Vol. 49 No. 1 (2017), Exercise Psychology Abstracts
Vol. 49 No. 1 (2017)

Physical activity self-management interventions for adults with spinal cord injury: Part 1 – use and effectiveness of behavior change techniques

Exercise Psychology Abstracts
Published 2017-11-15
Stephanie M Flood
School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University
Jennifer R Tomasone
School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University
Jasmin K Ma
School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia
Natalie V Scime
School of Health Studies, Western University
Shauna M Burke
School of Health Studies, Western University
Lindsay Sleeth
Parkwood Institute
Stephanie Marrocco
Parkwood Institute
The SCIREResearch Team
Parkwood Institute

Abstract

Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) participation for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) is low, highlighting the need for behavior change interventions that target self-management skills. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aimed to determine which behavior change techniques (BCTs) have been used within LTPA self-management interventions for persons with SCI, and which BCTs were effective for improving LTPA behavior and its antecedents. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using five databases. Study characteristics were extracted from included articles and intervention descriptions were coded using the BCT Taxonomy V.1. Effectiveness of BCTs and the level of behavior change theory use in the design of interventions were examined within studies using an experimental design. Twenty-six unique studies were included, 14 of which had an experimental design. The most commonly used BCTs across the 26 studies related to the core components of self-management (i.e., education, training/rehearsal of psychological strategies, and social support). Examination of the 14 experimental studies revealed that the use of BCTs corresponding to core self-management components, and the use of theories and/or constructs of behavior change in the design of interventions, were related to significant improvements and maintenance of LTPA outcomes, regardless of the number of BCTs used. This review offers a glimpse into the mechanisms by which self-management interventions lead to behavior change; however, more research is needed to explore and evaluate other elements (e.g., dose, mode of delivery, provider, and tailoring) that comprise effective LTPA self-management interventions for persons with SCI.

Acknowledgments: Lindsay Sleeth, Stephanie Marrocco and Dalton Wolfe (SCIRE Research Team) were supported by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation [grant number 290502] and the Rick Hansen Institute [grant number 2015-21]. Stephanie Flood is supported by a SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship-Master's Program.