Health-related outcomes of different levels of physical activity among individuals with spinal cord injuries: An exploratory cross-sectional study.

Background: The necessary and optimal physical activity for individuals with spinal cord injury remains unclear, and the development of interventions adapted to the needs of individuals with spinal cord injury is inadequate.

Objective: To investigate the implications and health-related outcomes of different levels of physical activity on individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Methods: The participants comprised 67 individuals, aged 18-65 years, with spinal cord injuries, who resided in Japan. Participants' demographic information was obtained, and their activities of daily living independence, physical activity level, mental health status, lifestyle, and social capital were assessed using online questionnaires. Participants were divided into three groups, based on their level of physical activity. Outcome measures were compared among the participants for different PA levels using one-way ANOVA. And, Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationships between different levels of PA and the other outcome measures.

Results: A one-way analysis of variance demonstrated a significant interaction between sports time, exercise time, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form score, and Health-Related Social Capital among the groups. Participants with low activity correlated negatively with sports time and health practice index, and positively with exercise time and psychological distress. Participants with moderate activity also showed a positive correlation with exercise time and distress.

Conclusions: The differences observed in the sports time emphasize the potential benefits of higher physical activity levels among individuals with spinal cord injuries and the existence of challenges associated with different levels of physical activity.