Longitudinal Examination of Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA), Participation, and Social Inclusion Upon Joining a Community-based LTPA Program for Adults With Physical Disabilities

Shane N Sweet; Zhiyang Shi; Meredith Rocchi; Jean Ramsay; Véronique Pagé; Marie-Eve Lamontagne; Heather L Gainforth

doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2021.02.025

Longitudinal Examination of Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA), Participation, and Social Inclusion Upon Joining a Community-based LTPA Program for Adults With Physical Disabilities

Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2021 Sep;102(9):1746-1754. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.02.025. Epub 2021 Mar 26.

Authors

Shane N Sweet¹, Zhiyang Shi², Meredith Rocchi³, Jean Ramsay⁴, Véronique Pagé⁴, Marie-Eve Lamontagne⁵, Heather L Gainforth⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montreal, Quebec. Electronic address: shane.sweet@mcgill.ca.
² Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montreal, Quebec.
³ Department of Communication, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario.
⁴ Viomax, Montreal, Quebec.
⁵ Département de Réadaptation, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec; Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Réadaptation et en Intégration Sociale, Quebec City, Quebec.
⁶ School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia; International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

PMID: 33781779
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.02.025

Abstract

Objective: First, to examine whether participants reported changes in (1) leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) participation and social inclusion variables and (2) well-being outcomes before and after joining a community-based LTPA program for adults with physical disabilities. Second, to explore the longitudinal relationship between LTPA and the other aforementioned outcomes.

Design: A double baseline longitudinal design with measurements at 4-6 weeks (baseline 1) and immediately (baseline 2) before and 2 and 4 months after joining the community-based LTPA program.

Setting: Community.

Participants: Adults (N=43) with a physical disability who reported no cognitive impairment, were new members of the community-based LTPA program, and spoke English or French.

Interventions: A community-based physical activity program for adults with physical disabilities. Participants were provided an individualized exercise program and accessed the program at designated times during the week.

Main outcome measures: Primary: LTPA (LTPA Questionnaire for People with Spinal Cord Injury), participation (Patient-Perceived Participation in Daily Activities Questionnaire), and social inclusion. Secondary: depression severity, self-esteem, resilience, and life satisfaction.

Results: After joining the program, participants reported an increase in total LTPA (mean_baseline2, 177.80±211.32; mean_2months, 299.31±298.70; mean_4months, 288.14±292.14), moderate-to-vigorous LTPA (mean_baseline2, 83.95±123.95; mean_2months, 142.00±198.38; mean_4months, 163.23±182.08), and participation in health (mean_baseline2, 6.24±1.16; mean_2months, 6.58±1.25; mean_4months, 6.97±0.82) and family-related activities (mean_baseline2, 12.18±2.43; mean_2months, 12.60±2.30; mean_4months, 13.47±2.01). A significant increase (β=3.46, P<.001) in social inclusion before joining the program was followed by a decrease (β=-1.09, P<.05) 4 months later. Improvements related to depression severity were noted (β_{baseline1-baseline2}=-1.51, P<.05; β_{baseline2-4 months}=-0.28, P>.05).

Conclusions: The results support the role of a community-based LTPA program in increasing LTPA levels and enhancing participation in some activities among adults with physical disabilities.

Keywords: Exercise; Quality of life; Rehabilitation; Social isolation; Social participation.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Disabled Persons / psychology*
Disabled Persons / rehabilitation*
Exercise*
Female
Humans
Leisure Activities*
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Social Inclusion*
Surveys and Questionnaires