Integrated Tele-exercise for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Summary

The objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of an integrated, participant-centered tele-health physical activity program for individuals with SCI on psychological and social factors through a parallel mixed-methods design approach. We will examine changes in psychological (self-efficacy, self-esteem, exercise outcome expectations, depression, positive affect and well-being, quality of life) and social factors (participation and satisfaction with social roles and activities, activity engagement) following participation in an 8-week integrated group tele-exercise health and wellness physical activity program, with retention assessed at 8-weeks following completion (16 weeks from baseline). We will also complete small group interviews with all participants to understand participant experiences of, response to, and recommendations before and following participation in group tele-exercise program.

To date, there is extremely limited evidence for the efficacy of psychological and social well-being of remotely delivered community-based exercise to individuals with SCI. A pilot effectiveness trial of a tele-exercise health and wellness program will be conducted using a mixed methods design with a randomized waitlist control group. Quantitative and qualitative data collection is sequential in nature and other data are collected simultaneously. Individuals with SCI (living with injury 12 months or longer) will be recruited based on existing partnerships locally and nationally. To assess limited effectiveness, we aim to enroll 35 individuals with SCI. Recruitment of these participants will stem from the investigator's ongoing community partnership with local and national partners. The tele-exercise health \& wellness program will consist of virtual group class, twice per week, intended to generate physical confidence and strength for individuals living with SCI. Each session will be co-led with by an individual living with SCI.

Conditions

• Spinal Cord Injury

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Group tele-exercise

This tele-exercise class will be tailored to the physical and emotional needs of individuals with SCI based on results of our feasibility study, the initial emergent themes from qualitative data collection in this study, and input from our co-leader with lived experience (examples: seated exercise to accommodate wheelchair users, active co-leader with SCI).The research clinician will lead the instruction of each class while our co-leader will model movements alongside her and offer tailored modifications as needed. Each 45-minute class provides a comprehensive fitness experience to maximize functional independence and improve global physical activity engagement. Elements incorporated into each class session include a collective check-in and breathing meditation, postural control, trunk and shoulder strength, cardiovascular fitness, and body awareness.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation

  collaborator OTHER

• Pennsylvania Department of Health

  collaborator OTHER_GOV

• Drexel University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Margaret Finley, PhD · Drexel University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

75 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-04-30

Primary Completion

2026-01-31

Completion

2026-05-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations