JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The spinal cord injury (SCI) population largely remains inactive following discharge from rehabilitation despite the evidence on the benefits of physical activity (PA). These individuals need to develop skills to self-manage their condition to prevent secondary comorbidities. A web-based module on physical activity can be one approach to this need. Few web-based interventions incorporate theoretical frameworks, behaviour change techniques and modes of delivery into their design.

Objective:

To identify the preferred features of a web-based self-management physical activity module through stakeholder engagement with individuals with a spinal cord injury and healthcare professionals.

Methods:

An interpretative phenomenology methodology and integrated knowledge translation approach were used to conduct this study. Convenience sampling was used to recruit individuals with a SCI living in the community, either interested or already engaging in physical activity, and healthcare professionals working with the SCI population, from three city-based rehabilitation sites. Individual one-hour sessions involving a website navigation and a semi-structured interview were conducted with all participants. Individuals with a SCI completed a demographics questionnaire prior to the individual sessions, while demographic information of the healthcare professionals was collected during their interviews. All participants were asked a question on the likelihood that they would promote and use a web-based portal tailored individuals’ needs. An in-depth thematic analysis was used to derive themes from participants’ responses.

Results:

Twelve individuals with a SCI and nine healthcare professionals participated in the study. Five core themes emerged: (1) knowledge, in terms of guidance and barrier management (2) possibility of achievement, in terms of the risks and benefits of physical activity and modelling (3) self-regulation strategies, in terms of action planning, goal setting, tracking, reward, and reminder systems (4) interactivity, in terms of peers and professionals (5) format, in terms of appearance, language, and ease of use.. The mean (median) ratings of the likelihood that they would promote and use a web-based portal tailored to individuals’ needs were 9.00 (8.78) and 7.75 (7.88), for HCPs and individuals with a SCI respectively.

Conclusions:

This study highlights features of an online platform that can provide individuals with SCI the motivation and volition to engage in physical activity. These findings will inform the design of a web-based self-management physical activity module to increase physical activity adherence and behaviour change. Clinical Trial: Not applicable