Abstract
Only one third of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) engage in strength training. In this population, lack of knowledge, resources, accessible facilities, and confidence often hinder physical activity participation. The purpose of this theory-driven pilot study was to examine the efficacy of peer-mediated, home-based introductory strength-training session for people with SCI. A fitness professional and a peer with SCI visited the homes of 11 people with paraplegia not involved in strength training (54.5% women). The structured visit targeted sources of self-efficacy while introducing participants to strength training and a personal training plan. Task and self-regulatory efficacy, intentions, planning, and weekly minutes of moderate plus intensity training were assessed one week before and two and four weeks post visit. Separate paired t-tests comparing baseline to Weeks 2 and 4 indicated that participants had stronger intentions, Mpre=14.20±5.49 vs. Mwk2=16.30±5.52, Mwk4=18.86±2.19; ps<.04, and more defined plans to engage in strength training after the visit, Mpre=10.45±7.22 vs. Mwk2=17.91±8.04, Mwk4=22.00±8.37; ps<.02. Post-visit, participants reported engaging in more strength training than before, Mpre=34.54±45.03 min vs. Mwk2=65.00±49.65 min, Mwk4=87.19±71.76 min; ps<.06. There was no change in self-efficacy. A single, peer-mediated home visit is a promising strategy for increasing volume of strength training among people with paraplegia.Acknowledgments: Research Support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation