Abstract
Background: Get In Motion (GIM) is an evidence- and theory-based physical activity telephone counselling service for Canadian adults with a spinal cord injury (SCI). GIM sessions are based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model, with the counsellor facilitating behaviour change discussions over a 6-month time period. Previous research has shown GIM to be an effective service for increasing intentions and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) behaviour among its clients. The purpose of the current study was to examine the secondary effects of the GIM on participation and quality of life among its clients.
Methods: Clients’ (n=45; 50% males) demographics were collected over the phone, including age (51.46 ± 12.36 years), level of injury (50% with paraplegia), years post-injury (17.00 ± 17.51 years), upon enrolment. Secondary measures relating to participation and quality of life (i.e., Satisfaction with Life (SWL), autonomy and participation (AP), and self-efficacy of activities of daily living (ADLs)) were obtained at baseline and 6-months.
Results: Using paired sample t-tests, a trend was found for positive changes in AP (p = .08) and ADL self-efficacy (p = .07) from baseline to 6-months, with clients reporting greater autonomy (5.16 to 5.49) and greater self-efficacy for accomplishing ADLs (3.92 to 4.28). No significant changes or trends were shown for SWL (p = .50).
Conclusion: Overall, the GIM service seems to have a positive effect on some aspects of participation and QOL for its clients. To further increase clients’ life satisfaction, autonomy and participation, and ADL self-efficacy, it may be necessary to include other tools and strategies into GIM counselling sessions such as creating a more well rounded discussion which addresses social support networks, and sport or group activity participation. In the future, the long-term effects of the GIM service should be assessed along with the adoption of LTPA participation post-intervention.
