coleadership by individuals familiar with SCI and exercise instruction, and group motivation. These findings begin to examine a viable tele-service strategy that could be employed as a bridge among rehabilitation specialists, community fitness instructors, and clients with SCI to increase physical activity access and behavior.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A442 ).

Effects of behaviour change interventions on physical activity in people with spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This review investigated the effectiveness of behaviour-change interventions to improve physical activity (PA) participation in individuals with a spinal cord injury. Additionally, the review sought to analyse the change in PA behaviour that might be expected by utilising behaviour change in PA interventions and what specific intervention characteristics, application of behaviour change theories, and behaviour change techniques are most efficacious.

METHODS

The protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO: CRD42021252744, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed in this review. Eight databases were comprehensively searched using a well-defined strategy developed in collaboration with an academic liaison librarian. Randomised, non-randomised controlled, and non-controlled studies were included in this review; however, controlled and non-controlled studies were analysed separately. Studies were included if participants were older than 16 years and had an SCI of any cause, level or severity, regardless of the time since injury. The behaviour change technique taxonomy version 1 was used to code the intervention characteristics for behaviour modification. The combined effects across studies were pooled in a meta-analysis, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool.

RESULTS

The search retrieved 10,155 titles and abstracts. After duplicate removal and screening against the eligibility criteria, 23 studies were included. The overall effect estimate of the change in PA participation in the controlled trials post-intervention was medium (d = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.31-0.70) in favour of behaviour-targeted interventions. The mean difference in PA volume between pre- and post-intervention was an increase of 22 minutes per week (95% CI = 5.96-38.90). Interventions that provided practical support (d = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.46-1.16), which were individualised (d = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.34-0.90) and that utilised monitoring (d = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.34-0.83) had a greater effect on change to PA than those that were group-based and did not utilise those specific techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions that target behaviour change to increase PA in people with SCI appear effective. Utilising behaviour change frameworks and specific behaviour change techniques augments PA uptake and levels, and interventions aimed at improving PA in people with SCI should incorporate a behaviour modification component. More research is needed on the isolated effect of intervention structure parameters and specific behaviour change techniques.

Models of Telehealth Service Delivery in Adults With Spinal Cord Injuries: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

In Canada, approximately 86,000 people live with spinal cord injury (SCI), and there are an estimated 3675 new cases of traumatic or nontraumatic etiology per year. Most people with SCI will experience secondary health complications, such as urinary and bowel issues, pain syndrome, pressure ulcers, and psychological disorders, resulting in severe chronic multimorbidity. Moreover, people with SCI may face barriers in accessing health care services, such as primary care physicians' expert knowledge regarding secondary complications related to SCI. Telehealth, defined as the delivery of information and health-related services through telecommunication technologies, may help address some of the barriers, and indeed, the present global COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of integration of telehealth in health care systems. As a result of this crisis, health care providers have increased the usage of telehealth services, providing health services to individuals in need of community-based supportive care. However, the evidence on models of telehealth service delivery for adults with SCI has not been previously synthesized.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify, describe, and compare models of telehealth services for community-dwelling adults with SCI.

METHODS

This scoping review follows the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Studies published between 1990 and December 31, 2022, were identified by searching the Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. Papers with specified inclusion criteria were screened by 2 investigators. Included articles focused on identifying, implementing, or evaluating telehealth interventions, including primary health care services and self-management services delivered in the community and home-based settings. One investigator performed a full-text review of each article, and data extraction included (1) study characteristics; (2) participant characteristics; (3) key characteristics of the interventions, programs, and services; and (4) outcome measures and results.

RESULTS

A total of 61 articles reported telehealth services used for preventing, managing, or treating the most common secondary complications and consequences of SCI, including chronic pain, low physical activity, pressure ulcers, and psychosocial dysfunction. Where evidence exists, improvements in community participation, physical activity, and reduction in chronic pain, pressure ulcers, etc, following SCI were demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

Telehealth may offer an efficient and effective option for health service delivery for community-dwelling individuals with SCI, ensuring continuity of rehabilitation, follow-up after hospital discharge, and early detection, management, or treatment of potential secondary complications following SCI. We recommend that the stakeholders involved with patients with SCI consider the uptake of hybridized (blend of web-based and in-person) health care delivery models to optimize the care continuum and self-management of SCI-related care. The findings of this scoping review may be used to inform policy makers, health care professionals, and stakeholders engaged in establishing web-based clinics for individuals with SCI.

Evaluation of a Physical-Psychological Integrative (PPI) intervention for community-dwelling spinal cord injury survivors: Study protocol of a preliminary randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

There is a considerably large group of community-dwelling spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors living with low quality of life. Physical inactivity, depression, and chronic pain are major problems faced by SCI survivors discharged from the acute phase of treatment or inpatient rehabilitation. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a Physical-Psychological Integrative (PPI) online group intervention on community-dwelling SCI survivors' physical activity, depression, and chronic pain.

