Perceptions and experiences of engagement and participation in physical activity among older adults aging with long-term spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND

Older adults aging with long-term spinal cord injury (SCI) are insufficiently physically active to reach health benefits. However, little is known about their perceptions of physical activity (PA) and barriers and facilitators to their PA engagement.

OBJECTIVES

To explore perceptions and experiences of engagement and participation in PA among older adults aging with long-term SCI.

METHODS

We interviewed 74 men and women (56-88 years) from the Swedish Aging with Spinal Cord Injury Study (SASCIS) using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed with an inductive thematic analysis. Meaning units and codes were generated directly from the data without being influenced by pre-existing research frameworks. A latent approach was applied when forming themes, aiming to capture underlying assumptions and patterns.

RESULTS

Four different themes were revealed: "The multifaceted benefits of PA", "PA comes in different forms; from incidental daily movement to formalized exercise", "Restricted access: It is complex and difficult to be physically active" and "Unlocking potential: facilitators of PA".

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the essential role of PA in promoting well-being and independence for older adults aging with long-term SCI. Participants faced significant barriers, including accessibility, health-related challenges and lack of professional guidance, and emphasized facilitators such as the need for supervised training, social support and improved accessibility. Addressing these barriers and facilitators can create more inclusive opportunities for PA and exercise, ultimately supporting healthy, sustainable and active aging many years after SCI.