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Information and resources on spinal cord injury for health care professionals

Last updated: December 5, 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents numerous physical, emotional and social challenges that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Regular physical activity is essential for those with SCI to improve health, functional abilities and quality of life. Despite the benefits, many individuals with SCI do not meet recommended levels of physical activity.

Clinical research demonstrates that regular physical activity is safe and beneficial for individuals with SCI. It helps to enhance physical function, including cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength. Exercise also plays a crucial role in alleviating psychological distress, reducing fatigue and improving quality of life across various domains.

Health care professionals should incorporate physical activity as a standard part of care for individuals with SCI. Referrals to clinical exercise physiologists or physiotherapists experienced in SCI are vital. These professionals can design and supervise exercise programs tailored to the individual, focusing on transitioning to ongoing self-managed exercise.

Physical activity and SCI

Individuals with SCI should aim to avoid inactivity and engage in regular physical activity to enhance their overall health and well-being. Physical activity recommendations for those with SCI are as follows.

To improve cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength:

  • Prescribe 20 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity two days per week. Activities could include arm cycling, swimming or wheeling in a manual wheelchair.
  • Prescribe three sets of strength exercises for each major functioning muscle group at a moderate- to vigorous-intensity two days per week.

To improve cardiometabolic health:

  • Prescribe 30 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity three days per week. This will help improve overall cardiometabolic health, reducing the risk of secondary conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Useful resources

Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI Action Canada, Canada) 
Developed by an international team, these guidelines offer two levels of physical activity recommendations: a starting level for beginners and an advanced level for those more experienced. They include aerobic and strength training activities and emphasize these activities be performed at moderate- to vigorous-intensity to enhance physical fitness, decrease risk of chronic conditions and improve quality of life.

SCI Action Canada Lab (SCI Action Canada, Canada) 
This website provides information on research projects and evidence-based resources developed by the Spinal Cord Injury Action Canada Lab at the University of British Columbia. This research lab has a primary focus on advancing physical activity participation for individuals with SCI.

Physical Activity Following Spinal Cord Injury: Participation (SCIRE, Canada) 
This guide offers recommendations for enhancing physical health through regular physical activity for individuals with SCI. It includes benefits of exercise, tailored programs based on injury level and strategies to overcome common barriers to participation.

Further Reading