DisRehab_Vignettes_Accepted_LUPIN (2).pdf (89.8 kB)
Download fileUnderstanding physical activity in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: translating and communicating research through stories
journal contribution
posted on 2015-04-01, 13:17 authored by Brett Smith, Anthony PapathomasAnthony Papathomas, Kathleen A.M. Ginis, Amy E. Latimer-CheungPurpose: The purpose of this article is to develop an evidence-based resource for knowing and
communicating the complexities involved for both males and females in implementing and
sustaining a physically active lifestyle shortly after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Synthesizing
a set of qualitative and quantitative studies with over 500 spinal cord injured people, the article
represents research utilizing the genre of ethnographic creative non-fiction. This genre of
representation holds enormous potential for researchers in terms of disseminating their
findings to diverse audiences beyond the academy, and having real impact. Results: The
ethnographic creative non-fictions show together for the first time the barriers, determinants,
benefits, trajectories, emotions, fears, preferred methods and messengers for delivering
important physical activity information to men and women with a SCI. Conclusion: The article
contributes to knowledge by showing the embodied complexities involved when in
rehabilitation for both males and females in implementing and sustaining a physically active
lifestyle shortly after SCI. It also makes a contribution to practice by providing researchers,
health care professionals and disability user-groups with a theory and evidence based resource
to assist in informing, teaching and enabling people living with SCI to initiate and maintain a
physically active lifestyle. Stories may be a highly effective tool to communicate with and to
influence spinal cord injured people’s activity.
Funding
This project was supported by a Community University Research Alliance (CURA) grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada.
History
School
- Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences