Impairments, Health-Related Physical Fitness, and Leisure Time: Physical Activity Following Spinal Cord Injury

Date
2014-04
Authors
Arora, Tarun
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Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina
Abstract

A spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to impairments that impact fitness, health and quality of life. Although advances in medical technology have increased survival rates, individuals with SCI continue to experience various health problems that may be associated with a decrease in overall fitness. Physical activity has the potential to improve health-related physical fitness levels. According to the most recent physical activity guidelines, individuals with SCI should participate in 20 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity leisure time physical activity (LTPA) two times per week (Ginis et al., 2011). These physical activity guidelines also recommend 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions of strengthening exercises twice weekly targeting all major muscle groups. These guidelines are aimed towards improving fitness components, including cardiovascular endurance, and muscular strength. Of particular concern are results that suggest approximately 50% of individuals with SCI are already meeting or exceeding these recommendations (Ginis et al, 2010 b). Despite already exceeding the recommendations, many individuals with SCI continue to have lower levels of fitness, frequent health complications, and lower QOL (Noreau et al., 2000; Warburton et al., 2008). The purpose of this thesis was to examine the potential differences in health-related physical fitness components and quality of life between individuals with SCI who meet the SCI-specific physical activity guidelines and those individuals with SCI who do not. The study also examined the potential differences in the health-related physical fitness components between individuals with complete and incomplete injuries. This study used the methods that have been validated for individuals with SCI. Using the Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire for Individuals with SCI (Ginis et al., 2012), eight out of the 10 participants in this research study were meeting the recommended levels of physical activity. The results of this study also suggest that completeness of injury impacts LTPA participation with all inactive participants having complete injuries. Subjective QOL as assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life -BREF (1998) was not significantly different between the active and inactive participants. Cardiovascular endurance was measured using a direct VO2peak test using arm crank ergometry as the mode of exercise. The VO2peak of active individuals was significantly higher than that of inactive individuals. Also, VO2peak was significantly higher for participants with incomplete injury versus complete injuries. Shoulder muscle fitness (strength and endurance) was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Peak torque and total work done were significantly different between active and inactive participants. Participants with complete injuries had higher values of peak torque than participants with incomplete injuries. Ratios of the peak strength of antagonist muscles showed alterations from the normal ratios for most of the participants. Results of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry demonstrated significantly higher fat percentages among inactive participants than active participants. Alterations in body composition appear to be the most severe in lower extremities. Overall, participants who are inactive appear to have lower health-related physical fitness levels. All inactive participants in this study had complete injuries. Participants with complete injuries appear to have lower health-related fitness levels than participants with incomplete injuries.

Description
A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Kinesiology & Health Studies, University of Regina. x, 142 p.
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