Article

Purpose Given the importance of physical activity in maintaining health and
wellness, an improved understanding of physical activity patterns across
different clinical populations is required. This study examines the facilitators
for, and barriers to, participation in physical activity across multiple contexts
for three clinical groups with chronic lower limb spasticity (individuals with
stroke, multiple sclerosis and incomplete spinal cord injury). This cross-sectional study employed quantitative measures for spasticity, ankle range
of motion, pain, falls, cognition, mobility, and physical activity as well as
qualitative semi-structured interviews. Results There were similar impairments in
body functions and structures and limitations in activities across the clinical
groups. These impairments and limitations negatively impacted participation in
physical activity, which was low. Environmental and personal factors exacerbated
or mitigated the limiting effects of body functions and structures and activities
on physical activity in many areas of life. Conclusions In this population,
participation in physical activity includes activities such as housework which
are different than what is typically considered as physical activity. Further,
the presence of similar barriers and facilitators across the groups suggests that
support and services to promote valued forms of physical activity could be
organised and delivered based on limitations in mobility and functioning rather
than clinical diagnosis. Implications for rehabilitation Physical activity is of
utmost importance in maintaining health and wellness in clinical populations.
This research highlights the desired and actual physical activity for these
populations can look different than what may traditionally be considered as
physical activity (e.g. housework is not typically considered participation
physical activity). Therefore, rehabilitation interventions need to be directly
designed to enhance clients' ability to perform these activities and these
activities should be an integral focus of ongoing physical activity programs.
Individuals who have lower limb spasticity shared similar impairments in body
structures and functions and limitations in activities across the clinical groups
and these impairments and limitations negatively impacted participation in
physical in a similar way in all groups. Further, the environmental and personal
factors exacerbated or mitigated the limiting effects of body functions and
structures and activities on physical activity in many areas of life in a similar
way in all groups. The presence of similar barriers and facilitators across the
clinical groups suggests that rehabilitation assessment and treatment as well as
support and services to promote valued forms of physical activity could be
organised and delivered based on limitations in mobility and functioning rather
than clinical diagnosis. This work affirms that a mixed methods research approach
is critical for completely understanding the complexities of the barriers and
facilitators engaging in physical activity across clinical groups, including
multiple sclerosis, stroke, and incomplete spinal cord injury who have chronic lower limb spasticity.

Langue : ANGLAIS