The meaning of transitioning from rehabilitation to a physically active lifestyle following a spinal cord injury

Abstract

This study explored the meaning people with spinal cord injuries give to physical activity and recreation participation as they make the transition from the protected environment of hospital rehabilitation to the reality of returning to their homes and communities. The experiences of 4 individuals between 15 and 24 years of age who had sustained spinal cord injuries within the previous five years were captured using the phenomenological methods of semi-structured individual interviews, focus group interviews, photographs, and field notes. Rimmer’s (1999) model of health promotion for people with disabilities combined with Peters (1996) model of disablement provided the conceptual framework for the study and facilitated the interpretation of the findings. The participants indicated that physical activity was a very important component to living a psychologically, socially and physically healthy lifestyle following a spinal cord injury. A thematic analysis revealed three themes: (a) as my body heals, (b) learning to be me, and (3) getting back to life. The importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle following a spinal cord injury was reflected in stories of physical activity as a component of hospital rehabilitation, the importance of physical activity during the transition from the hospital to the challenges of returning home, and finally, engagement in community based physical activity. A gap in the continuity of physical activity opportunities during the transition from in-hospital rehabilitation to the return to the community was identified.