Effects of social engagement on motivation for physical activity in individuals with spinal cord injury

Research Objectives: To investigate how social engagement impacts motivation for physical activity (PA) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design: User-needs survey

Setting: Community

Participants: 23 participants (15 individuals with SCI and eight friends or family members) between the ages of 28-57 were recruited.

Interventions: Not applicable

Main Outcome Measures: We utilized a participatory design process using semi-structured interviews to identify themes relating to motivation for PA for individuals with SCI. Five virtual interviews were conducted to identify key features that could be implemented by a technology-based intervention to alleviate barriers to physical activity through social engagement and communication.

Results: Lack of motivation is a known barrier to PA that social engagement can mitigate. A key finding was that 67% of participants with SCI consider connecting with other individuals with SCI motivational, and 33% perceive it as more motivating than connecting with their family members. Relationship dynamics affect comfort of communication related to PA and effectiveness of motivational communication, especially between caregivers and care receivers. Lastly, personal fitness trackers are not targeted towards wheelchair-activities, so motivation can be increased by designing technology specifically for only wheelchair-users.

Conclusions: Barriers to physical activity are prevalent in SCI, and friends and family members are often involved in providing assistance to overcome barriers. However, relationship dynamics between individuals with SCI and their friends and family members may diminish how efficacious communication is to overcome barriers. Engagement and communication with peers who have similar functional mobility levels and life experiences can potentially improve motivation for physical activity in individuals with spinal cord injury, however there is a lack of PA platforms tailored towards wheelchair users.

Author(s) Disclosures: None