METHODS

This is a two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial with repeated measures (pre-, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up) design. Seventy-two participants will be randomly assigned to two study groups. The PPI intervention group will receive a video program for physical activity training and eight-week online group psychological interventions using skills of group-based motivational interviewing and mindfulness-based stress reduction. The control group will receive an eight-week online didactic education programed. Focus-group interviews will be conducted post-intervention to explore their views about acceptance and suggested improvements to the intervention. The feasibility of study procedures and the acceptability of interventions will be evaluated. The effectiveness of the PPI intervention will be evaluated by leisure-time physical activity, depression, chronic pain, exercise efficacy, mindfulness, and quality of life. We will use the generalized estimating equation to assess intervention effects and content analysis for interview data. This study has received ethical approval from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HSEARS20210705004) and was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05535400).

DISCUSSION

This study will be the first to provide empirical data on the evaluation of an online-group intervention integrating both physical activity promotion and psychological approaches, aimed at reducing physical inactivity, depression, and chronic pain for community-dwelling SCI survivors in Hong Kong. The findings could provide evidence supporting the use of PPI intervention as a novel online group support, in addressing both the physical and psychological needs of community-dwelling SCI survivors.

Physical activity programs for cardiovascular outcomes in community wheelchair users: A systematic review

Purpose

Physical inactivity is one of the important factors leading to chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals with disabilities. However, not many Physical Activity (PA) interventions are available for improving the efficacy of PA and cardiovascular outcomes among community wheelchair users. Therefore, this systematic review will appraise the existing PA interventions for the community dwelling wheelchair users; we especially examined features of the PA programs that showed the improvements in PA and the CVD outcomes compared to the interventions that did not show any improvements in these outcomes among these population. The study also aimed to provide some recommendations for future research.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive and systematic search of literature published between 2015 and 2020 using the databases Scopus, Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL was conducted. This review has followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of the evidence was assessed by Using Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool. Studies that tested the efficacy of PA interventions for community-dwelling adult wheelchair users and published in English were involved. Two reviewers reviewed the literature and any disagreements among these reviewers were resolved by a third reviewer.

Results

Fourteen articles were selected for this review. Most of the studies reported improvements in PA. A few studies followed up the participants and majority of the studies have looked at the CVD outcomes.

Conclusion

Large-scale studies with follow-ups, and community participatory research that evaluates the effect of PA interventions on PA and CVD outcomes among wheelchair users are needed.

Effectiveness and feasibility of the workout on wheels internet intervention (WOWii) for individuals with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial

Study design

Randomized-controlled trial (RCT) with immediate intervention (IMM) and wait-list control (WLC) groups; WLC participants received the intervention during delivery to subsequent cohorts.

Objectives

Investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of a virtually-delivered exercise intervention.

Setting

Home and community.

Methods

A total of 168 middle-aged (49.6 [12.3] years old) men (57%) and women (43%) who lived an average 15.5 (12.3) years with spinal cord injury (SCI) participated. The 16-week program provides users (a) website access with exercise information, resources, and 16 skill-building modules; (b) virtual 60-minute, group-based weekly meetings; and (c) a starter package of exercise equipment. Primary outcomes included subjective physical activity (IPAQ) and objective exercise (Polar A300 wrist-based activity monitor and H7 heart rate strap). Secondary outcomes included fitness indices during a maximal arm crank test, plus self-reported exercise barriers, exercise self-efficacy, and goal-directed thinking.

Results

RCT results indicate significant between group differences in participants’ self-reported weekly time spent in vigorous-intensity PA and goal directed thinking but not for fitness changes. Data combined for IMM and WLC participants from Polar monitoring show participants performed 150 min per week of aerobic exercise plus reported significantly greater time spent in moderate-PA, vigorous-PA, self-efficacy for exercise and nutrition, goal directed thinking, and exercise barriers. Oxygen uptake (V̇O₂ peak) and power output (watts max) were the only physiologic measures to demonstrate significant change, with a moderate effect size.

Conclusion

This virtually-delivered program offers a promising approach to increase exercise among those with SCI and may help participants perceive fewer motivational barriers and greater self-efficacy.

Current Approaches in Telehealth and Telerehabilitation for Spinal Cord Injury (TeleSCI)

Purpose of Review

Telehealth and telerehabilitation in spinal cord injury (teleSCI) is a growing field that can improve access to care and improve health outcomes in the spinal cord injury population. This review provides an overview of the recent literature on the topic of teleSCI and provides insights on current evidence, future directions, and considerations when using teleSCI for clinical care.

Recent Findings

TeleSCI is used most often for preventive health; management of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression; and rehabilitation-related interventions. As video telehealth becomes mainstream, growth in wearable monitors, bio and neurofeedback mechanisms, and app-based care is expected.

Summary

TeleSCI is growing in prevalence, demonstrates positive impact on health outcomes, and requires ongoing study to identify, refine, and implement best practices.