The first evidence-based physical activity guidelines for people with spinal cord injury were released in March, 2011. This project will evaluate the implementation of the new physical activity guidelines in a community exercise setting in Hamilton, Ontario. The investigators hypothesize that persons who follow the guidelines will experience increased aerobic fitness and muscle strength. The investigators also hypothesize that participants will find the guidelines easy to follow and that their self-efficacy for participating in physical activity will be improved following the study period.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Participants in the Physical Activity Guidelines Arm will be asked to participate in at least 20 minutes of moderate to heavy intensity aerobic activity 2 times per week as well as strength training exercises (moderate intensity) 2 times per week. The Control Arm will not be supervised to follow the physical activity guidelines
Centre for Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Physical Fitness
Peak VO2 tests will be done on a cycle ergometer to assess aerobic capacity/endurance, and peak strength will be measured on accessible weight-training equipment.
Time frame: 4 months
Self-efficacy for achieving the physical activity guidelines
Assessed through questionnaire.
Time frame: 4 months
Adherence to physical activity guidelines
Assessed through enrolment records
Time frame: 4 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.