Evaluation of an inpatient sports program to guide post-discharge physical activity participation among people with brain and spinal cord injury - a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This evaluation explored the adoption of sporting programs as an adjunct to the rehabilitation of inpatients with acquired brain (ABI) or spinal cord injuries (SCI). It investigated the characteristics of participating individuals, levels of participation, experiences, and uptake of sport in the community post-discharge.

METHODS

Inpatients of three rehabilitation units were invited to engage in sporting sessions. Patient-reported measures of participation and exercise were collected at enrolment, hospital discharge, and 3-months post-discharge. Surveys measured perceptions of the program from participants and coaches. Qualitative interviews were conducted 3-months post-discharge to explore the uptake of sport in the community and were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

30 participants (ABI: 57%; SCI: 43%) consented to participate. The mean age of participants was 43 (SD = 18) and 80% (n = 24) were male. Qualitative interviews produced four themes: Participation enhanced the rehabilitation experience, operational factors impacted experience, Sporting programs were not considered a pathway to competitive sports and, Moving forward with sport in the community.

CONCLUSION

Participation in an inpatient sports program helped participants feel a sense of social connection and improved mental-wellbeing. It did not, however, improve links to sport in the community within the short time frame that follow-up was completed.